Wow, such a long time since I updated this thing...A lot of things have happened since then.
*Studied Thai intensively for two weeks. It was one of the most frustrating things that I have experienced in such a long time, but the struggle was well worth it. I actually miss the class and I definitely need to keep it up before forgetting it.
*Learning how to become more flexible and patient towards myself. Trying to get used to living in a dorm and adjusting to everyone else's schedule.
*Discovered Capoeira and I love it! I am going to another class in a couple of minutes.
*Sprained my ankle which really tested my emotional limits. This reminds me that I have to take care of myself and even seek out help from others when I need it. I was also depressed for many days because I am so used to being physically active. I think it has finally healed, but I do need to keep an eye on it still.
*Visited a local elementary school which I loved--one of my possible considerations for practicum site
*Trying to integrate more arts in my life. Went to a puppet show on Saturday and I am planning to go to a concert next Saturday.

I think I am finally starting to settle down @ SIT. We'll see how long this feeling will last.

I know that it's about two days too late, but my thoughts on September 11th:

It's hard to believe that September 11th happened five years ago. I can vividly remember what happened. I was a freshman in college and I was waiting for my Chemistry class to begin when someone bursted into the classroom and said to turn on the radio because a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. At that time, I thought it was just a tiny Sessna plane...Little did I know how catastrophic the event would be.

I was only 18 at that time. It seems that this event has made a hige impact on the way I have lived my entire adult life. This event will probably still impact my life in many ways for the rest of my life.

As far as life at SIT, I am still making adjustments...study adjustments, work adjustments, roommate adjustments, interpersonal adjustments. Some things I think I am thriving with, while others are in room for improvement. It remains to be seen what will happen.

Well, the hike up Mt. Wantastiquet was WAY more challenging than I thought it was going to be. I thought that my summer in Putney prepared me for this challenge, but after a month home, I realize now how out of shape I really am.

The problem started out in the beginning. I started walking too fast and proceeded to start multiple conversations at the same time. What I should have done was to start off slowly and then gradually set a reasonable pace for me.

The trail wasn't flat and straight. Instead, there were several inclines I had to climb. There were several moments where I felt like I was going to throw up and/or pass out (maybe because of altitude change), but luckily, I had the common sense to stop every now and then. I actually prayed several times for strength and courage to make it to the summit.

Once I got at the summit, the views were breathtaking! You could see Brattleboro everywhere and I could almost see SIT in the distance. It was well worth the struggle to get up to the top. Coming down was easier, but at one point, a man stopped me and commented to me about my shirt. I was wearing a "I Heart NY" t-shirt and this man was telling me about the time he saw a bumper sticker with the phrase "I Heart ME" and whether it meant the person loved Maine or him/herself. (Interesting conversations Vermonters have here!)

This hike reminded me of a Chinese fortune cookie I ate in Bennington, on the way to Brattleboro. The fortune proclaimed "Your path will be long and arduous, but infintely rewarding in the end." This analogy could be used to describe yesterday's hike and my year at SIT. The coursework sounds challenging, but I think my experience here will be so rewarding to me.

I hope...

Well, I survived Orientation Week at SIT!

So far...so good.

So much information has been given to us over the past few weeks. I am still trying to process everything at once. I love it here however! The students and faculty are amazing. They all had wonderful experiences (ex. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, teaching abroad) and here I am, little ol' me, with not so much experience. It almost makes me question: "Should I be here? Why did they accept me?" But, I am going to try to make this the best experience that I can make.

Some highlights from the past week:
* I am currently living in a dorm on the edge of campus. Although it's a bit of a walk, it's like on the edge of being on and off campus. However, i think it will provide me the peace and tranquility that I need in order to study. Living with 4 other girls--so it's a small dorm. Similar to White Cottage @ Putney.
* Went contadancing again! Lots of fun!
* Coursework seems demanding, yet focused on my own learning. It almost seems liberating--like I am actually being required to think and express my own opinions!
* I saw the movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" and I love it! It's the story of Ernesto "Che" Guevara when he was younger, travelling from Argentina to Venezuela. More than that, it shows how travelling changes your outlook on life, especially for the better.
* Last night was a drumming workshop. So much fun! The musicians gave us drums and they showed us how to play different rhythms, such as African Dance, Samba, and Funk. They said that they come back to campus and offer drumming workshops, which is something I have to do!
*Today-hiking at Mt. Wantastiquet. (Unlike past hiking experiences, it looks like it won't rain!)

So, I'm having lots of fun! We'll see how long it will last!

It's so hard to believe, but at last, the time has come! I am finally moving out of Ohio and going to school in Vermont. All of my stuff is in the living room, ready to be packed away in the car tonight. Tomorrow, getting up at 5:30 in the morning, and driving 10 hours + to Vermont. My family and my friends from Poland are coming as well to bid me a final "adieu"!

I am not as nervous as I thought I was going to be. Perhaps the summer at Putney really helped me. I am stressed because I hate moving and I worry that I am bringing more stuff than I actually need. However, having people gushing how much they will miss me has made me feel embarassed and emotional as well. I just hope that I am making the right decision, but I know that right now, this feels so right for me.

I don't know when I will return to Ohio (perhaps November, perhaps December, but briefly), but despite my feelings and complaints against Ohio, there will be some things that I will miss:
*My family
*West Side Market
*Close proximity to the city (the closest "cities" in Vermont are about 3 hours away!)
*University Circle and the art museum/cinematheque
*Cleveland Heights/Cedar Lee Theatre
*Bob Evans in Mentor--fried chicken with honey mustard, baked potato with sour cream, salad with ranch dressing, rolls, and banana nut bread

Things I won't miss
*The obsession Clevelanders have over sports
*The dreary, depressing January weather (when it doesn't snow)
*Closed-mindedness, lack of progression, and overall conservative values outside of Cleveland (this may exist in Vermont, as well. I really don't know about that.)
*People who have known me since I was 5 years old and still think that I am 5 years old....Perhaps now is my time to shine!

Ok, next time I will be using the internet, I will be in Vermont!