I cannot believe I have almost completed my first semester of college. It feels like just yesterday I got my ID and keys, moved into my (first) room and cried while I said goodbye to my parents. A lot has changed since then, I turned 18, switched rooms, was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and all in all, had an amazing time. I feel so blessed and lucky to be attending my dream school, Sarah Lawrence. The smaller classes, amazing professors and intellectual discussions are why I came to this school. But I am also finding many amazing friends. Never before in my life have I had such an easy time making friends, and I feel loved and accepted here. SLC is not perfect (What school is?) and this semester has not been perfect, but there is a lot to be thankful for.
As I write this I am curled up in sweats, with my comforter around my shoulders, drinking a steaming mug of tea (to ease the sore throat I woke up with this morning). It snowed really hard yesterday, and we have at least half a foot of snow, so I am going to hibernate for the day! I have a long day ahead of me, trying to get the rest of the work for this semester done before I board my train home next friday. I got my first term paper done on Friday, and I have two more papers and an exam to get through before then!
On Friday I went to the last SLAC (Sarah Lawrence Activites Council) meeting, where I am one of the publicity assistants. Even though I am the only First-Year student, all the other students have been so wonderful at taking me seriously, and making me feel like a real part of the group. Not to mention I always know what is going on campus!
On Thursday I had one of my favorite classes, Actor's Workshop, which is basically 4 hours a week of dramatic improv. My teacher is a joy, very understanding and encouraging, and I am surrounded by a room full of talented people. Somehow, over the course of this semester, we have all become very close, and I feel so comfortable in that class. On Thursday I was doing a scene, and something in me just clicked. Rather than feeling inhibited and nervous, I felt confident and sure of myself, and was able to give what one of my classmates called "an authentic" performance. It felt incredible, and completely boosted my confidence for the rest of the day.
I am so excited to be home in less than a week, and to be able to really catch up with people and enjoy my time at home for more than a few days. I am excited for Christmas, helped along by the festive decorations in my dorm room, cooke decorating, and fabulous Christmas Carol jam sessions with my musically inclined roommate. I have gift ideas aplenty, and am looking forward to some decent home cooked meals. But, I will miss my friends, my classes, my roommate, and this beautiful snow-covered campus that I have come to call Home. My life has become a balance of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar, sick and well, and stresses and relaxation. And I would not have it any other way.
Hoping that this Holiday Season brings you joy, peace and happiness. <3
