خطوة خطوة

Week two is coming to an end, and I’m starting to get settled. I don’t know how close I am to actually being settled, but I’m not scared like last week…and that is progress, isn’t it?

I love the classes that I’m taking. I decided not to push myself too hard first semester and am taking a 15 hour credit load. The minimum is 12 hours and the max is 19. The classes are definitely more challenging than what I am used to. The reading load is borderline ridiculous! And to my dismay…I’ve discovered I’m an incredulously slow reader. It took me 2 hours to read 40 pages! The distractions don’t help either! As great as college is, it’s really every man for himself out here. A balancing battlefield of sorts…no? Taking it too far? Hehe :)

In regard to my courses, I kind of jumped right into the controversial. I suppose that’s  only normal after having lived in Saudi for so long. It’s like I feel my brain opening up, stretching in directions it never has…directions I’ve never cared to explore. I really never realized how limited my thinking was before…being here – not just being here, but living here – has really made me think…and I love it! Here refers to Emory, not the US, in case you are wondering.

Two of the most interesting courses I’m taking are The Arab-Israeli Conflict and Gender, Sexuality, and Islam, both taught by wonderful and incredibly interesting professers – which is another cool thing about college. I’m also taking a Creative Writing Workshop focusing on fiction writing, but I’ve yet to actually attend that class (no, I’m not ditching – just dealing with scheduling conflicts). My major is still undecided, and my guess is that it will stay that way for a good while – there is just sooo much to try before making a committment – kind of like marriage! :) but maybe something along the lines of a double major in Creative Writing and Middle Eastern Studies? No promises!

The best is yet to come. This week extracurricular activities have started and I am so excited it’s sad. Ask my roommate – I’ve been singing and dancing around the room all week. She is probably convinced I’m on drugs! I just feel good when I’m busy. It gives me a natural high. I want to do everything! From Buddhist Club that does weekly meditation to Model United Nations to Feminists in Action to all types of dance and sports clubs. There is even a play I wanted to audition for, but the time commitment was too much for me to handle – I don’t want to overwhelm myself at the cost of my grades or health. The play will be put on by an all female cast though, and it is essentially a series of monologues given by  Iraqi women, revealing secrets about their lives, ideologies, and the oppression they are subjected to. How cool is that?! How perfect would I be for that?! Beeeeen there – done that (doing? sadly…never mind). I need to email the play people and tell them I’d love to help without committing to the 6 day a week 6 hour long practices. It’s also a student written and directed play – how awesome is that?

So, next week my goal is balance. A written, followed daily schedule. A routine. Sleep. I’ll get there. Sending you all love from Emory’s beautiful library :) everything here is beautiful…alhamdellah – thank you God! And thank you to my lovely, supportive, inspirational parents.

Bisous xxx

48 Hours Later….

I finally have a quiet minute on campus! Well…kind of. Currently sitting at Starbucks drinking a Caramel Macchiato – loud music and the buzz of people talking – but I’m sitting alone and absorbed in my laptop…so I guess that’s why I feel calm.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s been absolutely great so far! I am just so exhausted, and am feeling so overwhelmed by the countless opportunities being presented to us. It’s funny how good things can stress you out too.

First thing’s first: EMORY IS AMAZING! I am so happy I chose this school – correction – I am so thankful that God chose it for me. I feel so welcomed! From the minute I was being helped unload my stuff into the dorm, to orientation activites and games yesterday, to asking anyone to help you with anything. Its only been two days, but I feel myself becoming part of the Emory family… and it’s happening so fast! I’m now a part of  TWO great families ;)

I actually cried when my mom and I first pulled up. A group of upperclassmen who were helping freshman move their stuff in ran up to our car and cheered and jumped when my mom told them I was a new freshman. Their reaction surprised me I guess…or scared me…and I suddenly found myself crying! Thankfully I had sunglasses on and it went unnoticed.

After moving all my stuff into my dorm, and instagramming a pic or two, my mommy left! She hugged me tighter that she ever has. She said that I was “all grown up,” and that I had to make my own decision now. We both cried…that and she only lives 20 minutes from me!  I don’t know how others are handling being hundreds of miles from their families. Separation is hard whatever the distance I guess…we’re just not at home anymore! We have a new home… (of course I get to cheat and go to my real home on weekends to see my mommy and siblings, but thats a blessing I’ll only have for this year! Alhamdellah – thanks to God).

My roommate is great. She’s sweet and down to earth, and she’s gorgeous. We’re getting along wonderfully and pretty much have the same views on the big issues – which makes living with someone that much easier.

I’m slowly meeting other people. My guess is that once we start classes and get involved in campus activities and clubs, it will be easier to meet people that you share interests with. I’m not worried though…my incoming class alone is 1,300 students! That was the size of my entire school in Jeddah – K through 12!

Dorm beds aren’t thaaaat bad, and neither is the food. Life is good. It’s about to get a whole lot busier. Tomorrow I meet with my advisor and I schedule my classes the next day. Classes will start Wednesday. I’m also currently looking for a part time job. Add extracurriculars to that and I think it equals no sleep! Coffee I suppose is the solution? Or Time Management? Maybe both.

Sending love to you all from beautiful Emory…