What I've Learned

Now that the semester is over, it is time to reflect. What have I learned thus far? What are the most valuable aspects of college life? How have I changed as a human being? 

 

Quite the epic questions, eh? Here are a few things I have learned:

 

1. Dorm room odors are not pleasant, and are impossible to get rid of.

2. Caf food does not get better, you just grow numb to it.

3. Final exams are a lot of work, but it is so much easier if you keep up with the readings.

4. Washing clothes is not entirely necessary to have a social life. My mum has yet to be convinced.

5. Hammocks are beautiful things.

6. Facebook should be avoided at all costs.

 

That is what thousands upon thousands of dollars spent on a college education is teaching me. No, I am being silly, I have learned a lot, and my classes have been worthwhile for the most part. It took me a while to realize it, but finals week has really shown me how much information has been packed into my slightly above average-sized head. It's amazing how many pages I have read, and how many facts I have memorized in a few short months, and I am amazed to say I feel as though I know what I am talking about!

 

Now I am enjoying the much-anticipated holiday break, and everything that it involves. It's nice to be home, even though I am only two miles from my Luther residence. I am spending time with my family and old friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. I am afraid, however, that I may run out of things to do. I have already gone cross-country skiing, winter biking, been introduced to the world of video games, and eaten way too much. Life is good.

 

Well, I am off to have a boxing match with a couple of my mates; Jason, Daniel, and Paul, so I must go. Happy holiday season, everyone.

 

Peace,

Collin 

Snow is cold.

Hello one and all, this is an exciting day. I have only one remaining class and I am finished with the semester. Granted, I still have next week's finals, but the regular classroom sessions will be complete. And how grand that I get to go out with a bang, finishing it all off with a Paideia discussion about Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, followed by a quiz over the same material. How could I ever be so lucky.

 

All the loose ends are being tied up before everyone takes off for break. I am really looking forward to having some time off. I do feel, however, that it will be a lot different when I get back. This could be because I will have a different schedule, but there is also the fact that many students will be traveling abroad or elsewhere off campus for J-Term, meaning it may be a little less lively around here. Two of my good friends are having adventures during the month of January, one is going to France and the other to my adopted homeland of New Zealand. Both trips are going to be amazing, and I wish them the best of luck with all their travels. I also look forward to the study abroad opportunities in which I will have to take part later in my college experience.

 

Another strange sensation will be the lack of  responsibility for a couple weeks. I have grown used to the never-ending deadlines and assignments, so it will be very, I repeat, very nice, but a little awkward to fill my time with other things. I look forward to seeing my family and long-lost Decorah natives returning back from their own universities or other callings. It will be just like the good ol' days.

 

I would like to wish all of you out there in cyberspace an enjoyable holiday season, whatever holiday you are celebrating. And for those of you who are not celebrating any holidays, have a wonderful winter season. If I get the chance, I may drop a few lines over break, but if not, I will see you in January of 2008.

 

Peace,

Collin

The End is Near...

Now is the time where the tension begins to build and becomes nearly tangible across the campus. Yes, it is finals season! If this time of year were a recipe it could consist of two heaping cups of last-minute cramming, a pound-and-a-half of very late nights, 2 teaspoons of hair-pulling, and just a pinch of crying on the inside.

 

Honestly, it's not that bad, and a lot of it depends on the professor and the class. Some professors treat this time no differently than a normal couple weeks, finished with a typical exam. Others make a big deal of it. It is the luck of the draw, I suppose. 

 

I was not exaggerating the feeling of tension across campus, though. Christmas at Luther is taking up the majority of a lot of people's time, and the act juggling that commitment along with preparations for finals is not something I envy. I really admire the gumption of those involved, they are true go-getters. I look forward to the performance tonight, I've heard it is fantastic.

 

In other news, we had our first significant snow last night. We have already had small flurries and whatnot, but this stuck and now we are all immersed in a winter wonderland. A flood of people migrated outdoors last night to experience the first mini blizzard of the season. I learned a new technique for sledding last night, as well. It involves wearing a trash bag like a diaper and sliding down the hill on your bum. It looks like fun, and I just may have to try it once I can get my hands on a trash bag.

 

I should start hacking away at my biology lab report, so to all of my loyal readers out there in the virtual world; take care of yourselves and give your mothers a hug and a kiss for the holidays.

 

Peace,

Collin

Today's Sunday - the last day of Thanksgiving break. Like every other break in my past, I told myself that I was going to finish all of my schoolwork early so I could enjoy the last few days off with pure freedom. And again, just like every other break, I didn't and now I must spend my Sunday doing biology readings and finishing two papers, one in english and one in spanish.

 

I can't complain, though. I enjoyed the time off. It is really nice to have variations in a schedule that is often so repetitive. Although the security of knowing what comes next and what is expected can help avoid forehead worry wrinkles, I am the kind of guy who is fidgety and enjoys spontaneity and diversity in my schedule. So even a slight, and expected variation such as Thanksgiving break is welcomed with open arms.

 

But tomorrow it is back to the regimented schedule, back to classes and back to Luther's campus. No need to complain or moan, it is fine. Especially because I can rest easy knowing that soon there will be a new change, which is winter break and a new semester.

 

Everyone take care out there. Avoid the winter blues and flu's and keep on keepin' on. And do me a favor - go outside.

 

Peace,

Collin

Registration complete

It's that time of the semester. Registration for the next semester is upon us. Not only for spring semester, but also for J-term. For those of you who may not know, J-Term is a mini semester during the month of January where one takes only one class, but has it every day of the school week. A lot of students also take this opportunity to study abroad. It's a nice way of getting out of here, but for a shorter period of time. However, all first years are required to do a first year seminar. Some of you rebellious punks out there might find this an infringement on your personal rights and freedoms, but I just want to tell you, most of the seminars that are specifically for first years are better than the other courses offered to other students. Do not fear, they are very cool classes. For example, I am going to take a class called "Experimental Archaeology." It may sound boring, but I talked with the prof. and he said that it will consist mainly of researching tools and weapons of ancient cultures, and recreating those utensils and seeing if and how they function. Not too shabby.

It is always nice to have a little change of pace, so I am really looking forward to the switch of the schedule. It can get dull having the same schedule every week, so the transition is welcomed by most students.

Another note for you prospective students out there; take as many college level courses as you can while in high school. It is very convenient in registration because those with credits are automatically put in the front of the line. That is a good thing, kiddies. Classes fill up fast and you want to get ahead in any way you can. Not only that, but it can also save you money, and the material is more interesting most of the time. That is my advice, do with it what you will.

Other than that, most things are pretty much the same as always. Students and professors 

are gearing up for Thanksgiving break, which will be nice. We are all hacking away at the homework and the teachers never cease assigning more. 

I will have some fun stuff in the future for you all. I may be getting a camera so I can give you some snapshots of my life, including where I live and the goofy Swedish kid who I call my roomate. You will get to meet him better; it's a good thing. So, be waiting for that. But until then, I say farewell, and have a wonderful week.

 

Peace,

Collin

 

   

p.s. Filip wanted me to note that his crazy hair is a result of the fan blowing. Nothing, however, explains either of our strange expressions.

The first of many...

Hello all, as you can tell by the page you just came from, my name is Collin. I am a pleasant simpleton who claims 19 years of age, and am a first year at this nice, little college called Luther. Not only that, but I am also a townie. Yes, I decided, after living in Decorah for 12 years that I was just not quite satisfied yet. So I made the long, treacherous expedition from my house, which is a grueling mile away, and here I am, an official student at Luther. 

 

My brother and me (left) in Perú this past summer

Some would say that it is a terrible idea to stay so close to home, but to be honest, it hardly feels as though I am only a few blocks away. The campus is its own community, very separate from the Decorah township in some ways, and deeply intertwined in other ways. I occasionally see familiar faces around campus and around town, but it is surprising how infrequent it can be. My father actually works in the same building as my work-study, but I hardly ever see him. I was told by other townies before I decided to come to Luther that it can be as separate as one wants it to be.

 

I do still enjoy the town as I know it. It is very convenient sometimes to be a natural in navigation and have an insider's point of view on the activities and happenings of Decorah. For example, I still have a job downtown at the food coop, and I do my weekly mountain bike rides on Decorah's amazing trail system (If you ride, you must come to Decorah. Our single track mountain bike trails are fantastic. I'll even give you a tour!). I am able to do my laundry at home and save a couple bucks, so there are many pros to the situation. 

 My work-study job at Luther            

So that gives you a little insight on me and my life. Thanks for reading and I hope you will take the time to check back in weekly to see what is going on with me and around campus. If you have any questions or anything of the sort, feel free to reply, or email me directly: thomco02@luther.edu.

  

  

Peace,                    

Collin