Time and Tide

Reminiscence on the passing of time and thoughts on the future

Well, yesterday I had the last class of my freshman year. A few finals next week, and I'm officially 1/4 of the way through college. (For some reason people laugh when I say, "Only six semesters left!" Is that funny to you, readers?)

I'm really looking forward to the summer. I'm mildly stressed about my physical geography exam and finishing the essays for my Medieval Russian History final. My mind is all scrambled up with different styles of footnoting and types of sand dunes. However, I've enjoyed parts of college and, I think, learned some stuff. I'll miss some of my professors (classmates? hahahaha) Since I've posted exactly three times during my first two semesters, it seems like I ought to do some kind of wrap-up here about the things I've learned, experienced, and thought.

Looking Behind: Random thoughts about college

Actual spot on my campus

I've learned that you never look forward to holidays and breaks so much until the in-between isn't your favorite thing.

Some professors care and some professors think they care. Students don't pretend to care.

I've also learned a thousand times over how great homeschooling is. Really, guys, American public education isn't worth the price of running the school buses (no offense if you went to public school... I'm just shocked that they don't teach handwriting, physical science, cursive, math, grammar or geography. And they obviously aren't teaching character or manners, so I'm at a loss to say how thirteen years of six hour days were spent.).

Yes, I know it's ironic that I'm getting a teaching degree. (But if I'm honest, which I usually am, I have the greatest hope that I shall never use the degree, as I'll have my hands full with my own little ones within two years of graduation).

I've learned that I can write an essay, and enjoy it... but that I stress about it anyway.

Riding the bus is fun and the best bus drivers can make your day. I miss the people I see on the bus (but don't talk to) more than the people I sit next to in class.

It matters which side of the street you board the bus.

I've also learned that I'm a really arrogant and judgmental person. I don't want to write this, but I will be honest with you, reader. It's impossible for me to love the students who are basically my age but grew up in a cultural atmosphere so different than mine and have such different standards, lifestyles, etc. It's much easier for me to build up those barriers than bridge them. With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. This is reality, even if I don't always tap into it.

I learned I like getting up early. Just kidding. I already knew that.

Looking Ahead: The joys of summer break

This month, three of my cousins are graduating. How life changes!

I am more excited for summer than I've been in the last ten years. I'm excited for:

I don't actually take cream or sugar in my tea, but I always put them out because I have an adorable pair of claw-shaped sugar tongs and a very pretty pitcher.

Summer tea parties. You're never too old for a tea party.

The Jane Austen Society of North America's AGM, which is taking place in a city nearish to me. (Technically September, but being who I am, I'm already planning for and getting excited about it.) There will be kindred spirits and dancing. That's all I need to know.

Going to an annual outdoor Shakespeare performance.

Picnics!

Lying under a tree, reading a book.

The garden I planted. (I already see some little shoots coming up. It is only six days after I planted. They look very similar, green and healthy. Yes, I'm pretty sure I'm benefiting some baby weeds.)

Spending time enjoying the aforementioned tides.

Writing.

The feeling of enchantment that always comes with summer. (Midsummer Night's Dream and flower fairies and whatnot.) I once hosted a fairy-themed ball in the middle of June. You're also never too old for fairies.

Okay, yeah, I should probably be studying for my geography exam right now. Fare-thee-well.