The End

It is amazing to think that I am approaching the end of my first semester. In a way, time has flown by, but when I look back on all the schoolwork I've done, all the tests I've had, and all the papers I've turned in, it surely does feel like I've been here for a while.

Honestly, I've learned a lot this semester. I know I will finish well in all of my classes, but I am looking forward to doing even better next semester with all of the knowledge I have gained from this one. Now, I just want to do well on my finals so I can go home, and enjoy my birthday and Christmas break in the coming weeks.

Good luck on finals, everyone! Hope you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year :).

Break Time!!!

Phew. I have had so much to do this week, I don't even know where to start. I've been working on two papers (one in another language), studying for a test, and trying to keep up with my normal reading load. However, I keep trying to remind myself that I have a lot of fun things planned for this weekend, and that I get to go home on Tuesday! I can't wait to go home for a few days, hang out with family, and rest from a stressful first semester.

What about you guys? Are you looking forward to the break as much as am?

Where has the time gone?

It hit me today that my first semester of college is almost over. Yes, it does seem like I have done enough school work to last me a lifetime; but at the same time, move-in-day doesn't seem like it was almost three months ago. How has time gone by so quickly?

Maybe, it is because of all the school work I have. I am constantly busy doing my homework, finishing projects, and studying for various things, while at the same time maintaining a social life. Or, perhaps the college lifestyle is just fast-paced in general. Most college graduates I talk to tell me that their college years sped by so fast, and a lot of fourth year students say that first year doesn't seem that long ago.

Because of this, I am trying to savor my college experience, but at the same time, I feel guilty for wanting it to go by quickly so I can be done with school.

What do you all think? Has this semester sped by for you? Do you want your college experience to go by quickly?

Assassins!

Today, my dorm started playing Assassins, and it has been quite interesting so far. For those of you who are not familiar with this game, it consists of everyone having a target. Each person playing must kill his or her target by hitting them with a sock. However, each person also tries not to get hit. To avoid getting hit, there are crazy immunities, like wearing two different shoes; basically, anything humiliating can be an immunity.

Today, our immunity is wearing anything that has the UVA logo of the "V" and the sabres on it. While the game has been fun so far, everyone has become paranoid about not getting hit. It's like we can't even be comfortable in our own dorm at the risk of being assassinated.

What do you all think? Does this game sound like fun, or do you think it just adds to our stress as college students?

Reality Shows

I just finished watching a reality show that made me think: are reality shows really a good idea? From the perspective of a viewer, it is easy to forget that the people we are watching are not following a script, but are letting cameras follow them around while they go about their daily activities.

Personally,I would probably go crazy if cameras were ready to roll when I wake up in the morning, go to class, hang out with friends, or just relax in my room. Some people say that reality shows give them exposure and help them achieve other aspirations, but couldn't it be argued that reality shows exploit people and encroach upon their personal lives? For instance, Jessica Simpson regrets doing the show "Newly Weds", as the cameras began rolling at the beginning of her marriage to her now ex-husband, Nick Lachey. Although the show helped Jessica's career, it also put a strain on her marriage.

What do you all think? Do reality shows exploit people and hurt their personal lives? Would you mind being on your own reality show?

THIS IS IT!

"This is It." It's a simple phrase that was supposed to mean something along the lines of "This is What You've Been Waiting For." Unfortunately, Michael Jackson named his last tour "This is it", and ironically, "it" really was "it". He was working on "This is It", his first tour in years, when he suddenly died from mysterious causes. The world was shocked, and there was a global outpouring of grief that lasted for weeks. As many people made fun of the Prince of Pop for his plastic surgery and weird antics, it is sad that he had to die for many people to realize how much they really appreciated him as a person and an artist. Even those who were not fans of his music can not deny the impact that he had on the world, as almost all the songs we hear on the radio today somehow imitate a style that Jackson created.

On Friday, I am going to the movies with some friends to see "This is It", a film that documents Jackson rehearsing for his upcoming tour. I'm ecstatic about seeing this film, but I can't help but feel as though it will be laced with sadness due to his untimely death. Even though he was a superstar, he seemed to be down to earth and remarkably humble for someone of his status. I think he was a misunderstood individual who could have really made a difference had he lived longer.

What do you all think?

Going Random?

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend who was divulging the various problems she is having with her roommate, whom she was assigned to randomly. I am also living with a roommate who I let housing choose for me. Although my roommate and I get along, we haven't become the best of friends, and we don't see eye to eye on certain things. However, I have heard worse stories. I know one girl whose roommate has not done any laundry since they have been at school, and refuses to clean up after herself.

On the contrary, I also know people who chose someone they knew from high school or face book who are also having roommate issues. Then, there are those who went completely random and have grown close to their roommate.


During my conversation yesterday, my friend asked me if I regret having a roommate chosen at random. Honestly, if I had to do this all over again, I still would have gone random (as a first year at least). I think that when people choose to go random, they are allowing themselves to potentially go out of their comfort zone by living with someone who could be completely different them then. Although it can be annoying at times, I think I am definitely learning a lot by living with someone that I didn't know before.

What do you all think? Is "going random" a good idea"? Will you pick a random roommate in the future?