Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my blog! Sorry for the mini-hiatus I took, but it was a much-needed break. With that being said, so many things have happened since the last time I posted, and I want to share all of it with you.
#1 Trip to NYC
At the beginning of the summer, I went to New York City to attend my graduation, and while I was there, I did many things. First, I saw Hamilton, and all I can really say is WOW. This musical is fantastic, and I have been listening to the soundtrack nonstop since seeing the show, so you can imagine how great it is. Everything about Hamilton is truly a creative masterpiece from the concept itself, to the music, to the set design, to the costumes, and choreography.
I also went sightseeing, which oddly enough, is something I never did before in New York. On my trip, I was able to go to the top of the Empire State Building and see the Statue of Liberty for the first time. Both of these places were amazing. The Empire State Building was a really cool experience because my family and I went up to the top at midnight and it was beautiful to see the whole city lit up. Also, the Ellis Island part of the Statue of Liberty was really special because my family history is rooted there, as this is where my grandfather and great grandparents immigrated from Europe many years ago. While we were at Ellis Island, we actually added my grandfather’s name to the wall, so that his journey can be remembered.
And last but not least, I graduated! Woot! Woot! Graduation was so wonderful because I have a master’s degree now. But the more incredible thing was that I graduated in New York City at Radio City Music Hall (!!!). It was definitely surreal walking across that stage to get my diploma. It meant so much to have my family there, and to celebrate with them all afterward at a delicious Italian restaurant.
#2 – Denver Pop Culture Con
I LOVE going to this event every year! This year was my sixth consecutive year attending, and as always, it was so much fun. I met several authors, like Laura Sebastian, Gail Carriger, and Cinda Williams Chima. They were all so delightful and they signed my books. I also got autographs from Zachary Levi (Shazam), who is such a nice guy, as well as Ming-Na Wen (aka the voice of Mulan from the Disney animated film). I also met David Bautista (Drax from The Guardians of the Galaxy) and Benedict Wong (Wong from Doctor Strange). Here is a picture my brother and I took with him.
All in all, it was three days full of art, books, celebrities, and pop culture. What more could I ask for!
#3 – I started my internship
After all this, I started my internship at Hachette Book Group as a Production Intern. My time there has been absolutely wonderful, a packed 10 weeks of learning all about the publishing industry. I am sad for it to be over soon, but I have gained so much knowledge and experience, and have worked with such kind people.
#4 – I took a picture with Chris Evans
Ace Comic Con is another pop culture convention that my brother and I like to attend. At the end of June, we went to Seattle, and while there, we were able to do a photo op with Chris Evans. He plays Captain America who is my absolute favorite Avenger, and I was definitely starstruck as I stood right next to him. In addition to Chris Evans, we also met Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Don Cheadle (War Machine), and Josh Brolin (Thanos). It was truly another fun moment of my summer.
#5 – HUGH JACKMAN
Finally, the all-time high of my summer was getting to see Hugh Jackman in concert. It is hard to express or even describe his show because it is an amazing production, and he is truly the greatest showman. He sang songs from Les Mis, The Greatest Showman, and Broadway, in addition to dancing, tapping, and playing the drums. But this moment was so special because Hugh Jackman has been an idol of mine since I was in middle school. In fact, I remember writing to Apple, begging them to release his movie Australia on the iTunes store so that I could buy it and watch it on the plane for an upcoming trip. I don’t know why, but I just love him as an actor and as a person. He is so nice and kind, and these qualities came out in his show as he interacted with the crowd. Seeing Hugh Jackman was a bucket list occasion for me, and it certainly moved me to tears, not only in anticipation before he took the stage, but also during the show while he sang.
In a nutshell, I have had an overwhelmingly awesome summer so far. Let’s see where the rest of it takes me!