Oops, I guess that's not quite accurate. The bit about being Glinda (or, as this picture would suggest, Kristin Chenoweth), that is. I do live in a bubble. I call that bubble "college."Don't get me wrong, I love college. I like learning everything I can get my hands on about psychology, and I have appreciated what all of the classes have offered me-- even the ones that may not have been my first choice. I like that the vast majority of students at my school live on campus all four years, and that everyone is in walking distance. While I get sick of it, I am nevertheless grateful for the dining hall-- they cook for me and (more importantly) wash all of the dishes.
At the end of the day, though, it's easy to forget that the world doesn't begin and end with my little campus here in southern California. If I turn in a paper (or don't) or get an A on an exam (or don't) or go out or stay in on Friday night, it doesn't really impact the rest of the world at all. Most of us are at least somewhat politically involved, but our issues are similar. We debate abortion, feminism, and so on. While I really enjoy the intellectual discourse, I still realise that the issues we deal with here are not the same as those that the whole world faces.
Study abroad is an important experience when you go to a school as small as mine, it's good to get out into the real world and come back with your experiences. I lived in Taiwan from when I was 13 until I was 17, and so my London experience was a fun comparison to that. The history really got me. My friend, Wednesday, on the other hand, went to South Africa. She worked in clinics there, and sat in on C-sections. They offered to let her assist, but she declined (wisely)(she has no training in this). She now speaks some Zulu. Another of my friends spent the semester in Denmark, another is in Spain now, and several currently reside in Italy.
It's nice being back in my little college bubble after my excursions abroad, but sometimes it does feel a little bit stifling.
*** Oh no, does this sound like I am somehow not enjoying college? No, no , no! I love it here. I am incredibly grateful to be here. I LOVE it. I'm a tour guide. I am ALL ABOUT this college. I just think that we all get very caught up in a very small world while we are here.
Oh, how I miss debating controversial issues with other passionate academics! I know you say stifling, but with enough distance between me and my college years, I only remember it being stimulating! Stifling to me know is being stuck at home alone with two kids 5 days a week, with my most important debate centering on why fruit snacks are not an appropriate breakfast food. I know that college is not easy, but try to enjoy every minute. It goes by so fast! And if you ever want to discuss feminist ideology, I'm here desperate for the adult interaction, LOL! I actually just stopped by to introduce myself as a new SITSa and invite you over to “Two Under Two. Whew!” for my super-fun-and-little-bit-silly giveaways, one of which is tied to our fellow SITSa, BlogBaby! You could win a collection from Tiny Two’s Baby Animals line, or some chocolate covered pretzels! See you around the blogosphere friend!
ReplyDeleteOh college is the best. Seriously, the best years of my life. No true responsibility yet, just having fun and getting educated. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteListen to what Carebear has to say...don't wish these wonderful college years away...savor every minute of them. They will be the most memorable of your life.
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