Thetas outside on campus
Trying to pick up our Theta sign
The new Student Life Pavilion!
Holding up signs for the new pledges!
Our sorority bid day activity: Sunset harbor cruise
Coronado bridge!
caught me laughing
The sun setting over Coronado Island
part of downtown San Diego at sunset
Our Kappa Alpha Theta chapter!
The sunset from my on-campus apartment windowHola!
Here I am, sitting at work at the UC Front Desk, and I am happy as can be! It's not a facade...though it may look like one with a few things that have been going on in my life. Break was wonderful by the way. I love Christmas. I love how it is an excuse for families to be together and for people to be happy and for love to seep out of the dark crevices of life. Every Christmas just keeps getting better, as I find it a treat to spend time with my family, not a chore. I received some amazing gifts, but my favorite part is giving gifts. I love knowing what to get someone for a gift...it's always great to realize just how much I know a person, and then to see the smile on their face reach their eye balls. I love that it snowed at home (back in ole KC, MO) and that I spent all day in my brand new footie pjs (that's right. Light pinky, bunny pjs with bunny-faced footies, "Christmas Story" stylel).
New Year's was a blast as well. I tend to keep it toned-down on that night every year. Spending time with good friends is a must, and making sure to call friends from school is a double must! This year was a little different because 2 of my best friends--also my neighbors--actually came out to San Diego for vacation over New Years. Of course, I wasn't here, so I was a little home sick even while I was at home! It was great, however, facebook stalking them to see that they have been to all the places that I frequent while here: Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Coronado Island, etc. While they were out here in the balmy San Diego sun, I was at home in 3 feet of snow. I did get to try skiing out for the first time, and went sledding with my brother multiple times, having a blast! But, at the same time, when I found myself snowed-in, not allowed to drive on the icy streets, my mind would wander to San Diego. Yes, I have my fair share of complaints about school while I am here, but I am more than elated with my decision to attend school at USD.
After my month of philandering around Kansas City, Missouri, I came back to Cali for Sorority Recruitment. We had a spirit week of preparation for formal recruitment, followed by recruitment week, so I have been here for a week and a half prior to classes beginning yesterday. It has been wonderful to settle back into my room, and even spend some time in a room by myself! When I am at home, I tend to stick around my family and friends, but a little alone time never hurt anyone! Especially after long days of dancing and singing and joyous sorority activity in heels!
Unfortunately, this past friday, I had something unfortunate happen in my family. Of course, I cried a little, as almost anyone would do in my situation. And, being so far away from home kills me in tough situations. But my sorority sisters, roommates, and good friends I have made at the university have all opened their arms to me. It's great that I can see someone and automatically get a hug without expecting it. People really feel for me and my family, and I can read it in their faces and hear it in their: "If you ever need to talk"s and "Everything happens for a reason"s. It's comforting to know that people are praying for me, and that people can flat out cry with me, for they know what has happened in my life is unfortunate and unjust. They can do all of this with the true thought that I would do the same for them in any unfortunate situation that may come their way. These people are who I live with. They are who I share my ups and downs with. They are my home away from home.
After last year's bout with homesickness, I never thought that I would feel comfortable here. No matter the weather, the water, the proximity to amazing things, I never thought I could call it home. But home is where your heart is, and with so many people on my side here at school, it would be a lie to say that I don't leave part of my heart with the people in San Diego when I go back to my family in Kansas City.
Ladies and gents: If you are on the fence about coming to the University of San Diego based on proximity to your family, go for it. Your family will always be there and visits will be even greater. I must admit, I have a very close family, and we even fought quite a bit before I headed to college. But, since coming here, we don't fight. I believe it has everything to do with our proximity and a much needed break. You could come out here and love it or you could come out here and hate it. Either way, you need to do it to say you've done it. You can always go home, but if you don't try it out, you could regret it in your future.
So, as classes start for me and the college decision looms near in your future, just know that once here, life is what you make it. I have started a semester of classes that I already absolutely adore (and myself having early on-set senioritis, this is amazing that I like anything about school!) and am spending quality time with people I have really grown to care for in the past year and a half. No matter where you end up, you can do this too. College and life in general is what you make it. If you need any help decision-wise, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks guys!!
Erin
