Back in Appleton, back to LU

last book i've read: A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks
music currently caressing my ears: Sleep playlist (gentle)
general mood: full and a little lonely.
quote i just thought of: "i saw you.... coming back to me." --jefferson airplane

I'm back on campus, back for more.... hopefully things change from last year. This year, for me, has kicked off with meetings with my advisor and the professor I will be a teaching assistant for. I have also had a meeting with the wonderful folks at the sexual assault crisis center, and I will be starting my volunteer work soon, as soon as I can. I am also still planning to work at the Seeley G. Mudd library, sing in chorale, attend LCF as regularly as possible, and still attempt to have a social life!

Meanwhile, I'm still struggling with a search for Truth, whether it's within my reach or whether I have to give up what I love, or if God, heaven and hell are real, and I shouldn't question. Do I look to scripture, or do I read someone else's point of view? Do I know enough on my own to make the right decision, or do people who aren't lucky like me go to hell? Yeah, not really sure, no clear cut answers, just pieces to a puzzle I hope I can fit together.

It's lonely to be back though, too. I have a quad with three other roommates, and sometimes I still feel alone. It's such a weird feeling, I'm surrounded by people I love and who love me, and I just, well, right now, I'm alone. Sarah's asleep, Wayland's as work, Bart is off somewhere, and I am here. I should go to the library just to do something other than be here. Tomorrow will leave me more than enough to do over the weekend....

This term I have beginning Spanish, psychopharmacology and behavior, and history of anthropological ideas. Looking good, looking good. I truly hope all goes well. Until then....

A Word on Plagiarism

DON'T. As a student at Lawrence University, I know the consequences of plagiarism, let alone the embarrassment and foolishness of doing such things. So naturally when I came across a poem on the internet that I knew was plagiarised, I had to email the poem publisher to let them know what was going on. See exhibit 1 (by clicking on the link). The chorus, though not marked, is "The world don't spin without you, I'm amazed you're standing still...." This song was written sometime in 2000, though exactly when I do not know. Now, if you will, please see exhibit 2. Look closely at Ms. Evelyn Mather's final stanza. Ah ha, a plagiariser at their best. It bothers the hell out of me that a little girl, aged 14, would stoop so low. I'm not saying that I'm a saint, but at least I would never do something as dumb as to copy someone else's words and attempt to pass it off as my own. If things like this bother you, know that I hope originality prevails in this case, as I have emailed the founders of TYWC to enlighten them of a young child's folly. I truly hope actions are taken to right this wrong.... children these days....

last week of freedom

last book i've read: The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
music currently caressing my ears: football tunes, as that would be what wayland is watching
general mood: very satisfied.
quote i just thought of: "Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open." --thomas r. dewar

yes, it truly is the last week of freedom for me. i will be returning to lawrence the 19th, next sunday. at least, i won't be alone. most everyone moves back that day. but, i simply wish i could put it off. or perhaps i'd like for my hard work to pay off....

which it sort of is, even now. i have been asked by professor beth haines (of developmental psychology) to be her T.A. for the fall term. it is a paid position, and my job will be to help the sophomores that are in developmental set up for labs and prepare and what not. i was very flattered and surprised, but ultimately thrilled, and of course i am up for the challenge. beth and i have replied back and forth a few times, set up a meeting time, and i am ready to take on the position. i just can't figure out why she asked me.... there are only two that help out for the labs, and i feel so grateful to have been one of them. she cited that i was "very energetic and persistent," gotta like that. compliments from profs are always a good thing.

also, wayland has been here for the past week, and of course will be returning to lawrence with me in a week. like i said, i'm glad i'm not moving in alone. but, i should see my other roommates when i get there. alone i shall not be, thank goodness.

in the meantime, i have an appointment with junion photography set up to pick out the pictures of my brother and myself that will be showcased around the house. wayland and i will also be visiting katrina in pittsville before we head to college, which i am looking forward to! and of course there will be dinner with my aunt before i leave. and packing! i haven't even started, nor have i thought about it. oh well, better start now.... can i just stay home?

i will miss my friends (friend, sam is the only one i've truly seen/hung out with). summer was great while it lasted. it's back to the grindstone for me. i hope this year doesn't leave such a bad taste in my mouth.