There is no way that I have already been at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø for a month; I can’t believe how comfortable I already feel here.
Don’t get me wrong, I do get homesick every once in awhile, but there is just too much fun too be had, too much learning to be done, and too many experiences to enjoy. It’s more than safe to say that ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø has now become my new home!
Last week, I mentioned going to the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø-Syracuse football game. I was fortunate enough to win tickets for myself and my friends. The bus ride there was a combination of laughter, rowdy students, and excited alumni who were returning to show their support for their alma mater.
Yes, I know we lost. I was there, and quite distressed to say the least! Regardless of the defeat, I salute our team for playing well.
Though sports are often a huge attraction here, there are many other activities to participate in. In fact, Monday was ALST Day. Due to the rain, the event was held in our student union, or what we call the Coop. I really had a great time learning about Africana and Latin American cultures.
I have my first mid-term exam coming up, and I’ve been biting my nails about it since the beginning of the week. But I’ve decided to break up my weekend so I can have fun and study; though certainly my grades come first.
I will most definitely be attending our Homecoming football game against Georgetown. And on Sunday, I will be applauding our new president, Jeffery Herbst, at his inauguration ceremony.
During first-year orientation, President Herbst actually came up to my mother and I and struck up a conversation. I’m so glad to know that I can approach the president of my school without fear. He has a special connection to the Class of 2014 because he is starting his own journey alongside us (he likes to joke that he is a first-year too).
Oh, and I’m currently reading one of his books in my freshman seminar course called States and Power in Africa. I guess you could say that I’m learning from the president in many ways.
Maybe I could stop by his office and ask him questions if there’s something I don’t understand. How many students can say that they have that opportunity?
Now I have to lock myself up in my room and hit the books. But I will keep you posted on how everything goes, and on whether or not I pass the test!
(I’ve been asked to write each week about what life is like as a first-year student here at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. Until next time!)