WOOW!
So, the last week has been so filled with experiences that I've hardly had time to catch my breath. But in a good way.
My first week of classes at Cal have been really good, busy but good. All of my courses require a lot of reading on my part, but the good part is that professor's understand that their assignments are cumbersome, so they try to help you in conversation about the pieces that they have assigned. Each of my professors have a great amount of passion for what they teach and they are excited to pass the information on.
One new experience that I am having here is having a "sectional" apart from the actual course in order to discuss the material presented in lecture. My Politics and Social Change course is a lecture for 90 minutes in which there is not a lot of room for discussion. However, I have discussion with a GSI (Graduate student) who helps to break down the material that I have read.
Another advantage to the reading is that it is so cumbersome that the professors are usually a day behind in lecture than the reading you are actually on. This helps in case you were not able to finish all of the reading. (Another advantage is that the classes are so big that the professor doesn't necessarily notice if you don't have a response to the text.)
My Virtual Communities class meets once a week for 3 hours. Although that sound horrible, it really isn't because the information and the professor are really worth the amount of time you spend.
One of the problems that I am having is handling the amount of information that I have to handle. We have a sight called Bspace where professors post announcements about readings, assignments and extra credit. My Society and Culture professor wants students to read as well as respond to the readings in the chat room for extra credit. However, he says to only respond to the texts that truly resonate with us, rather than forcing ourselves to talk about a piece that we did not enjoy or do not have much critique about. This is a relief because it is hard to have a response to some of the pieces when they are so heavily laden with jargon and theories.
Another issue that I am having is knowing which classes that I need to buy a book/reader for. I still have readers to buy as well as a book for my Politics and Social Change. However, my good fortune about the price of readers has run short. :-( My readers for Virtual Communities is going to cost an estimated $150. Hopefully this will be the most expensive material that I have to buy.
Another problem I am having with my Virtual Communities class is that he speaks so quickly and changes slides so fast that sometimes it is hard to keep up with the amount of information that he is trying to get us to understand. Also, he does not re post his slides on the internet. But, to make up for this, he is willing to slow down for anyone who asks. (And this is a class of about 150 people...) Another interesting feature of the course is that, he has created his own internet sight for the materials of the course, separate from Bspace. This is slightly stressful due to the fact that I already have quite a few sights to keep up with, so it would have been nice if he'd have just created a class on Bspace. However, this might just mean learning how to juggle all the things that I need to know.
Another way to keep up with the amount of information is that, assignments to be turned in are not every course. Rather, the professors have scheduled dates when they wish to have assignments turned in.
One thing that I hope to do with each professor is schedule some time early in which to speak with them. I am a little nervous about how to write for professors here. Anyone in college knows that writing styles have to vary in order to accommodate the kind of writing that the professors hope to see.
Another interesting aspect to juggle is the idea of remaining social underneath the amount of work that needs to be done. Most students at Cal are equally busy and strive to maximize the amount of time that they have to get work done. However, the floor that I live on is very lively and animated and they keep things interesting. (Beyond the co-ed bathrooms... Lol.)
Over the weekend, the girls on the floor went out to dinner and a movie. We went to see No Strings Attached, which I highly recommend. An exciting aspect is that the theaters are less than 10 min. away from campus and approximately 10 minutes from my actual dorm. This is a great thing in case there may come a day when I want to slip away from campus for two hours and see a movie. (I am one of those strange people who likes to slip away and go see a movie by myself once and awhile. It's a good idea to take yourself out for awhile once and a while.)
Also, the black community at Cal tries to create an extra community in which to bond with one another due to the fact that the population of blacks is pretty small. They have black campus ministry Bible studies and also a communal retreat to step away from campus and connect. Also, every Wednesday, they have "Black Wednesday" in front of the Golden Bear Cafe from 12-2. Do not feel bad or like you are not being open minded by participating in this kinds of activities. It is excellent to embrace the diversity that is available here at Cal. However, every community does it's best to keep a strong relationship going on campus. There are many clubs and activities for the plethora of identities at Cal (Asian, Latino, GLBTQ, Christian, Muslim, Techies, Dancers, Cyclists...)
So, embrace the diversity and the tailored identity opportunities.
All and all, it has been an interesting 7 days and I hope that, as time flows on, I will get more acclimated to all of the things that are available.
As always, there are more details that I would love to discuss. Yet, I must get to work. Busy, busy, busy. At least we know my hands aren't the devil's workshop. Lol.
Oh, and it was a lovely surprise to find that yesterday, I had 4 packages in the main room yesterday. 3 from my parents containing my tv, dvd, books, movies and printer! (Finally, I can print without signing over the rights to my firstborn child!)
The second was a lovely coat from my grandmother. :-) I repeat the rule of the first blog. One of the most excellent features for travel is having an awesome family to back you up.
Also, here is the address to the class website for my Virtual Communities course:
http://lookingattehinternets.blogspot.com
I included this because this is a course with such excellent information that everyone can use. Check it out if you have some time!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The First Day of Classes as a UCB Student
Alright, now we get to the part that really matters. Education and classes. Which I can happily report are excellent thus far!
My first class of the day was Politics and Social Change at 9:30am. I was able to successfully wake up in time to get dressed, eat breakfast, and make it to class early. (Not super early, but a cool 10 min. I don't believe in being "on time" on the first day of any class. It leaves an impression...)
Anyway, the class was about 40 people, which is pretty small on this campus. (Never mind this is 8-10 people shy of my Con Law class last semester...)
I thought I would have been the student that traveled the furthest. However, there was a troop of students from Norway, then students from France, Brazil and Italy. So, North Carolina is the back yard compared to that.
I was expecting the format of the course to be drastically different than things I was used to. However, it was very similar to my Sociological Imagination course. And, the syllabus included texts and authors that I had been hearing about since high school.
The thing I have to say I loved best about this class for today would have been picking up the text. Instead of a formalized book, we have a "reader" which was put together at Copy Central, it is the size of a text book, and it cost me $43. Anyone who has been inside a college book store knows that this is the holy grail of pricing.
The proffesor was also very personable, and he was kind enough to cancel sectionals for today. (It probably would have been useless to have a discussion with us due to the fact that... we hadn't read anything yet.) However, there is one textbook that I must buy at the book store. However, it is less than $30, which is once again, a steal. (CHA-CHING!)
It was on my way back from this class that I got to thinking...
I had been having some self doubts about whether I was the caliber of student that it took to be a student at UCB. However, it dawned on me that I am a representative of everyone who has ever had an influence on my life. From my parents, my sister and my grandparents, to my teachers that I have treasured over the years. I am even a representative of the difficulties that have been set before me thus far in my life. And to doubt myself would have been to doubt this collection of experience. It was when I began to think of this... how I am a product of great people, and I am a representative of all they have poured into me, that I began to stop doubting myself. To have doubted myself, would have been to doubted them as well. Which I don't and I quickly put those thoughts to bed.
This is to say that, every person who has ever poured into your life is a part of your success when you make it to greatness. And when you get there, you pay them tribute by pushing yourself to be even more successful. So, for anyone who has those kinds of doubts, put them away, and go live your destiny.
As I decend from my soap box... Lol.
Today was club rush in front of Sather Gate. Joining clubs is an excellent way to meet new people and to make friends. This is a very important process and it should not be taken lightly. Especially when you are on exchange. I once heard the saying, "Your network is a symbol of your net worth." Now, I am using this out of the context that it was originally intended, but I think it applies. This means that there is a richness that is brought about to your life when you decide to surround yourself with good people. I will not go so far as to be specific about what "good" means here. But, the basic idea is to put yourself in the presence of others who will enhance your life. This being said, we will move right along in the description of the day. (I must be quick because my professor made up for canceling sectionals in the amount of reading we are supposed to do tonight... Yikes!)
My second (technically 3rd) class of the day was Virtual Communities and Social Media. I can already say that this is about to be one of the most fascinating courses I will take in my life. This is the kind of course you take out student loans and enter yourself into years of debt which will result in you eating Ramen noodles instead of Caviar and Trout Almondine for.
Althougth the course is 3 hours... and at night... I can honestly say, the time flies because the information is so fascinating. (The 10 minute breaks every hour don't hurt either.)
This is the kind of course that you go on Exchange for. Because it is information that might not be available at Spelman. I'm pretty sure that Spelman doesn't have a course like this because our department is pretty small. (Of course, this is not a negative statement about my love, Spelman. I will always be a Spelmanite in my heart first. No matter how many degrees come after it, which hopefully will be a gracious plenty.)
Anyway... The point is, classes here are excellent, engaging and fun. So, for Spelman students considering exchange, I suggest you make UCB your first choice. It's like nothing else....
Now, in the time honored tradition of higher learning, I must go study! But I will leave you with this...
"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."- e.e. cummings (He is truly one of my favorite poets.
(P.S. There are some truly talented kids at UCB. The girl next door is singing with acoustic guitar right now. She has the kind of voice that makes you open your room door to listen, not to tell her to kindly keep her "gifts" to herself.)
My first class of the day was Politics and Social Change at 9:30am. I was able to successfully wake up in time to get dressed, eat breakfast, and make it to class early. (Not super early, but a cool 10 min. I don't believe in being "on time" on the first day of any class. It leaves an impression...)
Anyway, the class was about 40 people, which is pretty small on this campus. (Never mind this is 8-10 people shy of my Con Law class last semester...)
I thought I would have been the student that traveled the furthest. However, there was a troop of students from Norway, then students from France, Brazil and Italy. So, North Carolina is the back yard compared to that.
I was expecting the format of the course to be drastically different than things I was used to. However, it was very similar to my Sociological Imagination course. And, the syllabus included texts and authors that I had been hearing about since high school.
The thing I have to say I loved best about this class for today would have been picking up the text. Instead of a formalized book, we have a "reader" which was put together at Copy Central, it is the size of a text book, and it cost me $43. Anyone who has been inside a college book store knows that this is the holy grail of pricing.
The proffesor was also very personable, and he was kind enough to cancel sectionals for today. (It probably would have been useless to have a discussion with us due to the fact that... we hadn't read anything yet.) However, there is one textbook that I must buy at the book store. However, it is less than $30, which is once again, a steal. (CHA-CHING!)
It was on my way back from this class that I got to thinking...
I had been having some self doubts about whether I was the caliber of student that it took to be a student at UCB. However, it dawned on me that I am a representative of everyone who has ever had an influence on my life. From my parents, my sister and my grandparents, to my teachers that I have treasured over the years. I am even a representative of the difficulties that have been set before me thus far in my life. And to doubt myself would have been to doubt this collection of experience. It was when I began to think of this... how I am a product of great people, and I am a representative of all they have poured into me, that I began to stop doubting myself. To have doubted myself, would have been to doubted them as well. Which I don't and I quickly put those thoughts to bed.
This is to say that, every person who has ever poured into your life is a part of your success when you make it to greatness. And when you get there, you pay them tribute by pushing yourself to be even more successful. So, for anyone who has those kinds of doubts, put them away, and go live your destiny.
As I decend from my soap box... Lol.
Today was club rush in front of Sather Gate. Joining clubs is an excellent way to meet new people and to make friends. This is a very important process and it should not be taken lightly. Especially when you are on exchange. I once heard the saying, "Your network is a symbol of your net worth." Now, I am using this out of the context that it was originally intended, but I think it applies. This means that there is a richness that is brought about to your life when you decide to surround yourself with good people. I will not go so far as to be specific about what "good" means here. But, the basic idea is to put yourself in the presence of others who will enhance your life. This being said, we will move right along in the description of the day. (I must be quick because my professor made up for canceling sectionals in the amount of reading we are supposed to do tonight... Yikes!)
My second (technically 3rd) class of the day was Virtual Communities and Social Media. I can already say that this is about to be one of the most fascinating courses I will take in my life. This is the kind of course you take out student loans and enter yourself into years of debt which will result in you eating Ramen noodles instead of Caviar and Trout Almondine for.
Althougth the course is 3 hours... and at night... I can honestly say, the time flies because the information is so fascinating. (The 10 minute breaks every hour don't hurt either.)
This is the kind of course that you go on Exchange for. Because it is information that might not be available at Spelman. I'm pretty sure that Spelman doesn't have a course like this because our department is pretty small. (Of course, this is not a negative statement about my love, Spelman. I will always be a Spelmanite in my heart first. No matter how many degrees come after it, which hopefully will be a gracious plenty.)
Anyway... The point is, classes here are excellent, engaging and fun. So, for Spelman students considering exchange, I suggest you make UCB your first choice. It's like nothing else....
Now, in the time honored tradition of higher learning, I must go study! But I will leave you with this...
"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."- e.e. cummings (He is truly one of my favorite poets.
(P.S. There are some truly talented kids at UCB. The girl next door is singing with acoustic guitar right now. She has the kind of voice that makes you open your room door to listen, not to tell her to kindly keep her "gifts" to herself.)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
"I Shall Not Pass This Way Again": A Lesson In Having The Gusto To Tackle Oppurtunity
So, I have been here in Berkeley for 5 days and it has been a crash course... I've been having a really good time thus far. People from the Berkeley are very friendly and willing to help. When I had to get out of my cab in order to check into my building, I had far too many bags to carry up into the complex at one time. My driver volunteered to wait on the curb with my things until I was able to come get them. And then, when signing in, one of the students helped me to move all of my stuff into the registration hall until I could get the chance to go see my room.
Once I had moved into my room, I met my RA, who was very kind and cheerful.
Also, I had to go to the UCB campus to get my ID and welcome packet. Its important to have the id here on campus because it is basically your key to everything! (Dining in all of the campus and residential dining facilities and restaurants) a bus pass, your swipe cards to enter your building at night, a bus pass and your library card! So, it is practically an essential to your everyday life. Also, I took a brief tour on my own with a map of certain sights on campus. I was able to find the memorial and main (gardner) library and finally take a picture of the Sather Gate, which is one of the most famous images on the Berkeley campus.
It's a bit of an adjustment going from a campus where I can get to everything in 15-20 minutes and usually a lot less to a campus that it takes 90 minutes just to tour half of!!!! But, I also like the campus because it is beautiful and each of the building house an incredible opportunity.
Another adjustment is going from an all girl school to not only a co-ed school, a co-ed dorm but a co-ed floor in my dorm. It's a little awkward at times, considering all men other than security guards must be off Spelman's campus by 12... But, I think it will be nice to make some male friends here. That can be pretty difficult for me at Spelman because I usually get caught up in all things on Spelman's campus that I don't really take much of an interest in things anywhere else. So, that should work out pretty well.
Another great feature of my housing unit is that they are having a weeks worth of Welcome Activities. (Spring Admissions at Berkeley are quite common. So it's nice being the only new person. And it's nice to get in on all the new people activities.) The first night of activities were a movies and hot chocolate event. We watched Inception which is one of my favorite movies of all time. (Gotta love Leo and Anti-gravity fights!) Also, my RA invited me to dinner with her and a few other people at Crossroads (the eating facility near my unit). So, the first day was pretty good overall.
The second day I went on a tour of the campus and had a great time! I learned a lot of great facts about Berkeley, such as how many elements in the periodic table were discovered by Berkeley. Also, about the participation and rebellion that took place on the campus during the Free Speech Movement of the '60's. Also, I went to meet with the academic advisor for my major today and visited the entire Sociology department. So, I feel like I made quite a success of the time I had on my hands. Then, on Thursday night, two of the residents on my floor invited me to hang out with them for a while. It was my first time taking the city bus anywhere and for a first experience, it was truly not that bad. The prices for fare were the same as a trip on the Marta, which is cool. It's easier to make an adjustment when you can find the similarities between something that you are used to. After we returned to campus, we went to the evening Welcome activity which was Game night at Crossroads. Also, I learned about late night, which is a time in the cafeteria where you can order what they have available and it stays open until about 2am for students with late schedules.
On Friday, I decided to measure the amount of time it would take to get to each of my classes. The lucky part is that it only takes 7 minutes for me to get from my housing unit to the campus. And the farthest I will have to walk for a class is a little under 20 minutes. So, I guess its the equivalent to the stairs in Giles that it takes to get the the Sociology department. :-) Also, I spent time at the days welcome back activity which was going to a pretty famous pizzeria, Zachery's/ This is meant to be deep dish pizza that is better that Chicago. Now, I will not confirm or deny that claim. I don't want anything to do with such controversial statements. Lol. Anyway, there was also a Rockband and Video game night.
These last few days have been so jam packed, I wanted to say as much as I could about them.
The most important thing I have learned about these last few days is never to doubt your own capabilities. If I had listened to all the little voices and doubts that I have about attending a school like UCB, I never would have come on this journey. And I would regret that because I am growing to not only like UCB, but LOVE it. I love that there is so much to do here. There are so many ways to get involved. For instances, there are courses here called DeCal's (Democratic Eduaction and Cal courses). These classes are taught by students on a topic that they find facinating. For instance, there was a course last year on Harry Potter and at the end of the semester, the students were able to have an actual Quidditch match on the lawns of the campus. This semester, the have courses about James Bond, Harry Potter, Female Sexuality, Christian Love and Yoga. The one that I am planning to take... The Sociology of the Twilight Saga! (I am so excited!)
There is so much to do here, I a can hardly wait for the academic year to begin so that I can pounce on all of the chances for inclusion that there are here on campus.
While I am homesick in some ways, missing my friends at Spelman and certainly my family, I am having such a great time discovering The Bay Area that I am able to put those thoughts off and enjoy myself!
Once I had moved into my room, I met my RA, who was very kind and cheerful.
Also, I had to go to the UCB campus to get my ID and welcome packet. Its important to have the id here on campus because it is basically your key to everything! (Dining in all of the campus and residential dining facilities and restaurants) a bus pass, your swipe cards to enter your building at night, a bus pass and your library card! So, it is practically an essential to your everyday life. Also, I took a brief tour on my own with a map of certain sights on campus. I was able to find the memorial and main (gardner) library and finally take a picture of the Sather Gate, which is one of the most famous images on the Berkeley campus.
It's a bit of an adjustment going from a campus where I can get to everything in 15-20 minutes and usually a lot less to a campus that it takes 90 minutes just to tour half of!!!! But, I also like the campus because it is beautiful and each of the building house an incredible opportunity.
Another adjustment is going from an all girl school to not only a co-ed school, a co-ed dorm but a co-ed floor in my dorm. It's a little awkward at times, considering all men other than security guards must be off Spelman's campus by 12... But, I think it will be nice to make some male friends here. That can be pretty difficult for me at Spelman because I usually get caught up in all things on Spelman's campus that I don't really take much of an interest in things anywhere else. So, that should work out pretty well.
Another great feature of my housing unit is that they are having a weeks worth of Welcome Activities. (Spring Admissions at Berkeley are quite common. So it's nice being the only new person. And it's nice to get in on all the new people activities.) The first night of activities were a movies and hot chocolate event. We watched Inception which is one of my favorite movies of all time. (Gotta love Leo and Anti-gravity fights!) Also, my RA invited me to dinner with her and a few other people at Crossroads (the eating facility near my unit). So, the first day was pretty good overall.
The second day I went on a tour of the campus and had a great time! I learned a lot of great facts about Berkeley, such as how many elements in the periodic table were discovered by Berkeley. Also, about the participation and rebellion that took place on the campus during the Free Speech Movement of the '60's. Also, I went to meet with the academic advisor for my major today and visited the entire Sociology department. So, I feel like I made quite a success of the time I had on my hands. Then, on Thursday night, two of the residents on my floor invited me to hang out with them for a while. It was my first time taking the city bus anywhere and for a first experience, it was truly not that bad. The prices for fare were the same as a trip on the Marta, which is cool. It's easier to make an adjustment when you can find the similarities between something that you are used to. After we returned to campus, we went to the evening Welcome activity which was Game night at Crossroads. Also, I learned about late night, which is a time in the cafeteria where you can order what they have available and it stays open until about 2am for students with late schedules.
On Friday, I decided to measure the amount of time it would take to get to each of my classes. The lucky part is that it only takes 7 minutes for me to get from my housing unit to the campus. And the farthest I will have to walk for a class is a little under 20 minutes. So, I guess its the equivalent to the stairs in Giles that it takes to get the the Sociology department. :-) Also, I spent time at the days welcome back activity which was going to a pretty famous pizzeria, Zachery's/ This is meant to be deep dish pizza that is better that Chicago. Now, I will not confirm or deny that claim. I don't want anything to do with such controversial statements. Lol. Anyway, there was also a Rockband and Video game night.
These last few days have been so jam packed, I wanted to say as much as I could about them.
The most important thing I have learned about these last few days is never to doubt your own capabilities. If I had listened to all the little voices and doubts that I have about attending a school like UCB, I never would have come on this journey. And I would regret that because I am growing to not only like UCB, but LOVE it. I love that there is so much to do here. There are so many ways to get involved. For instances, there are courses here called DeCal's (Democratic Eduaction and Cal courses). These classes are taught by students on a topic that they find facinating. For instance, there was a course last year on Harry Potter and at the end of the semester, the students were able to have an actual Quidditch match on the lawns of the campus. This semester, the have courses about James Bond, Harry Potter, Female Sexuality, Christian Love and Yoga. The one that I am planning to take... The Sociology of the Twilight Saga! (I am so excited!)
There is so much to do here, I a can hardly wait for the academic year to begin so that I can pounce on all of the chances for inclusion that there are here on campus.
While I am homesick in some ways, missing my friends at Spelman and certainly my family, I am having such a great time discovering The Bay Area that I am able to put those thoughts off and enjoy myself!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"When and Where I Enter...."
After a very LONG day of travels, filled with canceled, rescheduled and late flights, I made it to Berkeley, California. I haven't been to campus yet, but I am staying at a hotel a mile and a half away.
I'm starting to get a little nervous... I have avoided allowing myself to overthink the decesion to come on this journey. Now I am here, and I am allowing a few of those thoughts in.
However, I have already seen some of the benefits of coming on this adventure. Yesterday, from my plane window, I saw two things that I never thought I would: The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Without going on adventure, you don't get to explore and discover.
I'm still pretty excited to see what this adventure is going to hold for me. Classes start next Tuesday, so I have 6 days to do a little exploring in my new surroundings. Which is good for me, so that I can get the hang of local transit and what is available to me.Of course, like any great American, I must find the closest Wal-Mart!
One of the purposes of starting this blog for me was to long and track my journey so that, if there are any other Spelman students that are contemplating going on Domestic Exchange, they will have a sort of chronology of someone's experience. In that spirit, I must first get down to bra$$ tax...
Be sure to plan well in advance for your travels. Be aware that, travel can get a little pricey. Figure out the date that you would like to leave for your destination AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This will help in alleviating some of the cost of a ticket. In my case, I have flown from one side of the country to another (literally) and my ticket was less than $200 because I planned well in advance. I would highly recommend Southwest Airlines if you can because they allow you to have 2 bags for free if you meet the weight requirements. The next bag is $50, but for those of you who are able to minimize, this will not be an expense you need to worry about.
Another important aspect of travel is knowing where you will land, who will pick you up and how you will reach your destination. My mother was able to find a really good Airport Transit company called Bay Porter Express. I was able to get from the airport to my hotel for $30 (if was supposed to be $25, but there was a $3 excess baggage charge and then $2 tip.) Also, I was able to find a great hotel, only a mile and a half from the Berkeley campus for the evening for $119 + tax (which means it was really $130).
Anyway, the point is to be prepared when it comes to money. In my case, my mother and I worked out some financial plans the summer before I was to come. We saved all semester and now, we barely have to worry about a thing as far as finances. Also, my father has graciously lined my pocket before I left on the plane. (Another great tip to travel is having awesome parents!)
As the title of this blog says, "When and Where I Enter..." which I say for my Spelman Sisters. We all know exactly what that quote means to us! But it is so true. Where ever you are going, you are never going alone. I have not only brought my Spelman community with me on this journey. I have brought my friends and family with me. My mom has always talked about seeing the Grand Canyon and how much she has always wanted to see it. Yesterday, from my plane window, I took dozens of pictures of it, just for her. It was so, even though she has not seen it for herself YET, in some form, she has seen it.
Anyway, I must stop writing so I can go to my FREE continental breakfast and then proceed with my day. (See, planning is everything!)
I'm starting to get a little nervous... I have avoided allowing myself to overthink the decesion to come on this journey. Now I am here, and I am allowing a few of those thoughts in.
However, I have already seen some of the benefits of coming on this adventure. Yesterday, from my plane window, I saw two things that I never thought I would: The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Without going on adventure, you don't get to explore and discover.
I'm still pretty excited to see what this adventure is going to hold for me. Classes start next Tuesday, so I have 6 days to do a little exploring in my new surroundings. Which is good for me, so that I can get the hang of local transit and what is available to me.Of course, like any great American, I must find the closest Wal-Mart!
One of the purposes of starting this blog for me was to long and track my journey so that, if there are any other Spelman students that are contemplating going on Domestic Exchange, they will have a sort of chronology of someone's experience. In that spirit, I must first get down to bra$$ tax...
Be sure to plan well in advance for your travels. Be aware that, travel can get a little pricey. Figure out the date that you would like to leave for your destination AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This will help in alleviating some of the cost of a ticket. In my case, I have flown from one side of the country to another (literally) and my ticket was less than $200 because I planned well in advance. I would highly recommend Southwest Airlines if you can because they allow you to have 2 bags for free if you meet the weight requirements. The next bag is $50, but for those of you who are able to minimize, this will not be an expense you need to worry about.
Another important aspect of travel is knowing where you will land, who will pick you up and how you will reach your destination. My mother was able to find a really good Airport Transit company called Bay Porter Express. I was able to get from the airport to my hotel for $30 (if was supposed to be $25, but there was a $3 excess baggage charge and then $2 tip.) Also, I was able to find a great hotel, only a mile and a half from the Berkeley campus for the evening for $119 + tax (which means it was really $130).
Anyway, the point is to be prepared when it comes to money. In my case, my mother and I worked out some financial plans the summer before I was to come. We saved all semester and now, we barely have to worry about a thing as far as finances. Also, my father has graciously lined my pocket before I left on the plane. (Another great tip to travel is having awesome parents!)
As the title of this blog says, "When and Where I Enter..." which I say for my Spelman Sisters. We all know exactly what that quote means to us! But it is so true. Where ever you are going, you are never going alone. I have not only brought my Spelman community with me on this journey. I have brought my friends and family with me. My mom has always talked about seeing the Grand Canyon and how much she has always wanted to see it. Yesterday, from my plane window, I took dozens of pictures of it, just for her. It was so, even though she has not seen it for herself YET, in some form, she has seen it.
Anyway, I must stop writing so I can go to my FREE continental breakfast and then proceed with my day. (See, planning is everything!)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
On My Way to Berkeley
So, this is the day that I travel to Berkeley, CA in order to spend a semester at the University of California at Berkeley. It's 5:28, and I am in Raleigh, NC, preparing for my flight at 9:05. Its pretty exciting to think that, in a matter of hours, I will be in the place that I have been dreaming about visiting for what seems like forever. I have some trepidation, being that I have never been this far from home. However, my nervous fears are outweighed by the fact that I am too excited to even sleep. I have set some goals for myself to accomplish while I am away, which I will share more in depth when I have more time.
Although I will miss my Beautiful Spelman this semester, I know that this is too great an opportunity to let pass me by. It is the first time that I can think of that I have taken such a large leap outside of my comfort zone. Spelman has become a secondary safety blanket for me. (Secondary to my family of course....) I have made friends into family at Spelman. However, I know that I will be able to do the same thing in Berkeley.
I'm looking forward to all of the adventures that lie ahead... I know that God will turn this into a blessing.
So, California, here we come!
"If you take a chance in life, sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen. But honey, if you don't take a chance, nothing happens."
Although I will miss my Beautiful Spelman this semester, I know that this is too great an opportunity to let pass me by. It is the first time that I can think of that I have taken such a large leap outside of my comfort zone. Spelman has become a secondary safety blanket for me. (Secondary to my family of course....) I have made friends into family at Spelman. However, I know that I will be able to do the same thing in Berkeley.
I'm looking forward to all of the adventures that lie ahead... I know that God will turn this into a blessing.
So, California, here we come!
"If you take a chance in life, sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen. But honey, if you don't take a chance, nothing happens."
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