Well, there's a lot to say and right now I actually have time to say it.
First and foremost is that so far I like "it." What's "it?" College life! I mean, I've only been here twelve days and have only had one full week of classes (plus today), but I like it already. I've got a 16 credit-hour schedule, which some people have said is ridiculous but I find it good for me because it keeps me busy and willing to do the work instead of slack. The long summer did me well because I have a motivation to go into class and learn as much as possible, then come back to my dorm room to sit down and do my homework. I feel much more mature now in that sense than I did in my last two years of high school because I didn't want to do work then, but I know I have to now. And, not only do I know I have to, but I want to, and it makes me feel great to want to learn again, for the first time in three years.
Second are the people. My professors all speak very clear English, which seems to be rare in University settings, and all of them seem to really care about the students; it helps that my largest class, a lecture hall, only has about 30-35 people. All of my peers around the dorms seem very cool, too. I mean, of course you'll run into someone you don't like, and I have, but that's life and you've got to roll with the punches as you duck and weave your way through to get that title, in this case a good degree. I've got a great RA (Residential Advisor) and the RHA (Residential Hall Association) Leader/person in charge of all the RA's is at the end of my hall, too, and he's an awesome person who is really dedicated to the school and his studies. I'm on good standing with those two people and 98% of my "unit" (each hallway is given a unit number, in my case it's Unit 22; are all dorms like that?), and a lot of people from other units, so I guess I'm on the right track with that.
Third is that I'm finally trying to get involved in school-oriented organizations and clubs. So far in this week-and-a-half span I've got a job on-campus, I'm running for Vice President of the RHA, I plan on joining the Firebirds Club (the car club here on campus), and I look forward to finding out more about other clubs/organizations around here too. Now, to some of you that may not be much, but this is coming from someone who quit Student Council in high school because I didn't want the responsibility and didn't like to do "stupid" things like this. Now, I have people looking at me saying, "Why would you do that?" and I just tell them I feel it's good to be involved with the residence and school to hopefully make some sort of difference. If they don't agree, it's their prerogative; if they do, good for them!
Fourth, whew, it seems like there's a ton of stuff to do. This entire month the fraternities are holding events to get us to check out their houses and the people in their individual fraternities to maybe join them. I've only gone to one house so far, but I think we're going to another tonight for some chicken/buffalo wings. I'm not sure fraternity life is for me, and I'm going to just keep an eye on it at least, but I'm definitely going to take advantage of all the free events they're hosting. Most of the "frat-boys" (sorry, can't think of a better term, Croc) seem like good people around here, but there are definitely some that are stereotypical to the point that only a few people would even consider pledging for them. (Oh, and yes, I did check out the Sigma Chi's last Monday, Croc, and they seem like pretty good guys over there. We're either going there or to the Delts tonight for wings.)
And, fifth, I'm not sure what else to say other than thank you for asking! It's great to see the people that truly care. I'm trying to push myself in that direction: a person who honestly cares about who I interact with and all the things I do. This college thing is doing me good so far, and I hope it stays that way.
So, until my next post (which seem pretty damn infrequent these days), thanks again for asking and, although I may not post a lot, I'm definitely trying to visit the boards as much as possible to keep up on news and such.
Take care, y'all.
