One Semester Looking Back

Finals are done. Life is now easier. But another sixteen hours looms just on the other side of the winter break. I stand at a point where, assuming it only takes me four years to get through my BA, I am 1/8 of the way through college. Now is a good time to look back.

It seems like just last week that I boarded a plane in Kansas City heading for orientation. And it seems like just yesterday that I headed to Christian Campus Fellowship (CCF, but more on that later). The semester has really flown by. But at the same time, it seems as if the friends I've made have been my friends since birth (I certainly pray that they will remain friends until death).

I started this year not knowing what was going on, and as such, went through three main stages. First came the excitement of being out on my own. Nights up until three, waking up only minutes before class. Enjoying the all-you-can-eat meal plan (four or five times a day). After deciding against ROTC in January, I singed up, intending on seeking a scholarship again. And I very quickly settled into the Wesley Foundation, the largest campus ministry with some 500 members. As it turns out, though, UGA is something of a party school. Short of drinking, there isn't much to do. And finding a group of friends out of 500 people is harder than it seems. ROTC was a disappointment, as UGA ROTC may be the best demonstration of the opposite of good leadership. So here comes the second stage, where I seriously considered transferring to a smaller school. Then, my heroic sister decided to introduce me to some friends she had at CCF here (yea for having a big sister within 60 miles). After attending three events with the sub-100 group, I very quickly found a group of friends (almost instantly with the other 11 freshman, and by the weekend with the rest). Enter phase three, which can only be known as awesomasity-rocious. I'm now quite happy at UGA, even without frat parties, and have never been closer to a group of friends. I would estimate that well over half of my free time is spent at CCF or with other CCFers.

And now, for the all-important lessons learned:
-You can skip class, but you shouldn't.
-Same with eating five meals a day.
-And staying up until three in the morning.
-Your dorm room is small. Even one sock on the floor makes it look and feel like a pig pen.
-All-nighters should only be pulled when absolutely necessary. Because by the end, a light bulb will make you laugh. And the fact that a light bulb just made you laugh...will make you laugh.
-Facebook is addictive.
-You used to be smart. When you get to college, you won't be anymore.
-Seeing spots means you need sleep. Or more caffeine.
-Dorms are scary places. It is best just not to ask questions of the drunk guy in the hallway.
-Exception to the previous rule: If he's passed out or puking, make sure he's alright.
-Your mini-fridge might explode on you.
-Coffee is good. Conversation is good. Conversations at coffee shops are great. They are even greater when it's after midnight.
-Finals are evil. Midterms are less evil, but only slightly so.

And I just got back from my last late night coffee shop run of the semester. I'm going to go try to sleep off the nine caffeine drinks I've had since seven this evening.

Rock on.