Thursday, September 8, 2011

What Your Fellow Students Are Saying!

To read what your fellow students are saying about The New York Experience class, click on the "comments" button below.

If you've taken the class feel free to add your own reflections for future students.  You can post your comments anonymously or using your Molloy email (i.e., Google) account. 

82 comments:

  1. Molloy College’s tagline “Go Ahead, Start Something” that is seen in all of our advertisements embraces the best aspect of Molloy College, which is to start new amazing programs for its students. Molloy College, although small is never afraid to take new steps and start programs that not only enhances the lives of its students academically but socially as well. This summer I had the privilege of experiencing one of these new programs during my summer core class. The New York Experience core class taught me more then any other class I have taken at Molloy. The experience to be put into the environment we were learning about gave my classmates and I the opportunity to see things first hand and truly understand what we were being taught. Aside from the knowledge I gained from this class, I was able to see parts of Manhattan that I previously had never been. Although this class does not take Molloy Students into other countries, it took us into New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world, and allowed us to truly learn about this wonderful city that we had all grown up around. During this class I learned that some of the greatest experiences, and most knowledgeable information could come from your classmates. In a traditional class, you do not get to engage with your classmates as much as I did during this class. All of us, although very diverse were able to take something away from each other which only added to this positive experience. Through this class I was inspired by the world around me, it opened my mind to creative thinking, and gave me the opportunity to get to know some incredible people. Overall, I could not have had a better core experience, and personally think it would be a shame if all the other students at Molloy College did not have the opportunity to take this class.
    -Lisa Naud
    Senior at Molloy College

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  2. Where do I begin to tell you about the best learning experience of my life? I consider myself privileged to have been a part of this awesome Urban Adventure. Mike and Don are phenomenal and they just had so much information to share with us. In class 390 we not only learned amazing facts about NYC; we experienced all New York has to offer. This class made me feel like a real New Yorker. I encourage every student at Molloy to take this class and not let the opportunity pass you by. It was hands down best class I have ever taken. I couldn’t believe that I was getting credits toward graduating while getting to experience the hidden treasures that our city has to offer. The New York experience gave me memories that will last a lifetime. If more classes were run like this we would have smarter, happier, better informed students. This class is relevant to our lives; don’t let the opportunity slip away take class 390 today.
    -Timothy Dombrowski
    Senior at Molloy College

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  3. This class was AMAZING! One of my best. Along with a NYC experience, I met wonderful professors and fellow students at Molloy College. Twice a week we experienced the sites, sounds, culture and the beautiful and lasting architect of New York. Class 390 took us to Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan. Places that I would have never seen without this opportunity at Molloy. Sign-up for The New York Experience! Keep this class going...it is the best!

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  4. This Core class/NY Experience was a wonderful and educational experience. I learned so much about NYC, different boroughs, Central Park & Battery Park, Museums, Wall Street,5th Ave, Catherdals, Transit history and the history of how NYC started in early 1900s and more. I was in the City yesterday and never really get enough chance to go but this class educated me on the past of NYC. There is alot of effort to be put in this class, with taking pictures and writing papers as well. We traveled in Queens and Brooklyn.Being that I was born here, I finally got a chance to walk, read, site seeing about NYC. This class is worth it and taught me how people work so hard to build NYC. So much to learn. Keep this Class going please, the book is phenomal...The Blue Guide Book!
    Wanda Georges

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  5. The New York Experience was a unique and very interesting change of pace from my usual nursing courses. It opened my eyes to areas and activities all over the boroughs of NY that I would have never thought to take advantage of. Thanks to Mike and Don I can proudly act as "tour guide" to fellow New York family members and friends who have yet to experience all that this great city has to offer. This course allowed me to appreciate beautiful summer days thanks to our variety of walking tours. The assigned classwork combined each day's adventure into one cohesive blog entry filled with pictures and memories which I am sure I will not forget. I highly reccommend this course for any student looking for a change outside of the usual desk and classroom experience and who wishes to take full advantage of New York City.
    -Christina Canale

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  6. The New York experience core class was my favorite class that I have taken at Molloy. There is no better way to get an education than to experience something first hand yourself like this course allows you to. This class should be required for all students. I have never has so much fun earning credits, experiencing new places, and meeting new people. I highly recommend this course to any student who has not taken a core class. Thank you Mike and Don for giving me this experience that I will never forget. I would do it all over again if I had the opportunity,
    Jenna Treglia

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  7. The New York Experience was definitely the best experience at Molloy I have had so far. I enjoyed seeing all the different art museums in the city. I am an art education major, and this made me even more excited that I was studying art. I also like the fact that the students in the class were close, and I met some of my good friends in it. Also, Mike and Don are amazing professors, and I was so happy to be in their program at Molloy. I also enjoyed taking the pictures in the city, and putting them in the book we made in class. This class inspired me to make another book and to go even further with the beginning of my art career.
    -Jane Cowan

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  8. A true "experience" is what this class is. Learning about history, art, music, life from 3 amazing instructors is something I will never forget. The interaction in this type of class and the way the information is taught separates Molloy from other schools. After already earning a BA from Seton Hall I was glad during this second degree to attend such a memorable class. Mike and Don are a true inspiration and should be poster boys of what memorable professors are. I tell everyone I speak with about how great this class was and it would be foolish to not take it if given the opportunity.
    Anthony D'Annunzuio

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  9. Dear Mike and Don:

    My name is Michele and I took the NYC experience class over the summer. I would like to thank the two of you for the great experience. This semester I am taking community nursing in which I chose home care visits in Brooklyn and Queens. Needless to say my anxiety and apprehensions of going into the boroughs has significantly decreased and am very excited that I get to continue my experience while getting to practice my profession. Today for example, I had patients based out of Astoria, just a few blocks from the Museum of the Moving Image, one of our course sites.
    >
    > Anyway just thought I would share that little tid bit of information with you. Hope you are having a good semester back! And of course thanks again!
    >
    > Sincerely,
    > Michele Knox

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  10. If your dream is to one day see NYC, Its beautiful landscapes and architectures, to learn about the people who live and love this city then this class is for you. Mind you, it is a lot of walking but by week three I did not mind the excessive walking anymore. It was fun to learn about different people and the reasons they migrated to America. Visiting different restaurants and eating different types of food was very exciting and the highlights of the class. We visited museums that are located in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan; we even took a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge. There is no other class that you can say “I earned 4 credits while strolling in Central Park.” This class is recommended for anyone who loves NYC and wants to explore the greatness it has to offer.

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  11. If you live in New York and think you know everything everything there is to know about this great City, you should take this class first before making that statement. I knew so much about New York and its History, but after taking this class, I didn't just know about, I experienced it. Each class we had would be something completely different. I enjoyed all the walking especially over the Brooklyn Bridge which was a first and also walking from one end of Central Park to the other end. Those are just two of the great experiences I got out of taking this class. I met some great people in the class and our professors made each class very enjoyable. If you do not take this class, you will regret one of the greatest experiences, Molloy College has to offer.
    The decision is yours and yours alone!

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  12. After the first day of class I found myself saying "This class is going to be awesome!" and thankfully on the last day of class I was able to say "that class was awesome!". This class is a unique experience where every week I learned something new about the city. Whether it was strolling along the Chelsea piers or getting a great tour of Chinatown, this class was extremely exciting to go to. You will definitely have a fun learning experience and I highly recommend this class!

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  13. I am truly saddened by the fact that I must break habit. This is the only class that I enjoyed waking up for. I would get up at an hour before the train arrives, take a little walk to the station's little deli stand, buy myself a cup of coffee, and wait for the train. There were a few occasions where Kolin and I would run into each other and b.s. The train ride there was DEFINITELY shorter than the ride back. The class made one exercise, no excuses, a plus in my book. I love learning about how neighborhoods started, this class hit it right on the nose. Every week was a new adventure into the industrious city.
    **So Thanks for the Good Times and Great Experience**
    Scott *the tall guy* Rodriguez

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  14. I am truly saddened by the fact that I must break habit. This is the only class that I enjoyed waking up for. I would get up at an hour before the train arrives, take a little walk to the station's little deli stand, buy myself a cup of coffee, and wait for the train. There were a few occasions where Kolin and I would run into each other and b.s. The train ride there was DEFINITELY shorter than the ride back. The class made one exercise, no excuses, a plus in my book. I love learning about how neighborhoods started, this class hit it right on the nose. Every week was a new adventure into the industrious city.
    **So Thanks for the Good Times and Great Experience**
    Scott *the tall guy* Rodriguez

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  15. This experience was awesome! I am so glad to have picked this class because it was by far the most fun I've had at Molloy. I learned so much about the city that I thought I knew so well. Our Professors were so personable, and every NYC adventure was so fun, that I often forgot that this was a class. Our group "learned as we burned", and there was excitement at every step. I have great memories and excellent pictures of my NY experience. I strongly recommend this course. You will definitely enjoy it!
    Dianne Velez

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  16. One more thing, proper attire is highly recommended (no heels ladies). I'll reiterate what Professor Mike stated on day 1, "you will learn and burn!" What he didn't say is that you'll enjoy yourself immensely!
    Dianne Velez

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  17. Amazing and unique learning experience!! Whoever has the opportunity should take advantage of this class just please keep in mind that: It is a lot of walking (but well worth it), NOO high heels, and bring light snacks.

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  18. Gotham: The New York Experience was the best course I have ever taken at Molloy College. It is an experience HIGHLY recommended to anyone who not only attends Molloy, but who lives in New York! Professors Russo and Hazlitt presented their professional and personal perspectives on this town with deep knowledge and passion. They guided the class through Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, while encouraging us to explore and appreciate the town’s variety of beauty, culture, and history. A special bond was formed between the classmates during this intensive and exciting course as we shared hours discovering New York with “new eyes.” More importantly, through the course work, I was able to learn about the history of our fore-New Yorkers, re-discover my urban roots, and appreciate where my parents grew up. This course deeply impacted my life and I can proudly say, “I Love New York!”

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  19. This is by far the best class i've taken at molloy! We got to experience so many places in New York City i have never heard of or been too in my whole life time living in New York City. I learned a great amount of information and not by just learning the facts in a classroom but actually experiencing it with your classmates and professors. Our class also had 2 great professors that added to the experience Mike and Meritta are the best! I really recommend this class to anyone! Just be aware that there is large amount of walking and work accumulated since it's a short class but an awesome class overall.

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  20. Best core class available at Molloy. Great professors, visited many places I had never been to before, learned a lot.

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  21. Well this is one of the best classes that I have taken at Molloy. I am sorry that it is over so soon. I highly recommend this class. I learned so much about New York, history, art etc. The Professors Mike and Damian were excellent. There was a lot of walking and writing but every step made for an exciting new discovery. All the hard work added to the experience it was definitely worth it. Just make sure you don't slack off and keep up with the assignments.

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  22. A top-quality class, and definitely one of Molloy's more progressive/unique ones. It's very informative and an overall great experience. To be able to go and learn about the city in such a hands-on manner is definitely one of the best things about this class. You're actually there, walking the streets and experiencing the city and it's history first hand. And although the pace and workload can be a bit intense, if you keep your head up and stick with it, you're bound to do great. I'd definitely recommend this class to anyone looking for a fun and engaging Core experience.

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    1. Definitely one of the best classes Molloy has to offer. Not only did this class teac me tons about the place I live but it also changed my view on the world and the people in it. This course really opens your eyes to what New York has to offer as well as how beautiful diversity can really be. I've learned so much and really become more well rounded as a person. This class was great, it has opened my eyes to the world around me and has given me confidence in going out and finding out how other places have worked their way up from nothing as well as to embrace diversity and what it has to offer. Try new things, meet new people and experience the world you live in. I would definitely recommend this class to every Molloy College student and suggest the facility keep it going!

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  23. This is by far the greatest class I have ever taken in my college career. Mike is wonderful and has taught me so much. Everything I learned is relevant in my life and will be useful in the future. If I was sitting in a classroom, I wouldn't have learned as much I did in The New York Experience. I learned so much about New York City and the boroughs and am now confident enough to speak and speak well about them. This different and unique way of learning is one that should be adopted by more professors and departments, in my opinion. I recommend this class to any student at Molloy and think it is a shame if anyone lets it slip through their fingers.
    -Samantha Guarino
    Senior at Molloy College

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  24. The class is a great experience that continualy challeged me. I do believe that The Gotham Experience is important in so many ways .Learning about community , culture diversity , and what links people.So many times you hear about graduates who do not take chances and loose out on great jobs because they do not venture past their own neiborhood. this is why core ( Gotham : The New York Experience)is so great..
    Maria Kalinowski Senior Student Nurse

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  25. This class was an amazing experience! I have lived in New York all my life and I have learned so much! I don't know how I could call myself a New Yorker before this class. I walked around 5pointz, walked the Brooklyn bridge, seen captivating works of art, learned about immigration, and made a few new friends during this adventure. I wish everyone can experience this class at Molloy.

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  26. This class was so cool. Mike and Don had the most interesting stories to go along with what we were doing for the day. We saw things that I've never experienced before, which was pretty awesome. You do walk A LOT but as you're walking and talking, it isn't so bad. I was never uber tired when I got home but I live in Brooklyn and walk a lot, however, I'm sure most Long Islanders will be shattered by the end of day one. This was a great class, made some great friends and learned a boat load. Just FYI... you must keep up or you will get left behind and that's no bueno! My one advice to future students, be open minded!! You go out to lunch with the class a few times to different ethnic spots. Try it... don't be those losers that go to McDonalds. That's just so lame!

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  27. Hey everybody! First and foremost...this class was awesome!
    Mike and Don did such a terrific job trooping our class throughout the boroughs! This class not only opens your eyes but allows you to soak in the simplest pleasures of the greatest city on earth! You visit sights that you didn't know existed, you check out multiple serene views of the east river and, find yourself emerging into different cultures as you travel through the villages of the city.
    The class does contain some writing.  It is not difficult but I just don't enjoy writing but it is way better than having an exam! In the beginning I was not keen on making my own blog site but it turned out to be cool! I showed it off to my friends and family.  It is also a reminder to myself so I can visit the places I enjoyed:-)  The class requires a lot of walking but I love that! I wish the class was longer and we had to more to enjoy the places we went to.
    Overall, the class was a gnarly experience in which I would do twenty times over! Glad I took this class and I hope to utilize the places I have learned about:-)
    Best of luck to all over you Gothamers!
    -Jas

    P.s. If you're over 21...get a group together and stay in the city after class is over:-)

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  28. This class was the best class I have ever taken at Molloy! Mike does such an incredible job in making everything interesting and fun. I have never been to a lot of the places we visited, and without this class I would not have known they existed. The food that the professors treat you to was by far the best. It was so authentic and tasty, I even went back again after the class was over!
    This class is so much better than sitting in a classroom for four hours. Although you have to write a journal for each day, it was kind of fun to upload the pictures to my journal and show it off to my friends. The papers aren't bad either as Mike and Damian allow you to freely choose topics as long as its okay with them. I would recommend getting the papers done early on like I did, so all you have to do is write Journal posts.
    There's a lot of walking but nothing unbearable. I learned so much from this class and I can now take the subways by myself anywhere in the city!
    I hope this class continues as is provided me with many first time experiences that I will never forget!

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  29. This class was by far the best class I have taken at Molloy College. The fact that we actually received 4 college credits for being apart of this is truly awesome. There is not enough good things I can say about this class as well as about Mike and Merrita. I could write paragraph upon paragraph explaining why the instructors and this class are so great. So to that extent I will just leave you with the fact that this class is a must-take and you will not have one regret in doing so.

    Furthermore, for those of you who are wondering, this class is extremely intense. You will have to walk about 10 miles per class (sometimes about 12-13, some classes about 7-8) and it is not all free despite your $100 initial entry fee to get into the class. You must pay for your train tickets to and from Manhattan as well as your subway rides, not to mention any food or anything else at all you would need or want in the city. (Not including the 3 awesome free meals provided by the instructors). The course work is definitely not exhaustive, but it can be considered by many to be very time consuming and intensive. If you pay attention during the day and take diligent notes, your journals will not be a problem. Every single little detail you could possibly need to know about this course, including what I just said, will be clearly outlined by Mike in the orientation months before this class starts. If you are not 100% okay with everything he tells you then this class is seriously not for you.

    In closing, I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to fulfill their core requirement. You will learn more useful and interesting information in this class as compared to any other class. You will not regret taking this class and you will love it just as much as everyone else does.

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  30. This class was an absolutely incredible experience; definitely the most interesting and informative class I have taken at Molloy so far! Mike and Meritta do a wonderful job of navigating you around the city and will take you to so many places you probably have never even heard of. This class is definitely not boring and having Mike and Meritta to make it fun and exciting makes every class a day to look forward to.

    I highly recommend taking this course if you are looking to fulfill your core requirement. Although this is not like a traditional class and is only 7 weeks long, do not assume signing up for this class means you are taking the easy way out. There is quite a lot of writing involved, 7 weekly journals, 2 impression journals, and 2 papers, but if you keep up with the work it really is not that bad. Additionally, like you will learn in orientation there is a LOT of walking involved (it could be up to 12 or more miles a class) but it is not unbearable and pretty easy if you put your mind to it. You will also be required to spend a bit of money in additional to the course fee and $100 activity fee - you will need to buy a train ticket, metro card, and any extra food or items you would like to purchase (lunch is provided for 3 classes). I would recommend purchasing a 10 trip train ticket since it will actually save you money in the long run.

    Overall this class is a great learning experience and if you have the opportunity to take it you should do so. You will visit so many places in New York City that you would never think to go to on your own and Mike and Meritta do a great job of providing you with just enough information to satisfy your curiosity about everywhere you go. By taking this class you will not only learn about the history of New York but you will also learn practical knowledge about how to travel through the city by subway and on foot. Although this class provides you with ample opportunities to make friends, I would suggest trying to sign up for the class with someone you know since it will make all of your traveling that much more exciting and worthwhile. I hope that students who take this class in the future find it just as rewarding as I did!

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  31. This class is one of the best classes I took in Molloy. The instructors are amazing, they are very energetic and explain everything while we walk around. If you think this is an easy 7 week course, NO! think again...This course requires a lot of work, it has weekly journals and papers which does take time since we are writing what we saw but also added all the information from the book to searching the net to put some lovely links. So don't be lazy, take notes, write your journals ASAP! But this journal is one of the best parts of the class because it creates a memory of places you went to which you might like to visit later on with someone. This class is also not cheap...Weekly you have get your own train tickets or find a way of transportation and subway rides -metrocards. Also lunch, ice cream, desserts etc (3 were provided by our wonderful professors) Keep in mind the lunches were Indian, Thai and Chinese so if you are not an explorer...well....this class is about experience so lets do that!
    There is a lot of walking in this class....yes your feet will fall off but by the last class, your ready to walk more!
    I did feel the class was expensive because you have to pay $100 extra aside from the tuition, hope Molloy will take that part out since tuition is high!
    I have learned so much about the city, things I would never ever learn on my own. It was amazing and I hope everyone takes this opportunity to learn how everything started and mostly some of the places we visit can bring memories. I enjoyed this class very much aside from the walk but then no pain, no gain!
    Sign up and explore!!!!!!!

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  32. This was one of the best classes I have taken at Molloy! It was A LOT of work, but totally worth it (and way better than sitting through a dreadfully boring lecture). Mike and Meritta made the class interesting everyday. There was quite a bit of walking to do, so be prepared! Taking notes throughout the day certainly helps when writing up the journal entries. Get the papers done ahead of time, so you only have the journals to worry about. The class is kind of expensive, but worth every penny. Overall, don't underestimate the rigor of the coursework just because its only 7 classes long, and be adventurous! You won't regret taking this class.

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  33. Amazing class. Mike and Meritta were great professors and really know their way and facts around the city. Easy review since class was smooth and enjoyable. Highly Recommend this to all of Molloy!

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  34. I took this time to thank Molloy College for offering one of the most interesting and unusual COR summer class, ‘The Gotham Experience’ which was skillfully guided by professor Mike Russo (future NYS historian ) and Damian Hey (future writer and artistic genius) and most of all, to encourage every Molloy student to take this class.
    This past July, I took this class which lend me the opportunity to visit, explore and learn abundantly about some of NYC’s finest essentials such as the gothic cathedrals, crossing famous bridges, differentiating exquisite architectural designs, galleries, Skyline Park, gentrification, listening to lecture in the middle of the busiest crossroad in the world and much more. You have to experience this to believe it. It was an awesome experience of the greatest city in the world.
    Without the slightest exaggeration, this class was one of the most intriguing and interesting avenue of gaining a college education. Many of these New York Essentials I found to be thought provoking, exciting and stimulating. My spiritual and physical ability were stretched to a level beyond imagination. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to obtain a long lasting informal college education. You will love it.
    New Gothamite, Lavern

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  35. Starting the fall semester of my Senior year I was a bit apprehensive about taking this class because I was worried it would interfere with my nursing classes. After taking CORE : The Gotham Experience, I just can't imagine what this semester would've been like. As a nursing major taking critical care, psych and community it's extremely tough. But, taking this class on Saturdays was the best decision I have ever made! It has been my de-stressing class; I've learned a million things I would've never known had I not taken this course, and at the same time I had loads of fun exploring the boroughs, museums, art galleries; the list goes on and on. However, I'm not gonna lie or sugar coat the work load; it's a heavy amount but I mean c'mon it's a 4 credit course AND you get to have fun while learning. 2 papers (3-5 pages each) and a journal describing your experience each week. I remember sitting at my computer, doing my journals and then getting lost in my typing, later realizing it's been 3 hours since I started! Mike is awesomeeee! And so is Lee. I highly recommend this class to EVERYONE, unless you're lazy and don't like to walk. PLEASE don't be like the students in my class that are constantly complaining that they're tired, it's annoying! Last but not least, it is an expensive class. Aside from the $100 and the textbook which I think is going up to $30, there is also cost for transportation and food. I live in Suffolk County so it was over $140 for the LIRR plus the metro card, so it does add up but it is so worth it. By far the best class offered at Molloy College, hands down without a doubt!

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  36. This is the best class that I have attended at Molloy. It is interesting, fast-paced and keeps your attention. The professors are great and I was never bored. You really get to know the students and you learn more about New York City than you ever could in a classroom setting. Don't hesitate, take this class!

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  37. I loved this class! I learned so much from taking this class. This class was even better than I had anticipated. Learning about the boroughs was such an eye opener to the great places that I have right here in New York. The professors were very knowledgeable and made the class interesting and fun. I loved having classes in central park instead of a boring classroom. There is a lot of work for this class but if you start right away it’s not that bad. My one downside for this class is the cost of transportation. It can get pretty expensive but overall I loved this class and I would recommend anyone who is interested to take this class!

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  38. This class was a great experience. I am so glad i chose this class for core. It was very interesting and i learned a lot about New York City. Definitely a lot of walking and writing but it was worth it because it is only 6 weeks long. It seems like a long class 11-7 but the time will fly by because we are constantly doing something. I would definitely recommend this class to a friend.

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  39. This class will give you the best experience in the world, the experience you will get is from this course is unparalleled, can't be accumulated anywhere else. This course is rich with cultural background,let you in the lifestyle of the rich and famous, and the also gather first hand knowledge of how poor families were living in the past.
    I highly recommend this course to anyone who is considering it, the experience you will get is priceless.I have taken away rich history that I will past on to my family and kids in the future to come,I was blown away by the Fricks museum, just seen how he was passionate about his art. This class have though me a valuable lesson, change will come about only if you make it happen and believe in your cause, and never give up in the process of living your hopes and dreams, because you never know when your life will become a inspiration for others in the future to come.

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  40. As I reflect on my Gotham experience, I concluded with a powerful sense of appreciation for the City of New York. It is chaotic, beautiful and interesting. It is incomparably to others cities I have visited. This experience have taken me to places that I did not know exist, things I never dreamed to see. and emotions I never thought I would express. I have gained a wealth of knowledge especially being able to recognize different architectural styles, learning about gentrification (my famous new word) and actually able to see evidence of it. I learn to appreciate every part of New York City including the chaos in Chelsea Market to the busiest intersection in the world, Time Square and to the most quiet and peaceful place like Brooklyn Heights and Governor’s Island to the intimate community stories of El Barrio.

    I am going the miss Mike’s daily phrases such as 'Oh my God! This is going to knock your socks off. This is going to blow your mind. Come closer, don’t block the sideway. Let’s wait for those slacker’. I have to thank the faculty for such a wonderful experience. This class was worth taking and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a COR class at Molloy College.

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  41. Overall, I could not have asked for a better experience with this class. I had so much fun and beyond enjoyed this experience. Our professors were so enjoyable and so knowledgable. They made the class fun, as if we were exploring the city with our friends. Like I've mentioned in a previous entry, there has been so much I've wanted to see and do in the city but probably wouldn't have gotten around to ever doing it had it not been for this class. And for that I am thankful. Besides the fact that we have learned and experienced so much in this class, we've made some really great new friends. We were a good group who was anxious and excited each day. I feel like I am more cultured after this, which makes for a more well rounded person. It was a growing experience too. With everything I've learned this summer, I appreciate New York that much more and I would 100% go back and do all these things again. I've always wanted to study abroad and with not being able to really do that, although it was basically like exploring my own backyard, this class somehow filled the desire for me to study abroad. Brooklyn was probably my favorite day of them all. I didn't really have any complaints about the course except for maybe longer lunch periods. Other than that, I love this class and I am actually so sad that it has come to an end. Taking this class you must be open minded and willing to explore and have fun while still also learning and you'll see NYC in a new light!

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  42. At the beginning of this class I was interested in seeing a few new sights of the city I had not seen before. What I didnt know was how much hidden history and culture there actually is in the city that I've either walked by or seen on many occasions when riding my longboard through certain areas. It was quite amazing to realize how much the city has grown in just a short amount of time and there are many places a person can go to reflect on the past successes that made this great city what it is today. In any section of the city you can gain an immense amount of knowledge and background as to what happened there just by visiting a certain museum or building. Hopefully one day I can bring my friends or family to these places so they can be just as surprised as I was in discovering a new part of the city they have never seen before. I always feel that it is important to know more about the world we live in and to appreciate all the people who worked hard to make it what it is today, this class definitely provided that knowledge on a constant basis which is why I feel like our long days of exploring were well worth it. For people who don't know much about this great city or think they know a decent amount this class will definitely give them a whole new perspective which is exactly what it did for me.

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  43. I absolutely loved this class! I always just went to the city to go out with friends at night, but now I want to go all the time during the day! I learned so many different things. I can't believe how much there is to the city, and all the different areas. It truly was an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to ANYONE who isn't that familiar with the city, and is interested in learning more.Older people such as my parents, aunts and uncles, and co-workers are even interested in the class, and are actually jealous! I'm so happy I finally understand the subway system now. That was my biggest goal to accomplish in this class, and i definitely did. Even though I'm not a history major, I love history, and learning how everything came about. This class made everything so much more interesting because we experienced it! Every single class was amazing, and I wish it was all semester. I had an awesome experience, and the professors made it that much better. Mike & Lee were incredible, and I think this class should always be an option for CORE.If I didn't have to pay extra, I would do it again if I could.

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  44. BEST CLASS I HAVE TAKEN AT MOLLOY YET and I've been here for four years. Mike and Lee have such a passion not only for the history and sites in New York City but just teaching in general. I have already signed up to take another class with Mike because I loved his teaching style and how he treated us students. This class opened my mind to new things and places, and i enjoyed every second of it. It was a class that i didn't mind having to wake up on a Saturday to go to. I would come home after every class with my family and friends interested in where we had gone that day and wanting to see pictures. I met new people, experienced new places and tried new foods that i would have never done on my own. I recommend this class for anyone looking for a CORE class. It may sound like a lot of work at first but if you keep up with the journals every week and write your papers, which are SO EASY, its definitely better than other four credit classes that you could have taken instead. Also, it doesn't even compare to having to sit in a four hour night class at Molloy. BEST CLASS!. Thank you Mike and Lee!

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  45. loved loved loved LOVED THIS CLASS!!! honestly being in other classes is so boring and stressful... being in a classroom, sitting down, hearing lectures.... this gotham class is DEF 100X better because your outside enjoying fresh air and traveling to new places! Mike and Meritta were the best!!! If anyone has to take any CORE class, take this WITHOUT A DOUBT! TRUST ME U WILL LOVE IT!

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  46. This class was easily one of the best most informative classes I've ever taken at Molloy. Originally I took this class because I figured it would get me out of the classroom and it would be an easy A but unfortunately it's not. You do have to put in work especially with the journals and papers because that's all your graded on but it's worth it. The best part about this class is learning about New York. I thought I would learn more about the touristy side and what hotels are the best, where to go for great food in midtown etc. But you end up with so much more knowledge. Learning about the history of New York may sound boring on paper but it's unexplainable. The amount of things that go on in New York and that have happened to build this city up is simply fascinating. This is exactly what college is supposed to be like. Learning real-world things and being able to take them throughout life. In time I'll forget about the cell membrane I learned in bio, or how to debit and credit in accounting, but I truly will never forget the things I learned in this class because I was able to experience them.

    Thanks Mike & Lee

    Best Regards,

    Indigenous Ife

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  47. Loved this class. I don't know about the cost of this class but can honestly say I would recommend this class to other students. It was very eye opening and gave me a great sense of the city. What I loved most was that we learned about all aspects of the city and the people that make it up. I have tagged some places I want to go back to and I thank Mike and Damien for the experience.

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  48. My expectations for this class were completely met. I feel like I have a solid foundation of New York City and the many sites within it. Although we saw bits and pieces of places, I feel that allowed us to explore and learn more things. Professor Russo is extremely passionate about New York City, his knowledge on architecture and Damien’s knowledge on art created a solid team that in turn made me really enthusiastic about the course. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this program, it is so rare that when I explain to people that this is in fact a class I am taking for college credit, they can’t believe it. I also feel a whole lot more comfortable with navigating the subway system. It was such a great experience that made me step outside my comfort zone in ways I did not expect. My favorite sites were Saint Paul’s, all of Queens, and the Eldridge Synagogue. Thank you Professor Hey and Professor Russo for making me appreciate the great city that I live in and making this such an amazing learning experience I will never forget !

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  49. This class was the best class I have ever had at Molloy. Not only did we not have to sit in a classroom, but we were able to go exploring New York City. The only complaint I have is that the college did not pick up many of the cost associated with the class and I feel that is why we skipped out on certain locations. But Mike and Damian were awesome. Worth Taking!

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  50. I loved the New York City Experience! This class made me so much more open to going to the city. Before this class, I would get discouraged from going into the city on my own because I always got lost and being that the city is so big that was always an overwhelming experience. After taking this class, it truly opened my eyes about the city and where and what I want to see next. My list of places to go and visit again had grew longer and longer after each class. Mike and Damian were awesome at making the experience a comfortable and fun one. The class was pricey and doing it in the middle of July was definitely stressful, especially since we walked more that 8 miles a day! Overall this class was definitely one of the best education experiences I had while attending Molloy and now I am not as apprehensive to working in the City to teach. Thank you, Mike and Damian for a fun 7 days and appreciating New York City for what it really has in store!

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  51. I truly enjoyed this class, I learned so much and visited a lot of places I never even knew existed. My favorite place to visit was Coney Island, and that is because as a child I visited Coney Island with my family every summer. As a kid I really loved that place. Another place I would have loved to visit is the Cotton Club and the Apollo in Harlem. I think those are very important to the history of Harlem and should be put on the itinerary when coming up with places to visit.
    The only thing I would change in this class is the way the class crosses the street. There were many times students blindly crossed the street following behind the professor when crossing was not permitted. That could have led to people getting hurt. Although students in the class are technically adults I feel there should be a better system put in place to prevent an accident from happening. Again the information learned in this class is great and the amount of walking done in the class is not even bad. The walking is not as bad as one may think, there are plenty of stops along the way, and before you know it you have walked 8+ miles.

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  52. Gotham: The New York Experience was awesome! When I signed up for this class I expected to go into the city and basically be a tourist. But let me tell you, no tourist has ever gained as much knowledge about New York City in 7 days than we did. The amount of information that Mike and Damian know about the city is incredible. They were the best teachers/guides one could ask for. In this class we learned about the history of New York City as well as the things that are currently going on. I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone. It was a phenomenal learning experience.

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  53. This Core class New York City Experience was a wonderful and educational experience. By far one of the best classes at Molloy! I learned so much about NYC, different boroughs and the history of how NYC started. I feel like with my knowledge I am taking out of this class and what I have learned from this class I can use for the rest of my life. For starters, how to navigate my way around the 5 boroughs and especially the subway system. Coming out of this class I can honestly say I feel confident enough to take my family to all of these amazing places we went in just 2 weeks. Even though There is a lot of time and effort to be put in this class, with taking pictures and writing papers, writing the journals for every class as well, It opened my eyes to areas and activities all over the boroughs of NY that I would have never thought to take advantage of. Thank you to Mike and Don an amazing 2 weeks and making a summer class so fun!

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  54. This class was the best experience I ever had at Molloy, better yet the best class Molloy has EVER offered! The places we went to opened my eyes to all these magnificent places NYC has. Every class, I learned about sites and history; like how Robert Moses was the most "hated" person in NYC for wanting to place a highway in every corner of NYC. The amount of work done for this class is simple and straight forward; two well written papers and two sets of journals...dassit! To think I avoided a whole semester sitting in a four hour classroom! This course is only 7 weeks and offers a variety of places to explore on your free time! The only "complain" I have is the amount of money I spent on food. I would bring lunch from home but from all the walking, I still ended up hungry! Although the professors paid 3 meals out of 7 classes, I think it would of been better if they could pay for 5 or so since we already have to buy metro cards and pay the Molloy fee (which can't be avoided). Aside from that, If I could redo this class I would do it in a heartbeat!!! <3 :D

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  55. I can't imagine how students choose not to take this course as their core requirement. This class was such an amazing experience and if I had/could do it again I would in a heartbeat. I learned a tremendous amount and visited so many places that I definitely plan to return to one day whether it is with my family or friends.

    Professor Russo is the perfect professor for teaching this course. He really knows his stuff. The workload is simple and reasonable. It definitely did not interfere with any of my other courses and went by extremely fast. I truly wish Molloy could incorporate this learning style into more of their courses as it engages students beyond belief.

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  56. Taking Gotham as a core requirement was probably the best decision I made at Molloy. The class introduces you to places in New York City that you never knew existed, and gives a new perspective on neighborhoods and locations that you are familiar with. The class schedule is great, once a week for 7 weeks, 2 papers & 2 journal, 4 credits done. Its certainly beats sitting in a classroom 3 hours a week for 16 weeks; plus all the walking you do will burn calories and you'll discover some pretty interesting stuff along the way. I would recommend this course to anyone and everyone in the Molloy community. Lastly, the professors are great - thank you to Meritta and Mike. If you've never had the experience of Mike Russo as an instructor, I highly recommend it. Even if you can't get into Gotham, take one of his classes. You will not be disappointed!

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  57. This Gotham course was a such a good experience. There may have been stuff you had to pay for but in the end i think it was worth it. The experience not only helped gain more knowledge how to get around the city but also learn more about the city we live in. The course lives up to the reputation and I would recommend it to anyone interested in taking the course

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  58. This class was a fantastic experience . I can proudly say that I am a New Yorker thanks to Gotham. Everyone should be allowed to take Gotham . Register for Gotham you would not regret it ! Hey we get 3 meals free ! PS : still do not understand why we have to pay a fee after we paid Molloy .

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  59. As a Molloy Alumni who graduated about 5 years ago, I was in the first pilot of the program in Summer of 2008. I am so happy with the fact that Dr. Russo still takes my advice on taking the students to my favorite museum, the NY Transit Museum, and to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, I will definitely not remember this, but also remember how fortunate Molloy is to have Dr. Russo as well.

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  60. It was a fight til the death when registering for classes . It literally fills up within minutes. Thank God I got the opportunity to take this class because it has been the highlight of Molloy since I have been here. I am living a boring Nursing student's life and whilst taking my other courses it was like a getaway , a mini vacation touring so many parts of the city. You have to be very welcoming and open minded to take the whole of NYC in. The part that blew my mind is how fast it went and how much we covered. Very rich and condensed class I loved the three restaurants that the whole class enjoyed and were vegetarian/vegan friendly. Mike and Lee made the class so fun and enjoyable and made history so easy to absorb. It was not a classroom experience and I guess that's what made me learn so much. After this class I'm probably going to irritate everyone I know with the little facts here and there when visiting certain places. Thanks Mike and Lee. By the way the extra fees and costs are worth it. Don't hesitate!
    _Anushka Marajh

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  61. It was a fight til the death when registering for classes . It literally fills up within minutes. Thank God I got the opportunity to take this class because it has been the highlight of Molloy since I have been here. I am living a boring Nursing student's life and whilst taking my other courses it was like a getaway , a mini vacation touring so many parts of the city. You have to be very welcoming and open minded to take the whole of NYC in. The part that blew my mind is how fast it went and how much we covered. Very rich and condensed class I loved the three restaurants that the whole class enjoyed and were vegetarian/vegan friendly. Mike and Lee made the class so fun and enjoyable and made history so easy to absorb. It was not a classroom experience and I guess that's what made me learn so much. After this class I'm probably going to irritate everyone I know with the little facts here and there when visiting certain places. Thanks Mike and Lee. By the way the extra fees and costs are worth it. Don't hesitate!
    _Anushka Marajh

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  62. This course has given me a new insight to our city and has enabled me to see the city as more than just a crowded, busy, tourist filled area known for overpriced everything and maybe it's nightlife. I never cared to know the history of NYC however Gotham has given me a taste and my curiosity has grown. Not only has this class given me more knowledge of our city, but more importantly it allowed me to get a sense of all the cultures and communities involved. It really gives meaning to the saying that NYC is a "melting pot". As a bonus it was an amazing mental get away from daily stress! I recommend this class to everyone and I hope they plan to add more classes as they fill up fast!

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  64. Very simply put, we go to college to receive an education. It doesn't matter what major we enroll in, we still need to have a well rounded exposure to knowledge. Gotham: The New York Experience offers students a level of education outside of their major and outside of their little microcosm of student life. This class will enlighten students on New York's history and connect it to modern day by observing art, listening to lectures at historical landmarks and traveling through and to culturally rich centers of the city. Great Experience.

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  65. Gotham was the most powerful class I've taken at Molloy. I deeply enjoyed learning and discovering New York City with my friends. The 7 weeks were an amazing experience and I plan to share it with others. Take this course!

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  66. What if I told you that you didn't have to be confined in a small classroom, in a chair for several hours; yet still learn an enormous amount of information?? You wouldn't believe me... until you took this course and experienced it for yourself.

    I literally can not even begin to convey in words how I absolutely enjoyed my time in this class. It gave me a great oppurtunity to experience that school is not just about sitting in a classroom for hours. You can get up and explore what the world has to offer, while learning so much. NYC has so much to offer and I could not think of anyone better than Mike and Meritta to teach this course. In just as little as 7 weeks, I've visited several boroughs of NYC, art galleries, museums, parks, bridges, and former battlegrounds.

    If you...
    - love walking and nature
    - want to learn about NYC history
    - want fun, great professors
    - want to be photogenic (mikes a great photographer!)

    then you have to take this course; you won't regret it.

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  67. This class was absolutely worth taking. To start, Meritta and Mike are awesome. They are so knowledgeable and really make the class fun. This class is a lot of walking and a lot of writing but if you are interested in a different experience than you would get in the classroom it is well worth it. After taking this class I can say I have a better appreciation of the city and what it has to offer. We learned so much that will stick with me because it was a hands on experience rather than sitting and reading about the city. This class as well as the enthusiasm from the professors really opened my eyes to the culture and history within the city. They were able to spark my interest in a topic that I didn't originally think I would find interesting. I highly recommend this class to everyone in any major. My biggest recommendation is to go into every class with an open mind and good attitude and you'll have a great experience.

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  68. This Class is Definitely worth taking! It is very different from any other class you will ever take at Molloy. it is so nice not to be in a classroom. yes you do have to write and walk a lot but it is worth it!!
    you must have a positive attitude and an open mind to try and learn about new things. this was the best class i have ever taken and it might be tough at sometimes but do it, its worth it!

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  69. This is the best class I've ever had the opportunity of taking. It is so much better than sitting in a classroom for 4 hours. There's so much history in NYC that one couldn't possibly imagine. Dr. Russo and Dr. Cullinan are so knowledgable. There's no words to how much this class had an impact on me. Go in there with an open mind and get ready to embrace the many diversity's that make our city so great!

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  70. As a nursing student life is always about hitting the books and no fun (for the most part). Taking this course was a great experience and by far the BEST class I took at Molloy. Mike, Meritta and Jim are all great teachers, they make class exciting and fun. There is a lot of walking and writing but if you stay on top of it, it's doable. You definitely have to have a positive outlook in exploring NYC to enjoy it. The history in the city is incredible! I can honest say I'm a true New Yorker after taking this course.

    Tip: wear comfortable sneakers, stay on top of weekly Journals and DO NOT miss a class because make ups are not pretty.

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  71. My Gotham experience has been nothing but positive and inspiring. It is an honor to have the pleasure to complete this wonderful course at Molloy College with great individuals. This class has opened my eyes even more to all that I have yet to explore in New York, and the world. Seeing and exploring new things has always been an important mindset of my life, and the Gotham experience opened that up even more. Although the Gotham experience only gave us a small taste of New York City, it still continues to inspire us to continue to see what else is out there in New York. Overall, I truly believe I had gained the true Gotham experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I will take all of the memories and experiences that were made on the rest of my journey at Molloy College and the real world!

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  72. This course is my favorite out of all that I have taken at Molloy, as Mike said it would be! There was plenty to see and do in this course, and the assignments tied everything together very well. I liked the aspect that one is not just learning about the history of NYC, but how to navigate your way; the information I learned about avenues, streets, and subways will be knowledge I can continue to use. The layout of the course covers NYC pretty well, and the schedule in each part of the city is well rounded. Though the walking in the summer heat could get uncomfortable, it was good exercise and should be considered as gym credit. Thank you Mike & Don for a great summer class! -Kayla McNeil

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  73. I truly don't even know where to begin. I am a senior at Molloy College and this is by far the best class I have ever taken. Mike and Don are professional, smart, and funny. They made the class fun while at the same time teaching us so much. They are both geniuses in their field. I have lived in New York my entire life, but after taking Gotham I feel like I honestly know the city for the first time. Gotham is truly and adventure worth taking. I highly recommend Molloy students to take the course, you will not regret it. Thank you, Mike and Don for a wonderful experience!

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  74. This was by far the most interesting classes that I have ever taken at Molloy. Mike and Don were extremely Knowledgeable. I really enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new cultures. The work is alot, but if you stay on top of it you should do well. They are always there for any questions or concerns that you have. Thank you for a great summer session.

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  75. This class was honestly the best experience that I have had at Molloy so far. Mike and Don were fantastic and never let the class become boring. Whenever you had a problem or question about the work, they always made time to clarify and explain. This class is unlike anything that i have ever experienced before but I absolutely recommend it for anyone who needs to complete their CORE requirement. Wear shoes that are good for walking and check the weather every day before getting ready and the class will be an amazing experience. The summer sessions was a lot of work in a short amount of time but if you keep on top of it it becomes manageable. Thank you for the amazing experience Mike and Don!

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  76. This class was by far the best experience I've had at Molloy so far. Mike and Don were the most entertaining, informational guides to NYC. They always made time to explain assignments and make everyone feel comfortable and glad that they are in the class. I definitely this class to any Molloy student. The summer session coursework was a bit overwhelming, but definitely manageable. Although we only experienced a small taste of New York City, it definitely lit a fire in me to explore the city some more. Overall, I truly believe I have gained the true New Yorker experience. I will take all of the memories and experiences that were made on the rest of my journey at Molloy College and the real world! Thank you for the amazing time Mike and Don!

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  77. Gotham was easily the best class I will ever take at Molloy. It was so helpfull in that it made me get over my anxieties of going to the city, and showed me how its not that difficult to navigate. If you dont like boring classes this is perfect for you. Although the days are long there is never a moment to be bored. If youre at the front of the group Mike will turn right around and ask how youre doing, and same with Don in the back. It is very easy to fall behind on work, but with the right timing, its easy to stay on top of things. I am so happy I decided to break out of my comfort zone because I made some great memories this summer. Thank you Mike and Don for showing us how much the city has to offer.

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  78. Jeepers Creepers! This class was 10/10 perfect. Truly sad that it has came to an end. Mike and Don were outstanding. Recommend it to all Molloy students if i can.

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  79. I can say, this was one of the best classes I have ever take. Mike and Don are such funny and nice human beings that made the class way more entertaining and enjoyable. Getting to make new friends, walk and explore the city and try different food AND get credit for it!? Oh heck yeah! Such a great class, highly recommend!

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  80. Best class I've taken so far at Molloy! Learned so much from Mike and Don and they always found a way to keep us entertained and excited even when we were hot and exhausted from walking around all day in the heat. We saw so many interesting things that I never would've seen had I never taken this class. Met a lot of cool people and got to do a lot of cool things. As long as you have an open mind to new experiences you'll enjoy this course. If I could I would definitely take this class again!

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