Long overdue
Okay, so first off, I want to apologize for the extreme lack of communication with you all. I've been busier than I anticipated and STILL not having internet connection in my apartment doesn't allow for lj entries at midnight like I'm used to. Having a computer without internet access sucks!
So, where to begin with this entry...I'm starting my third week here in Fort Collins and the time is definitely flying. I have about one week to prepare for the return of the undergrads to CSU and I don't know how to prepare. I'm still getting used to the idea of being professional staff vs. a student worker, and haven't figured things out in that respect (I didn't expect to by this point anyway). My assistantship is awesome! I really love working with my direct supervisor (she's a graduate of the SAHE program and she was close to someone in her co-hort from UH Hilo, so I feel like she REALLY understands me in ALL of my transitions), the Director of SLCE, and my fellow GA, Andy. I can tell Andy and I are going to be really close throughout this experience. As far as what specifically I'm doing in my assistantship, I'll be working on coordinating/planning the University Leadership Conference, Multicultural Leadership Retreat, CSUnity (a campus-wide service project involving 800 people!), and co-chairing the annual Women's conference, among other things. One exciting thing (besides all I have listed) that I'll be working on is visioning and helping expand CSU's Alternative Breaks program. I've even been given the go-ahead to plan a summer trip to HILO!!!
Though what I've written sounds extremely positive, I have had some downs here and there. I think I'm definitely over the honeymoon stage, but because of my internship at the University of Puget Sound this past summer, I know how to deal with this transition. I've definitely been irritated at different things, and yes, the homesickness has hit in major ways, but I know I'll get through and be okay in the end. Hanging out with new friends has helped, as well as being in contact with friends back home who continue to be a support for me. I have reminders of them all over my apartment and office. I've started a photo mural in my bedroom in the apartment and my desk is full of cool memories from home. Instead of making me homesick, they serve to remind me how much support I have and that everyone in those pictures believes I can do this. It's a great help and reminder.
Okay, so now to the fun stuff...I haven't really been able to explore Fort Collins as much as I would have liked yet, but will soon. Not having a car definitely hinders my efforts. faradayflux came to visit a couple of weekends ago, and that was so much fun. It was great to get out of the apartment and hang out with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. This weekend, I'm supposed to go on a tour of a microbrewery to start learning to drink beer (since my frou-frou drinks are EXPENSIVE) and to another bar with my Ramfather (peer mentor in the SAHE program). Don't worry, I haven't turned into a lush yet. I still would rather not drink and have fun, but oh well.
Anyway, I've gone on for long enough now. I was going to head to the Rec Center, but the weather just turned sour so it's probably not a good idea. Take care and I'll TRY to write more often.