Lalala
Okay, so I have quite a bit of time to burn here at the airport, so I figured I'd get this started as I've been meaning to for a few days.
Let's make this topical for organizational purposes...
The Social Year
Oh college. The first thing that I learned is that it is really hard to be an out-of-state student at an in-state school. Really, it's hard to be an out-of-state student. In some ways you are given some esteem because you're different and that's interesting...but really, it's lonely and difficult. I am so lucky to have family out here, but they don't help you to make friends! You have to learn how to force yourself into other people's social lives, finding the border between overbearing/creepy and absolute solitude. The first few weeks of school were really rough, and I just want graduating high school seniors to understand that it is hard, and that's why so many kids struggle and come back to CO after one year. I am definitely above average in how social I am and I barely made it. There were nights where I was just incredibly miserable and hated GA, but I stuck it out and had some awesome nights that make me know that I can certainly tolerate my time here. I have made some fantastic friends and was afforded some great opportunities because of my school and I'm grateful. As far as social activities go, just hanging out in a dorm room is great, going to the dining hall...it was weird being the only one who doesn't drink most (basically all) of the time, but I was certainly not an outcast. There were moments of pressure but nothing serious. I have also learned that you have to gauge the quality of your friends because they're liable to turn on you...you can't be too trusting, but at the same time once they have earned your trust you have to freely give it. People like Josh, Megan, Erin, Caroline, KK, Aaron, Becca, Zach, the Emily C's, and John have definitely shown that they will pull through no matter what. It's great to have friends who are real people and recognize that I'm a real person too. We all have needs, we all have wants, and we get to compromise in order to figure it out.
The Romantic Year
Basically, be open. A good relationship is based on two people making a conscious decision to stick together and work through things. It is not a one way street. You really have to do what's right for you too, as far as dating and how quickly you let the relationship develop. Some people love to date around, others basically want to marry the first person they seriously date, but we're all somewhere along that spectrum. Also, pick good people. Just like friends, the people you date can cause damage by being uncaring or making poor decisions. And don't judge a book by its cover/make flash judgments/all that jazz. I have always known it but was reminded of it quite well this past year. People are different than we like to assume them.
The Academic Year
I am not invincible is the main lesson here. I struggled with Math last semester and I had to work a lot this semester. Professors expect quality and it's not like high school where you can really work with the teacher to get to the grade you want. I never bombed a test in high school, but now I have. I was never utterly confounded by the concept of a question, now I have been. No one is there to baby you and you have to motivate your lame self to get up and go to class every morning. It's a test of will-power. I did a lot better this past semester and have found that it's a lot better (for me at least) to have several pretty difficult classes rather than one really difficult class and a smattering of easy ones. I have never felt as good about essays as I did this year turning in my papers in English towards the end of the semester (April 10-now). My final for my lame English class was a topic that I think I could study and expound upon forever ("The development of religious thought and ideas of renewal from 800AD to 1630AD in English Literature) and yeah. It confirms that an English major is a good fit for me. Who knows, I may want to pursue a PhD in English rather than Law school! Physics is a different kind of brain exercise though, and I have started to enjoy it a lot more. I think that as I get into the more advanced classes it will get even more exciting, but we'll see. Astronomy this summer will help to confirm if Astrophysics is the right path.
The Musical Year
I have worked harder at viola than just about anything this year and it has really paid off. I will be in the running for the top undergraduate violist next year at UGA and with my work this summer I think it's definitely probable. I practice a lot and have really come to enjoy it. Dr. Neumann has really broken me down a lot, but it becomes a question of taking what he has to offer (which is a lot) rather than just losing it every time he rips into me. I get to play a lot of great literature in the Fall to prepare for a Winter recital and I think that that will really be a pleasant undertaking despite the enormity of it (30 minutes or more of Ben!). I have met some awesome people in Symphony and I am so glad that I get to play in a great group. Yay.
Working
Sucks, but can be necessary. The Lawbrary is super low-key and the staff there are great people even though the other student workers are kinda lame. I hate it while I'm there, but I am really grateful that I have a do-nothing job where I study and facebook the ENTIRE time. It's pretty fabulous when you really thing about it.
Other
Yes, there are many, many, many sucky people in the world. A lot of people that I have met are absolute douchebags and show no sense of reason or care. They ONLY look out for themselves and it makes life hard on others who are willing to look out for more than one. Life is a series of choices. I don't know if coming to UGA was the best choice for me, but I am happy. I think that the rest of my time here will play out in a way that only edifies me and brings me closer to discovering and realizing my goals and dreams. It sounds sappy, but it's true. Sure, it's hot, humid, there are rednecks, sorostitutes, and fratarded boys all over, but there's more to it. I get to work with great professors, I have an awesome friend base, and I am just now getting to work I know I am capable of. It's not always perfect, but it's pretty darn good. I think summer courses will be a great time for me to focus and really get stuff done. I will miss everyone in CO, but I will have a blast with the people out here, so it just comes down to balancing it all out.
Anywho, that was a lot, but it may be further developed later if a surge of inspiration overcomes me. I hope you are all doing well and I will be home in a few hours!