this is what I wrote to the Kellner Newsletter

Vivien Boronyák (Trinity College)

So far, wonderful. This and “I’m enjoying myself” were the lines I kept repeating during the winter break to my family and friends. There hasn’t been a day I felt bored or was left without work and/or excitement. Though it would be impossible to grasp the entire abundance of experiences, I’ll try to share some of the most memorable experiences of the first semester.

My schedule allowed me to participate in the new endeavor of the American Studies department to have an informal lunch with the professors in Mather Hall every other week. Though the group that gathers at these occasions is not very large, listening and talking to these amazing professors in a casual atmosphere and a relaxed fashion is very delightful. Not that they are more stressful or detached during the classes – not at all!
I’ve worked at two places: CineStudio and the Office of International Programs. My ticket seller position at the cinema, unfortunately, denied me the first 30 minutes of the movies, and because I can hardly stand watching a movie once it has started, I basically could never make use of my free entrance (unlike this semester – I think I have been to more shows than last semester altogether). The OIP brought to my life some very nice and interesting people, and provided me with my first office work experience. Though it may sadden many previous scholars that the Hungarian quartet passed on the baton of leadership in the International Students Organization to the next generation, I personally have found a lot of other obligations to take on.

I have already talked to some of the professors here about my plans for my thesis, but I continue trying to find time to meet them regularly and use every opportunity to talk. There are memorable moments from my ‘Critiquing America’ class, and from the discussions about the elections prior to the actual casting of votes. Although I enjoy my major-related courses a lot, I have also found ways to revive my (almost) lost hobby, or rather obsession: theater. First I took a fun course on directing, and this was just the beginning. I auditioned for and got cast in the fall semester student production, Turandot. As my character was from a foreign land, I got to deliver some lines in Hungarian on stage! Later I learned that the students in the audience found my Hungarian a very authentic way to practice the “gibberish” exercise.

As part of my Directing class, I got to participate in an all-night directing project, and as a course final I also had the chance to work with my cast on a play I picked. Both the rehearsal procedure and the show were very exciting. My professor, Mitch Polin, offered me another opportunity to direct a play in the spring semester. It was part of the Seabury 19 series on February 22 (the series is supported by the Theater and Dance department to bring artists, performers, musicians, directors, and actors to the college either for a chance of talk and/or for a performance).

I have found my place in this environment. I feel like I am able to contribute to college life, and also to gain something for the future. I try to make new acquaintances every day. The fatigue that often prevents me from sleeping is of the energetic kind, which I (and I am sure many other people) like. And, of course, there is nothing better than a Fajita Burger from the Bistro after a long day (almost every day! :))