We're Going To Be Friends

first week of college: done

all the rest of my weeks of college: still pretty daunting

I have officially completed one week of college classes. 

I was scared out of my mind on Tuesday when I sat down in my seat for my first class(a&p). The hour and fifteen minute class went by pretty fast because I like science and my instructor is funny. Once I found out that my other classes were all in the same building, it was smooth sailing. Mainly because most of my anxiety came from the fact that I am extremely directionally challenged and thought I wouldn't be able to find the classrooms.:)

As a homeschooler, I was always told that I would have a hard time adjusting to college. I didn't give the naysayers much merit because, obviously, they weren't homeschooled, so how would they know? Although I usually brushed these comments and questions off, the thought still stuck at the back of my mind when I was getting ready for my first day. Looking back, I can't believe I ever worried about it!

As it turns out, college is not that much different from homeschooling. Really, the only significant changes are that there are tons of people and the cafeteria is really confusing (embarrassing confession #1: I spent 2 hours in the lunchroom trying to figure out how the line worked. I never did. I did not eat lunch). My teachers expect me to be prepared for the lesson ahead of time. I am supposed to read my books by myself, on my own time. I am supposed to do my homework without my teacher reminding me. I am supposed to study for a test without my teacher giving me a detailed study guide or playing a quiz game in class. I am supposed to take notes on my own time. All of my homework is online (anyone remember SOS? yeah, it's pretty much the same concept). My instructors don't care when I get there, when I leave, or even if I show up at all as long as I understand the material and get the work done. And really, they could even care less about that because if I don't do any work, it doesn't reflect poorly on them as a teacher. I can wear whatever I want, even pajamas. I can eat in class. I can text message my friends in class. In A&P lab, we get to dissect a cat and I don't have to pretend I'm not excited about it, just like homeschool:).

I know that it's going to be a LONG road, that it is going to be REALLY hard, and that it will be a change, but thanks to my parents, I think I can handle it. 

All I Could Do Is Cry

Sitting here in Hawaii, in my beautiful bedroom, looking at my fantastic view of our inner courtyard, and listening to the rain. Oh wait, it's not raining anymore. Just kidding now it's raining again...(not really.. but seriously, the next time someone tells me the weather in Texas is bipolar, I am going to laugh.)

I feel so blessed to be here. Every 2 inches there is a new kind of flower, the sunrise is so magnificent it makes you cry, and absolutely everything is green and in full bloom. Being here is a constant reminder of God's love for us in that He didn't have to make everything so beautiful, but He did anyway. Living in nature's blowdryer, I think sometimes I forget that. The only bad part is that I have to go home today... (although I am starting to have Mexican food withdrawals...;)) 

We have done so many amazing things in just 6 days that it just blows my mind to think about it all! We have seen over a dozen waterfalls, a double rainbow, witnessed dolphins jumping in the air and doing flips in the ocean, rode in a boat to go snorkeling (that part didn't go over too well with my stomach..), and saw steam come straight out of the ground! 

This trip has been a much needed reminder of God's glory and the beauty that surrounds us. I am dreading going home and getting ready for school and being in 465 degree weather, but it's all good. I can handle it now that I have pictures of beaches and whales to look at.