August 19, 2011

• Things have been so busy since optometry school started, it's unbelievable. I'd really like to blog about my road trip to Colorado, our attempt at mountain climbing there, my experiences at ICO and all the people I've met here, as well as some deep reflections. However, I really don't have time for too much depth. I will say that the road trip was a fun experience, mountain climbing was both painful and exhilarating, ICO is amazing, and my colleges and dorm neighbors are wonderful people whom I look forward to working with and developing meaningful friendships with. Chicago in general is a pretty rude city, and the neighborhood where ICO is located in particular is rather shady. But within this school and this community it is almost as if there exists a magical barrier where everyone is friendly and caring, and the environment is safe, fun, and upbeat. I lost my wallet in lecture and it was returned to me with the $42 and all IDs in tact. I can leave my bike unlocked in the dorm hallways. Strangers will smile and greet me, and the financial aid guy genuinely does everything he can and shows me all the loopholes to help me make the most of my money, before he shares about his daughter who's also about to go into college. The school grounds is loaded with cameras and security everywhere, and is super safe. It's like living in a world among a community that is impermeable to the corruption of the outside world... kind of like Hogwarts. All of us first years have the same classes and the same schedule, so we spend the majority of our time together. While that might seem like too much for some people, our class is pretty huge, so it's always possible to meet new people or stay by yourself if you want to. As for me, I really enjoy meeting as many people as possible, while becoming closer friends with a few. Even though there are people that I hit it off more with or naturally gravitate towards, I have not met a single person who's a jerk or unfriendly towards me. So I guess in terms of the social, relational, and living aspects, I'm really having a great time at ICO. However the classes are so intense and super hard, especially since I was a psych major in undergrad and haven't taken many of the background science classes. I'm really stressed out about failing out of school, or not doing the best I can and learning as much as I can. I guess some stress is good for kicking my butt into gear. It's been a constant reminder of the importance of prayer. Even when I feel like I don't have time to pray, I'll pray anyway, because I know that I can't do it on my own. I firmly believe that the reason why I even made it here in the first place is not only because of the support and encouragement of my friends and family, and least of all because of my own hard work or natural ability, but because I have the support and blessing of the God of the universe. It's because I know that He is with me and he is for me that I'm able to not completely freak out and just try and do my best.

  • 10:06 pm
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