Hey, I'm Jenny! The transition to college has been pretty weird. I've had so much stuff to do all over the place that it feels like it's been months since I've left home, but it's only been ten days since I was cramming socks into random and available places in my suitcases before boarding the plane. I've talked to so many new people that I've lost track of the number, but each person has been so nice, considering how awkward and weird I am! I did promise myself one hundred people, and I'm fairly sure I've broken that by far. I live on Douglass, and it's absolutely beautiful. I eat at Neilson's most of the time, and it's delicious. I go to Rutgers, and it's pretty darn awesome.
Besides coming to Rutgers, it’s been my first time:
- Taking a cold shower (well, the coldest the water could be on the fourth consecutive ninety-something degree day) willingly. I’ve only ever done lukewarm showers before, and normally mine are scalding hot.
- Seeing a squirrel run nonchalantly across a power line outside my window.
- Experiencing such diversity - honestly, I’m coming to think that if you can’t find someone to relate to here, then you’re probably an alien. But even an alien could probably find someone to relate to here, it just might take a while, considering Rutgers has enrolled a record-breaking student body this year of over fifty-thousand.
- Having no friends. Not even kind of recognizing a face because of extremely distant mutual friends. Having grown up in the same city for eighteen years on the West Coast, in every single activity, camp, etc. that I did, I knew at least one person. Coming to Rutgers, I truly did swipe my RU ID card into my dorm building with a a blank slate. (This works literally, since I have a temporary ID card right now. In other words, my face is currently not on the card! Haha, sorry, I like cheesy things like that.) I did talk to my roommate on Facebook before coming, but I don’t really count that, and I’m still in the process of turning acquaintances into friends. So, come talk to me and become my friend!
- Spending two hours on the phone with Rutgers’ tech support, a lot of which was listening to the wide range of music genres on hold which were all very soothing to a very computer-illiterate me. But now, being able to get internet on my bed, beyond the reach of the wall’s internet ports and any ethernet cable? So, so worth it. Thanks so much, ResNet!
- Sitting with random people in the dining hall, not all of which were necessarily all that open to receiving me. But, the times that it has went well have been more worth it than the WiFi. Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me!
- Getting a legitimate job at the Douglass Cafe. It's pretty fun! I've met a lot of new people, I get paid, I'm around good, freshly made food all the time, does it really get much better? And as weird as it may sound, it’s a nice contrast from studying to tasks that you can do without thinking too terribly hard.
- Managing important things much more independently. I’ve lost track of how many people I’ve called and e-mailed about things ranging in importance from pretty important to really important. One unfortunate thing about college is that my mom isn’t around to handle these things for me anymore.
- Catching the Rutgers Weekend 1 bus by one minute, the next one being almost an hour away. Win! Yep.
- Taking the train to New York with the seats oriented one way and the train moving the other way. I guess you get used to it, going backwards. It was also a farewell to my parents. Last time I'll see them until winter break. :(
- Acorns. Whole acorns. The best I ever had at home was a few measly shells. Here, they’re all completely nuts and intact and everything. Hahaha! Sorry, again.
I leave you with two pictures that I took when I remembered to take pictures. Will try for more next week!
When I missed the bus. :P
Rutgers! At the convocation, the marching band is making a really awesome "R"!
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