It's the College Life for Me!

So... I had the best summer of my life. Probably of anyone's life. Let's recap.

I...went cliff jumping in Hawaii, flew over the ocean in a tiny airplane, swam with sea turtles, saw a fautasi race, watched fireworks over the ocean from under a palm tree, spent a lot of time snorkeling, jumped into an ocean trench, rowed a canoe at the Polynesian Cultural Center, read books to the most beautiful children in the world in their safe house, slid down waterfalls, hiked in a rainforest to Robert Louis Stevenson's grave, threw coconuts into an ocean blowhole, taught a year 13 English class at Pesega and worked with kids I will never forget, watched fire knife dancing, kissed someone in a cave pool...and under a waterfall...and in the ocean, took a ferry to another island, got interviewed in the airport and ended up on a Samoan tv show, saw an eel, watched the sunrise at the beach in Jacksonville, climbed a lighthouse, ate delicious Cuban food, saw a leopard sting ray from the fishing pier, listened to musicians on the boardwalk, spent a ridiculous amount of time watching the Olympics, hiked all over Bryce Canyon, slept under the stars, hung out with my favorite cousins, made henna, spent the weekend in Narnia (Kaitlin's cabin), celebrated my 21st birthday at the lake, played the ukulele, read good books, explored Springville, went rock climbing, had some sleepovers, petted a llama, camel, and tortoise, cried in the airport when Rachel came home from Taiwan, bought Justin Bieber tickets, did basically everything there is to do in Salt Lake City, and truly forgave someone. And I know there is a lot more that I will think of later!

I was excited to move back to Logan, but after my whirwind summer, the first couple of days were a little hard. Being back in school made me feel like everything that happened to me this summer was just a dream. In Samoa, I was constantly thinking about others and how I could help them, and when you're in school you have to think about yourself. And I honestly hate it! So I was feeling a little displaced the first few days of schools. I just want to live on an island and never wear shoes.

But...I love college. I always have and there's no reason to wish I were somewhere else. I have settled in and am remembering how much I love Utah State. So here's how the first week has been.

My apartment: I moved back into the same complex, but on the other side of it, and it feels like a totally different place. We always knew the "six" side was better, and it is. I love the first week of school when it's warm and everyone's doors are open and in and out of each other's apartments. My bedroom has a door that leads outside, which is new. But I really like it. I even sleep with the door open, so occasionally people pop in and wake me up. It's good times. Our apartment has brand new carpet, new couches, and a new fridge that's better than everyone else. We also have two bathrooms which is a huge win I wasn't even expecting. I live with Alexa, Alicia, Kim, Aimee and Colette and I love them all. Every apartment I lived in has had a different vibe, and I'm liking the one we have. I am the farthest along in school of the roommates, and probably the busiest, but it's nice because there's always someone around to play with when I'm not busy.

My classes: I am starting practicum/ clinicals this semester which has been overwhelming. Especially because we meet at 7:30 am. I may die. I've been assigned the 9th graders at Logan High, which I think will be a good fit. It's definitely going to be a lot of work, and I know I'm going to miss my Samoan students every time the kids whine at me, but it's fine. I'm also taking a Teaching Literature class, a stupid teaching with technology class online, and a South African Lit class which I'm actually really excited about. And...Abbie and I are taking African Dance!!!!!! I have taken many random p.e. classes in my day and I think this is gonna be my favorite! I love the live drums. They feed my soul.

My job: I am supervising in the writing center this semester and it's going to be great. This week I mostly shredded paper, but it's going to get better. I am already thinking of ways I can be the "fun" supervisor, so tutors, get ready for a lot of pizza during night shifts.

The other stuff: I love Utah State because there is something fun going on every night. Monday night was fhe and the concert by the tsc fountains. Fhe was more fun than expected, since it was just game night, but I forgot how much fun Apples to apples can be when 30 people are playing at once and at least a few of them have dirty minds. Alexa, Alicia and I went to the concert and sat with our feet in the fountain and had a life chat. They are great.

Tuesday night was African Dance and outdoor movie night on old main. I love outdoor movies even if I hate the movie. If that makes sense.

Wednesday I helped out Alternative Breaks at Day on the Quad. I loved seeing some people from the trip last year and running into a lot of other friends who were walking around the booths. It was Africa hot out there but we had a good time. I tried to give blood immediately afterward which didn't go so well. My blood clotted so they couldn't even use the blood that did come out. That has never happened to me before and they told me it was because I was dehydrated. I was bummed because I really did want to save some lives! Next time. That night Abbie and I met up with the fam for the Brigham City temple open house. It was beautiful and I loved seeing my sisters.

Thursday was game day! It feels good to be singing the Scotsman again.

Friday night was 80s night! So..about three minutes after I met my roommate Alexa she said, "I love ugly clothes. So if you think my clothes are ugly, it's okay, you can tell me, because that's why I like them." We didn't even have to go to DI to get 80s outfits because we all raided Alexa's closet. She also did out hair. She is the best!

I love being an Aggie.