The meeting

First off, I'd like to talk about Black Swan briefly because I just saw it. I was totally disappointed by this movie and thought it was way too hyped up. Although I agree that all of the actors in the film were amazing, the specially effects were lacking and the plot was kind of slow overall. I thought the movie was good... but not as good as Inception (which I still think should have won Best Picture).  The only thing that I did really enjoy about Black Swan was Vincent Cassel's performance. Hes so hideous and disgusting, but for some reason he charmed the hell out of me in the movie.

 It's kind of hard trying to juggle school, a full time job and a personal life all at once, but I try and do my best... I see movies and TV as somewhat educational because in some ways its relevant to what I'm studying (and also a really good excuse to relax and drink a few beers).

Anyway, so last Wednesday I met with Professor Pinedo. I was really really nervous going into the meeting and assumed that she was probably going to rip me apart. To my surprise she actually had a lot of good feedback and suggestions for the paper and school in general. The thesis needs some material added and obviously some things edited out, but she told be to basically just write down everything now and we can edit a lot of things out later if need be because its much easier to edit things out then force things in. The best advice that she gave me though pertained to NYU's PhD program. She told me I should apply to other, possibly even better schools to make my application more competitive, so that schools want me, rather than me seeming desperate to get into NYU (even though I am and don't want to leave New York). It makes a lot of sense and I was told by Larry Shore (even though I hate him because hes for the most part an angry old man who gives useless knowledge and enjoys complicating the graduation process), told me that with my grades I could probably get a really good scholarship at some of the schools outside of New York. We'll cross that bridge when we get there... my parents and boyfriend were not too thrilled about the idea of out of state and I'm pretty comfortable in my own little suburban hell at this point.

Pinedo also told me that when I graduate Hunter I should try and take a graduate class at the CUNY graduate center or even possibly NYU if they allow non-matrics to take classes and that I should try and get a letter of rec from a Graduate professor because it would make it look like I'm more prepared to skip a master's program and go straight to PhD. Once again makes a lot of sense and was  extremely enlightening.

Lastly, when I asked her about New School if I don't get into NYU, Pinedo told me that basically the school is a big waste of money with horrible staff and that students have a hard time graduating from there because it is too lenient.

All in all, it was a great meeting with her. I enjoy talking to Pinedo in general, shes just a brilliant woman and I am so greatful that she took me under her wing a bit and has pushed me to keep writing and get my stuff out there. I have never met a professor like her and don't know if I ever will after Hunter.

Anyway, my next draft is due the day after Spring Break. It should be much easier this time to edit the paper and am actually kind of excited to keep working on it now. I desperately needed the fresh insight provided by Pinedo.

P.S. If anyone wants to read my thesis let me know... most of my friends are not really the scholarly type and my family and boyfriend keep telling me that they are going to read my things but never wind up actually reading them. Any criticism/insight would be appreciated.