2008 Woodie Awards
Summers in Albany something to enjoy
Cecelia Martinez
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: Opinion
Many people say that the city of Albany dies during the summer. I know, because I have been guilty of saying so on more than one occasion. I am one of the few but growing number of students at Saint Rose that is not from the state of New York or the Northeast region. Born in South Texas, I attended high school in Michigan, and when I first visited Albany I remember thinking that Albany was an adorable city because all the houses were so close together.
Seriously.
I have chosen to live in Albany every summer since starting at Saint Rose. The first summer was an experiment. I had my first apartment and was for the first time without parents, an RA or any supervision. I was only working part-time, and had limitless opportunities before me.
I was so, unbelievably bored.
I spent the majority of that summer either holed up in my room or with my freshman roommate at her parents' house in Clifton Park.
The second summer, instead of risking boredom, I risked death by working two jobs from 7 a.m. to at least 9 p.m. every day as a stockperson and a waitress at Crossgates Mall. And that's not even including bus time.
This year, I decided that I should make the most of my last chance for a summer vacation. Growing up with a teacher for a mom, I still forget sometimes that most adults don't get to spend the months of June, July, and August poolside or traveling. Next summer I'll most likely be pining for the warm weather from inside an office (hopefully), and wanted to take advantage.
I quit both my jobs, did some traveling, and, aside from some summer classes, have generally been taking it easy. So far I have visisted and explored Texas, Connecticut, and Brooklyn. I also took the opportunity to explore my own city of Albany.
The really great thing about Albany is that it is many cities in one. It has the 'college ghetto' with clubs, corner stores, and an assortment of crucial late-night food joints all within walking distance. It has the Center Square area, with the gorgeous Washington Park, cool art galleries, and a variety of unique shops, like the one where I found the perfect pair of pink fuzzy flip flops for my roommate's birthday.
Seriously.
I have chosen to live in Albany every summer since starting at Saint Rose. The first summer was an experiment. I had my first apartment and was for the first time without parents, an RA or any supervision. I was only working part-time, and had limitless opportunities before me.
I was so, unbelievably bored.
I spent the majority of that summer either holed up in my room or with my freshman roommate at her parents' house in Clifton Park.
The second summer, instead of risking boredom, I risked death by working two jobs from 7 a.m. to at least 9 p.m. every day as a stockperson and a waitress at Crossgates Mall. And that's not even including bus time.
This year, I decided that I should make the most of my last chance for a summer vacation. Growing up with a teacher for a mom, I still forget sometimes that most adults don't get to spend the months of June, July, and August poolside or traveling. Next summer I'll most likely be pining for the warm weather from inside an office (hopefully), and wanted to take advantage.
I quit both my jobs, did some traveling, and, aside from some summer classes, have generally been taking it easy. So far I have visisted and explored Texas, Connecticut, and Brooklyn. I also took the opportunity to explore my own city of Albany.
The really great thing about Albany is that it is many cities in one. It has the 'college ghetto' with clubs, corner stores, and an assortment of crucial late-night food joints all within walking distance. It has the Center Square area, with the gorgeous Washington Park, cool art galleries, and a variety of unique shops, like the one where I found the perfect pair of pink fuzzy flip flops for my roommate's birthday.
Be the first to comment on this story