Day One: The Aftermath

Well, well. Day one is over and it has been a long, albeit enjoyable one. My first class, Color Concept wasn't until 12:30 but I got up early to take advantage of breakfast. After downing a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, I made a V-line for the dorm and went back to sleep. It was glorious. Today was our Convocation, which is nothing more than an over-glorified welcoming ceremony. We were escorted in by bagpiper, which I have to admit was pretty freakin' sweet. They gave everyone a sketchbook as we walked in and later in the ceremony we made our symbolic 'first-mark' together. It was clever.

Color Concept was fun, or as fun as the first day of class can be. I can tell it's going to be stressful but not impossible. Structural Drawing, which started at 6:45, was okay, lots of steps and seemingly pointless explanations. I enjoyed it, though. So far, I've met some really cool people. Last night was "80's Night" in the Crane Center and rather than watch drunken rave that was unfolding in the main room, I played pool with some (or, more like watched pool being played by some) really cool people. It's a little freaky how we Harry Potter fans are drawn to one another. Thank you Jo! It's nice to have that common bond right out of the shoot. After the party we headed back to a dorm room and had a great, and surprisingly enthusiastic discussion of the series. I loved it, so much so that it has now been determined that I will be going to the Halloween "Big Boo!" bash as The-Boy-Who-Lived with my friend Ashley going as Ms. Lovegood. It'll be awesome. I need a cloak.

So, I was thinking: You seniors are getting one hell of a "What to Expect in College" guide. With that in mind, here is a list of some things I have learned so far:

• You will feel homesick. No question. If someone tells you they don’t, they are lying. Don’t feel bad.
• Chocolate is an effective homesickness remedy.
• The scrambled eggs aren’t eggs, I don’t think.
• Your iPod will become your passport back to reality. If you don’t have one, good luck staying sane.
• Every once in a while, you’ll spot something or hear something that reminds you of home so much that you can’t help but smile. Embrace that moment.
• Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. It’s only polite and it cuts down on the awkwardness.
• Laugh, even if it’s not really all that funny. Laughter bonds people.
• If you’re like me, you will check Facebook a lot. It’s okay (although I must say it sucks when, after seven hours of class there are only two updates from people you don’t really care about. Hint, hint.)
• Get sleep, you’ll need it. Two classes and I’m drained.
• Call your friends. They’ll appreciate it and you won’t regret it.
• Get in the habit of silencing your phone before class and turning it back up after.
• Force yourself to leave the dorm. The more active you are, the less guilty you feel. But when you get back, post about what you just did to keep your online friends in the loop. It’s a cycle.

And that's from just two days here. Imagine what a wealth of knowledge you will have gained by the end of the year.
Well, I'm off to bed. I have my first morning class tomorrow, ugh.

Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.