It's been a while

So, if you haven't gathered by now, I'm in college.

And it is nothing short of amazing.

The workload is insane. Only here do we cover the entirety of AP chem (if by "cover" it means the homework set is on things that they expect us to know) in one week and then start quantum mechanics immediately after. And it's no even an honors course. Besides, Techers on average take at least twice the number of units as regular people. But there is also a huge emphasis on collaboration. I'm used to doing things on my own, but stuff gets done faster (and is also incredibly more fun) when you're in an underground basement room with your friends (surrounded by whiteboards intended for problem solving but used for doodling).

But that doesn't mean we don't know how to party =]. There's been dance parties, and on weekends when we are forced to forage for sustenance off-campus, there have been some amazing times in nearby stores and restaurants.

Still, I have to admit that I am extremely stressed, what with problem sets due every two days and midterms and essays interspersed. It's a struggle finding time to do other things, but there have been games of interhouse dodgeball and the occasional ultimate practice. There is also a widespread tradition of getting people wet, whether by forcibly dragging them into the showers or dumping pitchers of ice-cold water on them during dinner--also, during dinner, we can chuck bread at people. At first I was appalled by the waste, but then I realized that it was also inedible otherwise.

Anyway, in all seriousness, as amazing as independence is, I have to admit that the process of learning is something completely new. In high school, you have teachers that go over sample problems that are in the homework but with different numbers...in college, your professors talk about optical fibers and give you homework about torque.

So, high school kiddies, enjoy being taught when you can, since I'm pretty sure you're going to miss it.