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Shen'S JOURNAL May 2006 FOUND at CC:Let me start by saying that I’m so frigging happy! My freshman year at CC has been amazing, to say the least. My last entry was a bit of a downer, but since then everything has turned out so much better than I expected. Since January, I’ve enjoyed a trip to the CC cabin (where the infamous cabin video was taped; aka the Asian house’s Blair Witch Project), I went deaf, for a day and a half, after attending The Doobie Brothers’ frigging incredible performance at Llamapalooza, and my bladder has suffered permanent damage at a Ron White concert (I really had to “go” but I didn’t want to miss a second of Ron White’s genius stand-up so I just did what any devoted fan would do; don’t make me spell it out). And, as a year-end celebration, my roommate and I have started a new tradition of running through the sprinklers while singing Henry the Eighth. That’s right, we ran through the same sprinklers that spew nasty non-potable water. (Hey, after endless hours of studying you begin to think it’s a good idea.) Aside from life at CC, I’ve also been preparing to make my long overdue visit to China. I’m really excited about reuniting with my family there, I haven’t seen most of them for more than 10 years, and I don’t even know anyone’s name (I was never any good with foreign names). Moving on…. Because I’ve really enjoyed living and learning at CC, I would like to share a list of items I’ve “found” at CC with my fellow readers (all five of you). I’ve found friends in some unlikely places, including churches, bathrooms, Seven-Eleven stores, and 3 a.m. strolls around campus. Remember, there is life outside of the CC bubble. I’ve found that cell phones really boost your social life. (I’m guessing that a lack of communication may have accounted for my nonexistent social status before spring semester.) I’ve found that taking math and science courses on the block plan require a lot more time and energy than most other courses. I’ve also found that it sucks to fall ill on the block plan, especially while taking a math or science course. The work really piles up and you’re left trying to catch up during the weekend. I know now that I can avoid this situation by stocking up on Airborne and Vitamin C tablets. I’ve learned, the hard way, that overdosing on Vitamin C at the onset of a cold is way preferable to taking Nyquil later on (that stuff can knock you out for quite a while). I’ve also found that when someone loitering outside Worner asks if you have a minute to talk about the environment, the best response you can give is, “I’m already a member.” They’ll give you the thumbs up and let you be on your way. (I’d like to thank Ryan for this advice.) You could just say no but I feel that by employing this method of rejection those environmental protection people will not only spare you the whole “save the frigging wetlands” speech but they also won’t call you an a**h*le under their breath. I’ve found that this method also carries over for religious groups. (I don’t know about Colorado Springs, but in Houston the fight against The Watchtower hasn’t been a raging success.) I never knew that four words could be so powerful. I’m thinking about using the magic words on charities as well (do NOT judge me; I may have said it but you know you were thinking it). I’ve definitely found that the Student Digest is your friend. It’s sad that most people just ignore that daily email the school sends to keep you updated about CC events. Whether it’s enjoying a foreign film in Armstrong, attending an indie artists’ concert at Shove Chapel or going out to buy a copy of “Freakonomics” for Steven Levitt to sign, I wouldn’t have indulged in any of these things without prior notice from the Student Digest. (I know that on most days the digest has like fifty thousand listings, but it’s easy to quickly spot a headline that catches your interest and to just follow through with its news.) There’s so much more to be found at CC and I’m truly looking forward to my remaining three years here. And before I sign off, I want to thank my wonderful host mother (adopt-a-mom) who really helped me get past the freshman hurdle and who I know I can depend on to provide bail money later on (kidding, kidding)! To the Class of 2009: Congratulations, you made it through the first year! See you guys in the fall. :-) |