Years are difficult things to summarize. Nonetheless, though I understand this has the potential to be quite boring, I consider it important as an introduction to the upcoming year.
I shall be brief.
If, after this, you are still curious about this person known as The Author, you may skip over to the “Author Sketch” page. I introduce myself more fully there.
Are there any people out there?
I would say my first year at Bryn Mawr has to be taken as a complete package. Oftentimes, people are disposed to fragment experiences and life in general into the smallest components. I opt not to do that. It diminishes the fun of swinging in a hammock on late August days, working in Haffner until I got mad tired of hiding from my manager, Steven (heh), participating in Traditions, or just figuring out life as a collegiate first year.
I’ll admit that I’ve had a somewhat hard time finding my “niche” at BMC.
I would largely attribute this to having looked in the wrong places. I don’t make friends from the classroom. I make them from work or co-curricular groups. I’d say the academic stress “song” is codswallop. Life’s as hard as you make it. If you stick to your strengths (as I did) and do not find yourself in Computer Science (as I didn’t) you will likely survive your first year. Those are largely my feelings about my Freshman year.
This past summer I had the fortune to work (for a week) at a local Christian day camp and study in Tianjin, China for five weeks. This last was entitled “The International Summer Program in China” and was paid almost entirely by BMC. I love spending my college’s coffers…
On the rocks: at a natural spring in Qufu, China.
I met people from Sweden, China, Singapore, and England. I took two courses (for which I will receive credit!), and visited Beijing, Qufu, and parts of Tianjin. I had a wonderful time; in many regards I feel it clarified (some) of my thoughts about China. I have now returned with intentions to divide and conquer. Because I can self-clone. Or something.
All comments, questions, and “derp” responses welcome!
Next Time…: The Author finds herself mildly beset by scheduling problems, must figure out the Bryn Mawr music scene, and acknowledges her need for a frenetic life.
