From NWI to College…

purdue-rotatorWell, I have officially made it through my first three weeks of college unscathed-save for a few minor scratches on my legs from wrestling with pedals while locking up my bike. I left La Porte and the comfort of my home for Purdue University a few weeks ago with little idea of what to expect. I was eager and maybe a little bit too excited to start this chapter of my life, and now I would like to look back on my experience thus far.

I will proudly admit to being one of those annoying seniors that did not stop talking about their excitement for college. Now that I am here there are a few things I realized I should have cherished indefinitely. One, the convenience of having my own room. I could not be happier with my roommate; however, I put a great deal of effort into tiptoeing around the room in the morning while I make my oatmeal to ensure I do not wake her up-usually this fails. I dearly miss not having to wait in a thirty minute line for food, albeit amazing food. Lastly, I miss the luxury of my own private shower. There is nothing more disgusting than a shower with measly water pressure flooded with two inches of water and hair.

However, despite those three minor hiccups, life is divine. I am mastering the art of sleeping in, enjoying elaborate vegetarian meals, and meeting new people left and right. The diversity is beautiful. Just today I witnessed two men on unicycles. The school work is exciting and intensive, and although I anticipate some severe future stress, for now I am just soaking it all in. The other day in my Entomology class I got face to face with a live tarantula, lobster, and hissing cockroach. In my History course my professor gave me a piece of papyrus straight from Egypt. The opportunities here are abounding, but I am certainly not forgetting that my experiences and loved ones from back home are to credit for all of this. I must say coming here has made me proud to be from "The Region" as everyone else calls it.