A typical day in my life

College is the time when you’ll work hard and have the time to play hard, too. You'll have time to develop your talents, explore your interests, and just waste time, as well.

Are you kidding me? Is that really my alarm going off? It feels like I just got into bed about five minutes ago.

Maybe it’s the guy next door. His alarm is usually really loud.

No. That’s definitely my alarm. No one has gotten up to stop the incessant sound that is drilling into my head right now.

The start to my day is the only thing that is typical: waking up wishing that I had gotten more sleep. (Of course, never regretting having lived life to its fullest, even if that is 3 a.m.)

So I am going to put out my objections now with the thought that no day is really “typical.” But, in order to make sure that my page is not blank this month, I am going to describe a typical Tuesday from last semester.

Wake up… see above (applicable to any day). Think: “Well it’s almost ten. I should get up and start my lab report so I can get it done in time for Physics lab.”

Toil away for about four hours.

Stress over getting everything printed and to lab by 2:00.

Lab 2-4. Think: “Wow, there are so many better ways I could spend my time than here.”

Ok. It’s off to voice lessons now for one hour.

Yawn, what an exhausting day.

So what’s the point? College is about independent learning and flexibility.

When you come to Carolina (or any college I assume) the responsibility is in your hands to do the learning. For me, it was very convenient that my first class on Tuesday was at 2 p.m. and I could work all morning on my reports. But what is not told by a seemingly free and relaxed environment is that on Monday I sometimes went to class from 9-5 with only a one-hour break.

The schedule varies, but the academic demands never let up. Would you expect it to be any different though?

And after class… that’s when the day begins. Meetings, activities, maybe even a job.

There’s nothing typical about it. There’s nothing else like it. College is the time when you’ll work hard and have the time to play hard, too. Time to develop your talents, explore your interests, and just waste time, as well.

Well, I’m writing this late at night (not surprising as that’s when most of my writing occurs) and must go to pack now. I have to get ready for class tomorrow that is part of my graduation requirements: downhill skiing.

As always, respond with what’s on your mind.

adam

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Below is a question I received. Thought I would post the response for all to see.
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Sarah writes: Was it difficult going to an out-of-state university and being one of a small percentage of out-of-state students? Do regional differences disappear after you spend some time at the school? What was your experience like?

Answer:

Sarah,

I have to admit, it was totally scary coming here in the middle of the summer for orientation knowing no one. Then when school started, knowing only the few people I met at orientation. (Strangely, I am still friends with all the orientation buds, and one is my best friend and I live with him.) Everyone here was so friendly, and all freshmen want to make friends with new people, so it really didn't make a bit of difference. Really, it was the easy way to start a conversation.

When trying to decide whether being out-of-state made me different, I cannot deny the answer being yes. But, I don't think there is any way to get around the fact that you are different if you don't come from the same town as someone. But the amount of this difference in the grand scheme of being a student is what matters.

People here accept you for who you are. It is a big university with a diverse group of people, and not just diversity based on where you live. So your hometown will be only part of what distinguishes you from your neighbor in the dorms or the person who you study with from one of your classes.

It's funny that you mention tea in your example of different tastes. Down here, if you don't like sweet tea, then you are the odd man. I don't like sweat tea. Not liking tea at all is probably less noticeable than my asking for un-sweetened tea.

I never worried about being different here because I came here to be different from everyone else who I knew from home. It's the fact that this is an environment where everyone's differences makes a strong community that makes this such a great place.

You are right to say that I adjusted, but what I adjusted to, and what anyone adjusts to, is being away from home.

Now I call Carolina my home, even in front of my mom "at home."

adam

OTHER LETTERS

My most memorable experience

What I wish I knew in 12th grade

Why Carolina?