So we can’t deny that we’ve all been obsessing over the movie Pitch Perfect since its release. Well, this week’s campus celeb could seriously give those Barden Bella’s a run for their money. Meet Nicole Holm, musical director for Fordham’s all girls a capella group, The Satin Dolls. Her beyond amazing musical arrangements for the group gave this super talented group of girls a chance to compete at this years International Championship of Collegiate A Capella for the first time in three years! Aside from being incredibly musically talented, Nicole is also incredibly hilarious (seriously, check out this girl’s twitter @nicoleholmo). Keep reading to find out what makes this week’s campus celeb so aca-awesome!
Where are you from? Long Island, NY
What year are you? I’m a junior.
What is your major? Marketing
What activities are you involved in? I’m in Gabelli’s Global Business Honors Program and have been musical director of the Satin Dolls since fall of my sophomore year. (ugh, shameless plug: Come see our concert November 22 at Fordham Prep!)
How did you decide to come to Fordham? I wanted to go to a good university with a great business school. Also, I was dying to get out of my house and be as close to NYC as possible, but didn’t want to stray too far from home. The minute I stepped on Fordham’s campus, I knew I’d end up coming here!
Do you have any tips for students who are trying to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other obligations like internships? Always make sure you’re doing what you love. Schoolwork is so important, but, if you’re doing nothing but going to class and doing your homework day in and day out, you’re doing it all wrong. My biggest piece of advice is to find out what it is that makes you feel happy and fulfilled, and invest your free time into it, whether it’s a club on campus, an internship in an area of interest, or anything in between. Even if your schedule is super busy, if you’re putting time, energy, and effort into something that you’re passionate about, you’ll be truly happy at the end of the day.
What’s your favorite thing about New York? One of my absolute favorite things about New York is that every time you head into the city, there’s always a new adventure waiting. Every neighborhood has its own distinct vibe and cool spots to check out. NYC never gets old!
Do you have a favorite NYC memory? Last winter, I decided to go all-out for my 20th birthday and take a limo with ten of my closest friends from campus to the city. We feasted at Sushi Samba and went to The Awesome 80’s Prom at Webster Hall, which was weird in the best way possible. Not only was it the craziest birthday ever, but I’d also say it was one of the best nights I’ve spent in NYC. I don’t know how I’ll top it this winter when I turn 21!
Do you have a favorite Fordham memory?
My favorite Fordham memory actually happened the summer before my freshman year at an orientation day, where I met my freshman year roommate and another girl who wound up living on my floor, both of whom are my roomies and two of my best friends to this day. I just remember stepping onto campus that day and realizing all at once that my life was about to seriously change, and that, in this case, that was a really good thing.
Where’s your favorite spot on campus? Something about sitting on Keating Steps on a nice day makes me feel like I’m doing something really cool and important with my life…
If you could give one piece of advice to a Fordham collegiette, what would it be? Go out of your way to meet tons of people and make diverse friends. Entering college comes with a whole new set of rules; it’s not high school anymore. There’s none of that silly pressure to hang out with the “cool” kids or try to be someone that you’re not. Branch out and meet people who you think are interesting, and talk to people who are different from you; they’ll provide a new sense of perspective and maybe even teach you something new about yourself.
What’s your dream job? Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had this dream of owning my own boutique and maybe designing/selling jewelry there. Who knows if it’ll happen, but that’s definitely still something I’d love to do.
What do you think the best part of a Jesuit education is? I’m not religious, but I really appreciate the fact that the Jesuit tradition places such an emphasis upon the importance of individual fulfillment, awareness of ethical issues, and questioning of the world around us. Unlike my previous Catholic school education, Fordham doesn’t try to force the same beliefs upon everyone; we’re all encouraged to choose our own path.
Who is your favorite professor at Fordham? I really loved Philosophical Ethics with Clayton Bohnet. He’s such a fascinating guy, and I’d definitely recommend his class.
What’s one thing everyone would be surprised to learn about you? When I was visiting Chile with my honors program last spring, I somehow managed to screw up a beautiful day at a vineyard by getting locked inside the owner’s bathroom! I eventually made it out, but not before having to literally take the entire door off its hinges using only two kitchen knives and a screwdriver! Don’t ask.
Pick one!
Bronx Zoo or Botanical Gardens? Surprisingly, I’ve never been to either! They’re both on my to-do list.
Arthur Ave/Fordham Road? Surprisingly, I really love the random market tents outside Walgreens on Fordham Road. I used to blow a lot of unnecessary money on jewelry there.
Cafeteria or Grille? Definitely the Grille, but I wish they had more seats!
RamVan or Subway? RamVan, unless I’m stuck way in the back…in that case, I’ll take the D train any day.
Met or MoMA? I love both, but nothing beats the Met.
Hot Dog or Bagel? NY Bagels >
Broadway or Off-Broadway? Sometimes you have to go off Broadway to find the most interesting shows.
Radio City or Madison Square Garden? Radio City is the classic!
Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge? Central Park