(Above) That picture is of me at the beginning of this term. My brother, Waqas and sister, Hina drove me to Vermont to drop me off at Middlebury College. I stopped at Target to get a few initial supplies and carried them up to my room in Hadley Hall, Ross Commons. I knew I had a single but when I reached my room I could not believe how big my room was. It could easily be a double. I said goodbye to my siblings and unpacked.
International orientation was very helpful. I quickly applied for an ATM card, bank account, and got some other logistical stuff done. I realized how many UWCers there were at Middlebury and formed connections with them but also approached other non-UWCer internationals who were also really nice.
Orientation was very structured therefore it was hard to get to know the Americans as well as the internationals. Also, there were a lot of them. It was a good time to get to know the campus and meet new people. I had a great time!
The term went by slowly for me. I was getting adjusted to a lot of things at the same time. Academically, socially, climate-wise, health-wise it was quite challenging. I can easily say I learnt more about myself in these 4 months than ever before, and my first year seminar had a great deal to do with that.
This brings me to my courses for Fall 2012: I took Arabic, Intro to Macro economics, Sociology of Gender and Voices Along the Way.
Arabic was an interesting choice for a language. I had done Spanish in High School and had thought I would continue with it. However, I took Arabic because I realized I wanted to maybe major in International Politics and Economics with a focus on the Middle East and thus would need Arabic as a language requirement. It went fairly smoothly. There was homework every day and tests every week, so I made sure to practice it daily. Also, Sarah my friend from Egypt helped a lot in helping me practice my Arabic. Of course, I love the Egyptian dialect :)
Intro to Macroeconomics was an interesting course. I have done Econ in IB so it was a revision.
Sociology of Gender was a very interesting class. I read Judith Butler, Hammonds, Grey, Lee, and several other amazing authors. I read about the questions of gender, sex, sexuality, nations, race, class. We talked about portrayal of femininity and masculinity in society and how it impacts us. A very good course!
Voices Along The Way made me question my identity a lot. It brought out issues of the past, questions of childhood, memories, self-actualization, self-reliance and I honestly learnt a lot about myself through this course. Great course for personal development!
Now, it is time to relax, reflect and have fun :) I am in Boston, staying with my brother and sister (on Harvard street and Columbia street respectively). I keep going from here to there. It's quite fun actually. I love Boston. Great place to live in. I wake up early, make chocolate chip pancakes for myself, drink a big glass of milk, go for a run to the Charles River. I watch some American movies and also skype with my friends and do some planning for 2013 and projects I want to be involved in and interesting things I want to do and learn!
Tonight, I'm going to see a comedy improv with my Sister Hina on Prospect Street. Should be fun! I'll sleep over at her place tonight and then go for shopping tomorrow and buy some groceries. Also, we'll be baking a cake to celebrate my brother's birthday tomorrow. Should be fun fun!
Well, until next time, Adios, Ciao, Khuda Hafiz, Ma salama, Bye!
