Posts filed under 'Pop culture & college'
Another Super Bowl is in the record books, this time it being a 30-17 upset by the underdog New Orleans Saints over the Indianapolis Colts. Can you say WHO DAT?
Granted, New Orleans is a pretty exciting city on any given Sunday, but with the win last night and Mardi Gras just around the corner, we’re thinking that Bourbon Street was the place to be last night…and probably during the wee hours of the morning, too.
No one—unless you are a Colts fan, of course—can really begrudge the Louisianians, either, since there are still many painful memories of Hurricane Katrina. So in honor of the Saints’ one and only trip to the Super Bowl (so far), let’s take a look at some of the colleges and universities that are part of “The Big Easy”:
Tulane University. Founded in 1834, this liberal arts university has enjoyed a legacy of excellence in academics and research. Among the many famous Tulane alumni are politician Newt Gingrich, model Lauren Hutton, and talk show host Jerry Springer.
University of New Orleans. Part of the Louisiana State University system of higher education, UNO is made up of nine different colleges, offering dozens of options in undergraduate and graduate programs. Most students hail from Louisiana, but about 10 percent of students come from other states, attracted by the school’s opportunities, as well as its location just minutes away from the French Quarter.
Dillard University. Dillard is a historically black university that got its start in 1869. The campus boasts a tight-knit community that serves to inspire and challenge; many students go on to graduate school within five years of graduating Dillard. Notable Dillard alumni include early “Saturday Night Live” cast member Garrett Morris, jazz musician Ellis Marsalis, Jr., and current Brown University president Dr. Ruth Simmons.
Loyola University New Orleans. A Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition, Loyola University New Orleans offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs. Even if freshmen don’t know what they’d like to major in just yet, chances are something will pique their interest at Loyola University New Orleans.
Our Lady of Holy Cross College. One of the eight Holy Cross colleges in the nation, Our Lady of Holy Cross offers many different academic programs; however, it also enjoys a long tradition as a teaching college, preparing educators for the classroom and school administration.
Xavier University of Louisiana. This school is noted for being the only historically black Catholic university in the country. Catholic values are instilled in the academic programs at the university, though all are welcome to study at Xavier.
Southern University at New Orleans. A part of the Southern University system, SUNO enjoys a diverse campus community, as well as many undergraduate and graduate programs in fields of arts and sciences, business, education, social work, and public administration.
–Barbara Bellesi
February 8th, 2010
As we’re counting down the hours until the final season premiere of “Lost” tonight, we can’t help but notice some connections between the confusing plots and intense storylines of the ABC drama and the college admissions process.
Since we can’t wait to see what happened to Kate, Sawyer, Jack, Locke, Jin, and Sun (and oh, poor Juliet!), we’re turning work into pleasure today and found four ways in which college admissions is like “Lost”:
1. Although characters may leave (we were so saddened by the deaths of “losties” like Charlie and Boone), those and others who have left the island one way or another might come back this season. That’s kind of like when you’re put on the wait list – you think your college hopes are dead, but there’s a chance they could be brought back.
2. The Jack-Kate-Sawyer love triangle may sound familiar to you if you’re choosing between schools. Let’s say that two schools both want you, but they’re very different. One could be a school that’s more traditional that maybe your family attended (Jack) and the other a school that may be a little more risky of a choice for you, but equally appealing (Sawyer).
3. The endless questions (What’s up with the smoke monster? How about the four-toed statue? Will we ever learn more about the black rock? What is Jacob’s purpose?) may not all be answered in the exact way we want. That could be how you feel if you don’t get accepted for a top-tier school and wonder why the admissions panel didn’t choose you. Sometimes the answers aren’t concrete, and as you know, the island, like an admissions counselor, has its secrets.
4. The time traveling done in “Lost” actually is something some students wish they could do. Imagine getting to go ahead into the future and back to the past, just like the twists and turns we see in “Lost,” to change something on an application that could land you a spot in the college of your choice.
But no matter where you get into college, rest assured that even my college degree hasn’t helped me figure out the confusing plots of “Lost.” But shows like this aren’t just entertaining; they allow us to use our minds, too. And that’s something any admissions panel can appreciate.
–Lori Johnston
February 2nd, 2010
Looks like Harvard University is bringing sexy back.
Pop icon Justin Timberlake has been chosen as the 2010 Man of the Year by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals at Harvard. His parade and awards presentation will be on February 5, while Anne Hathaway, the 2010 Woman of the Year, is enjoying her honors in Cambridge today.
“The Pudding” usually opts to bestow the MOY or WOY title on stage and screen stars, not music stars like JT, but then again, the NSYNC alum has known to tear it up in such movies as Alpha Dog and The Love Guru. If you’re a “Saturday Night Live” fan, then you’ve also enjoyed JT’s stints as Andy Samberg’s sidekick in some hilarious digital video shorts, as well as his turn as a leotard-clad backup dancer in Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” skit.
This is not Timberlake’s only connection to Massachusetts. His girlfriend, actress Jessica Biel, attended classes a while back at Tufts University in Medford, just a town over from Cambridge. When I lived in Boston, I actually saw Biel on the Red Line once, with a pair of pink toe shoes tucked under her arm. I don’t think she recognized me, though.
Who says you need to be in New York or LA for a dose of star power? Today and next Friday, Mass Ave. in Cambridge is the place to be.
–Barbara Bellesi
January 28th, 2010
I am sure that Heidi Montag is a very nice person. But since I have not met her, I am forced to base my opinion of “The Hills” star on the reports of her recent plastic surgeries (10 in one day!) and her new CD, “Superficial.”
While it is true that Hollywood values youth and beauty, it seems that Montag has taken her quest for physical perfection too far—and, in her words, she’s only getting started. Montag is morphing into a real-life Barbie doll right before our very eyes, and the jury is still out on which one has more plastic.
Although Montag had stints at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, perhaps her time would have been better spent studying other arts—liberal arts, that is. With her busy schedule of staging photo shoots for the paparazzi, it’s understandable that Montag wouldn’t have time to complete a degree. But even a class or two in the liberal arts curriculum might help her realize that life is about more than simply aspiring to be like the wax version of herself at Madame Tussaud’s.
Here are some suggestions for classes that might be worth Montag’s valuable time:
Math. Montag has gone on record saying that she wants to inflate her already ample bosom even more—“H for Heidi,” she says, referring to the bra cup size to which she aspires. (Imagine if her name were Sara.) But if she took a class in math, she’d understand proportions. Specifically, she’d realize that with a body as small as hers, she can’t get much more top heavy without toppling over. (Fingers crossed that the cameras are rolling when she does!)
Music. Montag has said that “Superficial” will become a phenomenon similar to that of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” That said, I’d recommend a music history class, particularly one that focuses on 20th century music. Maybe then she’d realize the impact that Michael Jackson had on the music world and understand that “Billie Jean” has a lot more staying power than, say, “Turn Ya Head.”
Psychology. Even an Intro to Psych class will explore the topic of delusion, something in which Heidi has been happily living for some time. Although true to form, Montag probably wouldn’t even recognize the very word that describes her personality—or else she’ll miss that class in order to recuperate from yet another surgery.
Business. Really, even a calculator would be helpful at this point for Montag. She claims she spent around $2,000,000 of her own money for her recent CD and was optimistic that she would earn the money back in just the first week of its release. Since the CD dropped on the 11th, it has sold less than 700 copies. If Montag did some number crunching, she’d realize that she is far behind in her goal. So maybe a course in basic business principles would teach her that pouring big bucks into her own talent isn’t the best way to make a good return on investment.
Foreign Language. If you’ve read any blogs about Montag and her hubby, Spencer Pratt, you may begin to wonder if anybody likes them. But Montag carries on, seemingly unfazed by the haters who aren’t downloading her CD and saying she is on her way to becoming the next Cat Lady. Does this girl understand English? Apparently not. Perhaps it’s time to learn another language—maybe she’ll understand things better in Spanish. Ay dios mio!
–Barbara Bellesi
January 25th, 2010
In between studying for the SAT or ACT, writing college essays, filling out financial aid applications, and otherwise planning your next four years, sometimes you just have to stop and consider what’s really important in life.
For instance, whose side are you on, Team Conan or Team Jay?
I kid, of course. But for those of you who will miss Triumph The Insult Comic Dog when (if?) Conan leaves the airwaves, you might have spend a little time lamenting the fact that late-night television—at least on NBC—has gotten a little out of hand.
Interestingly enough, both Jay and Conan got their starts far away from La La Land in Massachusetts. Jay was raised in Andover and stayed in the state for college, graduating from Emerson College in Boston. Conan grew up in Brookline and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was editor of the lauded literary magazine, the Harvard Lampoon.
Last night, Leno took a few minutes to explain his side of what’s going with “The Tonight Show.” According to him, he and Conan have no hard feelings—after all, it’s not personal, it’s television. More importantly, it’s ratings. And I believe him. There’s something about Jay Leno that makes me think he’s a really nice guy, despite the fact that he is rather unceremoniously taking back control of the show.
I really like Conan, too. Oxymorons aside, he’s the most intelligent goofball I know, although maybe that’s just his Harvard degree trying to convince me. I don’t think this battle will end well for him. I do hope the proposed tens of millions of dollars he is supposed to get will make it up to him somehow.
Whose side are you on? Comment below with TEAM JAY or TEAM CONAN. Or look for us on Twitter–@CollegeBoundNet.
–Barbara Bellesi
January 20th, 2010
I adore the fact that in all of Harvard’s centuries-long history of solid academic programs, illustrious alumni, and assorted pomp and circumstance, the hallowed Ivy League school is also renowned for its cross-dressing burlesque troupe of actors, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
The outlandish group has been regaling audiences since 1795–and yes, hasty pudding did play a key factor in its first group meeting. “The Pudding” is composed of all male performers—hence the hilarious cross-dressing performances—although female students at Harvard are invited to be a part of the creative and production teams.
Each year, The Pudding selects stars of the stage and screen for their Man and Woman of the Year distinction. This year, Oscar® nominee Anne Hathaway has been chosen as the 2010 Woman of the Year. In addition to her work in such films as Rachel Getting Married, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Princess Diaries, Hathaway has also had a notable stint on stage in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, which was performed in New York City’s Central Park.
Past Women of the Year include Renee Zellweger, Charlize Theron, and Drew Barrymore. This year’s Man of the Year has yet to be announced, but he will be joining the ranks of previous honorees including Christopher Walken, Ben Stiller, and Robert Downey, Jr.
While the Hasty Pudding Theatrical’s Woman of the Year recognition can’t compare to that of an actual Oscar® or Golden Globe, it’s still pretty darn cool. Hathaway will be lauded with a raucous parade down Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge on January 28, which will be followed by a roast in her honor. Way to go, Anne!
–Barbara Bellesi
January 15th, 2010
Last night, I was falling asleep on the couch while watching TV. I mustered up the energy to change the channel at one point, but I must have fallen asleep again, because I had a crazy dream. In it, there were five women who were judging single men as they went by on a conveyor belt. If one intrigued them, the women would hold up an “Interested” sign; otherwise, it was “Not Interested.” Weird, right?
Unfortunately, this morning’s news blogs led me to discover that I did not have a dream, but instead experienced a few minutes of a new show on ABC called “Conveyor Belt of Love.” Really, ABC? You haven’t sunk low enough with “The Bachelor”? Whether this new offering will make for good TV is yet to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—conveyor belts are for efficiency, not for love.
What if you chose a college the way these women are looking for love? Imagine basing your college decisions on a 30-second skim of a website or a viewbook. What could you possibly learn about the place where you will spend the next four years? Just as looks can be deceiving when it comes to finding a mate, they can also be misleading when it comes to choosing a college. Consider some of the following shallow options for applying to a school:
The campus is beautiful. I went to Wagner College, which is considered by The Princeton Review as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. I appreciate this distinction, but it was not a factor in my decision to go there. In fact, even if it were the ugliest campus in the world, I would still have chosen Wagner because it was the best fit for my goals. I won’t name names, but some of the most unattractive campuses in this country also happen to be home to some of the best opportunities in higher education. And remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
It’s a “good” school. There are many college-bound students—maybe even you?—who will admit to applying to a school for the prestige of its name alone. And yes, there are many colleges, especially the Ivy League schools, that are undoubtedly “good.” But are the colleges to which you are applying good for you? Some of the best universities might not even have your intended major, so why bother applying? Some schools are in locations you might never even want to visit, let alone live there for four years. Make sure your list of “good” schools are also “good for me” schools.
My father/mother/etc. went there. Family traditions are awesome. I can name a dozen off the top of my head in which I am happy to participate. But family ties can be a little too tight when it comes to academics. It’s one thing, of course, if you want to go to the college of which your family members hold fond memories. However, if the idea of attending that school is causing you grief and anguish, it’s time to have a discussion with your family and inform them of your specific wishes and goals. This all assumes, of course, that you have already looked into your family’s alma mater and made an informed decision, not simply that you are rejecting it in an act of rebellion.
In short, you should give your college options more than just a once-over as they slide by on a conveyor belt. After all, you need to make it through four years, while “Conveyor Belt of Love” might not last long past the first episode.
–Barbara Bellesi
January 5th, 2010
The holiday season is almost upon us. Just as The CollegeBound Network strives to make your college search a bit easier, we’ve worked to make your holiday shopping less stressful, too.
Coming at you today is our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. We’ve combed through some of the coolest gadgets, gizmos, garb, and more to make your holiday the happiest and merriest it can be. Best of all? You don’t have to blow too much cash on any of these choices—all our suggestions are under $50, with some gifts for as little as three bucks. Grab one for a friend or family member and one for yourself, too! Be sure to check out our sister blog, CollegeSurfing, for holiday gift ideas for adult students in your life. Happy shopping!
You may have remembered to bring your phone charger, but what if you can’t find an electrical outlet to plug in? With YoGen®, you don’t have to worry. By repeatedly pulling on the attached cord, which slides in and out like a yo-yo string, this nifty little gadget manages to work up enough energy to charge your cell phone, iPod, and other tech devices. The device is smaller than a computer mouse and is covered in a clear plastic shell, so you can see the “magic” happen. It’s the perfect tech gadget for all of your eco-friendly friends. You can snag it for $39.99 at www.yogenstore.com; it will be available in retail stores mid-2010.
Continuing with the timeless yo-yo tradition, check out YOYO Lip Gloss Minis. Clip a retractable lip gloss to your bag or pants pocket and have easy access to moist lips, without the worry of losing the tube in the depths of a purse or school bag. Lip gloss flavors include Big Bounce Bubblegum, Cha Cha Chocolate, Girly Green Apple, and Kissable Kiwi—at just $2.99 a pop, we don’t mind springing for all four. www.yoyolipgloss.com.
Monkeys are funny. Having monkey butt…not so much. Anti Monkey Butt® Powder is a thoughtful gift for your athletic friends who complain of having “monkey butt”—a sore, itchy, sweaty, red butt incurred from exercise-induced friction—after a long team practice. Heck, you might have monkey butt from sitting in class all day, too! Sprinkle some of this calamine-and-talc concoction in footwear, under sports equipment, and anywhere else that chafes and you’ll be good to go. The ladies will enjoy Lady Anti Monkey Butt® Powder, which comes in a pink bottle and is also known for soothing legs after a shave. At $5.95 for a six-ounce bottle, this is one stocking stuffer that won’t chafe your wallet. You can get it at www.antimonkeybutt.com, naturally.
The new year is a great time for making resolutions regarding the gym. Help a friend or family member get off to the right start with Jillian Michael’s Hot Bod in a Box. For just $14.95, you get 50 of the trainer’s signature exercises in a handy flash-card format that can be toted along to the gym or will inspire an at-home (or in-dorm) workout. Available at bookstores both online and offline.
Just because you weren’t alive for the 1980s doesn’t mean you can’t share a part of the awesomeness of that decade. 80sTees.com has a wacky collection of tees featuring video games, bands, movies, TV shows, cartoons, and other cool stuff from the era when MTV actually played music videos. With tons of tees in the $20 range, it’s affordable to be retro. We like the Atari and Ghostbusters tees, and have already asked Santa for the “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” tee in honor of Dirty Dancing.
Speaking of Atari, here’s a fun AND eco-friendly way to celebrate your love of the 80s. Designer Niles Zwolak presents the Atari Cartridge Wallet, a fully functional wallet made out of a repurposed Atari game cartridge. How cool is it to stow your cash and debit card in an old Asteroids cartridge? Wallets with a text label on them are $35 and wallets with a picture label are $55. We’d be willing to go over budget by $5 to own a Pac Man or Space Invaders wallet. Head on over to www.nilesz.com to see dozens of other options.
Sports Illustrated ranks among the sports journalism elite, so Sports Illustrated: The Football Book (Expanded Edition, Sports Illustrated Books) is a no-brainer for the football freak on your list. At only $29.95, this gorgeous hardcover book makes a nice addition to any coffee table—but it will work on a crate in a messy dorm room, too. This impressive volume is full of well-written articles and spectacular photos of action on the gridiron. Available at a bookstore near you.
Do you know someone who is wooed by the flashy lifestyle of Las Vegas a la Ocean’s 11? Let them discover the real deal with Under the Neon Sky: A Las Vegas Doorman’s Story by Jay Ranking ($14.99, Jay Ranking Publishing). After six years as a doorman at MGM Grand, Ranking knows a thing or two about the “grit behind the glitz” in Sin City. It reads like a novel, but it’s all true, baby. Check it out at www.jayslasvegas.com.
Trader Joe’s might be a gourmet grocer, but its low prices make this store a favorite on the list of many a foodie. If you know a Trader Joe’s junkie, you’ll want to get them Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s by Deana Gunn & Wona Miniati (Brown Bag Publishers, $29.95). This book is filled to the brim with recipes—all based on the yummy and unique foods found in Trader Joe’s—that were written for people who like good food, but don’t have a lot of time to cook it. Got more than one aspiring chef to buy for? Opt for The Trader Joe’s Companion: A Portable Cookbook, a slimmer collection of favorite recipes by the same authors that is just $13.95. Find it at a bookstore near you.
You already know that Netflix is the way to roll when it comes to watching movies and TV shows, but did you know that for just $8.99, you can start someone off on a monthly subscription that allows home delivery of DVDs plus UNLIMITED streaming of movies and TV episodes directly to their computer? Now that the winter is here, this is a perfect way to help your friends plan a cozy night in. www.netflix.com.
Do you have a friend who feels out of the loop when people start tossing around quotes from famous movies? Help them get up to speed with Reel Culture by Mimi O’Connor (Zest Books, $15.95). This awesome little book has the summaries of 50 classic movies of the 20th century—from Gone with the Wind to Goodfellas—along with a ton of trivia and quotes. Even movie buffs will appreciate the wide range of flicks that made the cut in this book. You might want to pick up an extra copy at the bookstore—one for you and one for a friend.
News flash: being a student can be really stressful. From studying to papers to endless club meetings, it’s enough to make you scream. And now you can let it all out without scaring your family or college roommate. The Screaming Pillow ($19.95) will help that stressed-out person on your list achieve sanity. The pillow has a colorful, screaming face on one side, and on the other, a dotted circle and the gentle instructions: “When you just have to let it out…place face here and SCREAM!” Enough said. www.screamingpillows.com.
Even if you are trying to avoid buying “useful” gifts for the people on your list, your girlfriends will definitely appreciate this shopping choice. The Racktrap is the perfect solution for females who need to carry the essentials, but either don’t have pockets or a purse to store them in. The one-size-fits-all bra pocket allows women to store cash, a credit card, and a photo ID for safekeeping. Celebs like Cindy Crawford, Wendy Williams, and Dolly Parton—who can probably store a lot more than a credit card—are fans of The Racktrap. Buy one for $7.95 or splurge on the Fashion 4-Pack– including pockets in black, white, and nude lace, as well as a sweat-proof blue one for your sports bra—for just $19.95. www.theracktrap.com.
The ponytail has always been the hairdo of choice for busy women on the go. But finding a hairband when you’re busy can be a bit of a chore. The problem is solved with Buji Baja’s Endless Pony Ball ($18). Reminiscent of the funky rubber band ball found in office cubicles, this nifty timesaver ensures that you will never go without a hairband. A choice of fun colors makes this gift an easy choice for all the ladies on your list. www.hatattack.com
Last but not least is a cool alternative to the tired old gift card. Vivabox is a unique gift that offers the recipient something now and something for later. We like the $29.95 Men’s or Women’s Magazine Vivabox, which contains seven issues of a magazine, plus a gift card for a subscription that can be redeemed at www.vivaboxusa.com.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 7th, 2009
When a college president announces his or her retirement, students, faculty, and administrators can expect a considerable amount of fanfare on campus that will send the president off in style. But when Emerson College’s President Jacqueline Liebergott announced her retirement yesterday, no one could truly predict the excitement that would lead up to the announcement…and continue well after.
Late yesterday morning in Boston, Emerson students received a rather cryptic email from President Liebergott, urging them all to come to gather at the Semel Theatre on campus for an important announcement. Rather than wait around for the announcement, some students hopped on Twitter and began tweeting about what the news might entail. The tweets ranged from funny to absurd—including talk of an Emerson Space Station and the notion of free tuition.
Inspired by the tweets, as well as the Victoria’s Secret fashion show that she watched the night before with her roommates, Laura Kinson, a junior Marketing Communications major, decided to take the tweeting one step further and create a hashtag–#jackiessecret. A hashtag is a handy way of keeping track of topics on Twitter. (And if you don’t know what Twitter is, you are welcome to emerge from under your rock at this time.)
According to Kinson, President Liebergott is not a big fan of her students calling her by her first name. But she took the risk—it did have a better ring to it than #ecbignews, anyway—and decided to apply some of the concepts that she learned in her Social Media class. Within 20 minutes, Emerson’s big news became big news on Twitter.
“Honestly, I had no idea it would explode like it did,” says Kinson. She teamed up with fellow Emersonian Matt Karolian, who brought his trusty laptop to the gathering and broadcasted a live feed of President Liebergott’s announcement. Both tweeted throughout the entire event as well.
After Liebergott’s announcement, one would think that the hubbub would have subsided. But not at Emerson, whose reputation remains true to its tagline: “Bringing innovation to communications and the performing arts.” Kinson and Karolian watched in awe as the Twittersphere continued to explode with #jackiessecret tweets, which now speculated who would take over the vacancy in the fall of 2011. Suggestions ranged from Dulcia Meijers, a popular professor at Emerson; to Kevin Bright, one of the producers and creators of “Friends” and one of Emerson’s most famous alumni; to the rather inexplicable choice of Grammy-nominated singer Lady Gaga.
“I think the most impressive part of #jackiessecret was the mobilization of the student body because of it,” says Kinson. “At the meeting, at least 50 percent of the 120 attendees were students. Without Twitter, I really think there would have been maybe 10 kids who would have shown up.”
Aside from the outrageous guesses at Dr. Liebergott’s replacement, the #jackiessecret tweets also praised the president’s hard work and dedication to the school. As a proud graduate alumna of Emerson (MFA in Creative Writing, baby!), I jumped on the bandwagon and added the hashtag to my tweets as soon as I found out what was happening. As of late last night, Kinson said that there were around 1,406 tweets from 306 users—she topped the list with 95 tweets.
Twitter users are familiar with “Tweetups,” which are social gatherings of Twitter users, allowing them the opportunity to meet each other in the real world. Karolian has set up a #jackiessecret Tweetup for this Friday night in Beantown. Emerson’s Boston campus is a small urban one on the corner of the Boston Common, and Kinson says that the students shared a bonding experience thanks to their tweets.
“I am so excited that Twitter has brought a sense of community to Emerson, because with the whole lack of a physical campus, it’s hard to come by sometimes,” Kinson says.
I think President Liebergott can forgive the Emerson students for calling her “Jackie” this one time. And some slick marketing firm needs to snap up these two young social media gurus right after they graduate.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 3rd, 2009
The recent announcement of Chelsea Clinton’s engagement to her long-term boyfriend, Marc Mezvinsky, got me to thinking about how much she’s grown up from the girl who lived her teen years in the White House.
While she was known as President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s daughter for eight years of her life, Chelsea has transformed into an independent women with a clear sense of her own direction in life. She earned her undergraduate degree in history at Stanford University (where she also met her fiancé) and later completed her graduate degree in international relations at Oxford University in England. Having worked as a consultant for global management firm McKinsey & Company and then as a hedge fund manager for Avenue Capital Group, the world of academia once again called to her—Chelsea is back in grad school for degree #3, this time studying public health at Columbia University.
Although Malia and Sasha, the 10- and 8-year-old daughters of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, have quite a few years before they need to make their own college decisions, they’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill as First Daughters when it comes to academics. Don’t forget that Barbara and Jenna Bush, the twin daughters of President George Bush and Laura Bush, also attended top colleges; Jenna got her degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin (her mama’s alma mater), and Barbara earned her degree in humanities from Yale (her daddy’s alma mater).
Since Barbara and Jenna followed in the college footsteps of their parents, I wonder if the Obamas will try to encourage Sasha and Malia to attend their alma maters; both parents graduated Harvard Law, while President Obama attended Columbia and Mrs. Obama attended Princeton for undergrad.
If Malia and Sasha ever need some unbiased advice about college when the time comes, we’re hoping that they’ll look us up at The CollegeBound Network.
–Barbara Bellesi
December 2nd, 2009
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