Impressions

So, this is the end of my first week of classes, although it’s only Thursday night.

I love it. It’s hard – sometimes I’m not sure how I’ll be able to get everything done throughout the semester, especially after I start my extra currics (which we have to pick in the next week or two – I’m thinking the International Law Journal and the East Bay Community Outreach Program – doing benefits work like at UJC – or the Employment and Labor Law Journal and Clinic). It takes about two hours of homework for every one hour of class, which comes out to about 10/12 hours a day.
But I love it. I love the challenge, it’s exactly what suits me – a good combination of theoretical and practical. My classmates are intelligent and hardworking and I think it will keep me competitive – in a good way.

So far, though, still no buddies. There are a couple of people I’d like to talk with more, but I am awkward at starting conversations… I get nervous and don’t listen to what people say, and then I respond with something weird. But I think that will come with time, so I’m not so worried. Plus I have Sandi and Vlad (who is back in town – he was in Thailand when I got here), and they are more than a handful themselves.

My room has books, but no bookshelves!! Staples has failed me. I was supposed to have my books delivered a week ago, but the UPS person they have on duty is an idiot, and I’ve been in class or working during the day and haven’t had a chance to call…

Raskolnikov is coming today! I am leaving now to pick him up from the airport. I am super excited – also, this first month (it’s been 30 days) has made me more confident that we can make it through three years like this.

Berkeley is an incredible town. It's great having Akira, here, too - it's kept me from being super lonely and homesick, but I think even without her I would be happy here. Berkeley has made a great impression on me so far. Last night, we went to a slam that we awesome! And close to my house, so I think I will be a frequent visitor. I've decided to limit my 'fun' - no restaurants, no new books, no movies... but I think slam will have to be allowed.