I know that I haven't updated since I have been here in Austin. For those of you who were wondering, I absolutely love it. I live right downtown- my complex is located directly behind the drag. It feels great to be in a big city again.
I have a lot to tell everyone, so this might be kind of long, so stay with me :) The move-in process went rather smoothly. My dad and I loaded my stuff up from Waco in a U-haul and we drove to Austin. My mom and I had this "genius" idea while I was still home in Cali- that we should hire movers, so my dad, Ryan and I would not have to lift my LIFE up two flights of stairs in the 100+ Texas summer sun. An hour after we had arrived in Austin, the movers were nowhere to be found, and since it wasn't getting any cooler outside, we decided to just grin and bear it. I guess I needed a workout anyways?
Several weeks later.... I am still in the process of putting things where they need to be, and waiting on my new couch/ loveseat to be delivered. I really do love my apartment- I will have to post pictures soon. Living alone is much better than I thought it would be- especially since I really need to take this time to concentrate and focus on my schoolwork. Randomly, one of my neighbors is from Ventura, California. He went to high school with some of my cousins. Small world. HUGE bonus: my apartment is within walking distance of UT- which works out extremely well, considering my lack of bus-riding experience and the lack of parking spaces.
Fastforward to orientation, which was last Thursday. My mom actually came to stay with me last week, to help decorate and make sure I was settled. I wasn't nervous until I was making the walk at 7:30 a.m. to orientation. Of course, I had the obvious doubts in my mind: Would I like the people? Would they like me? Am I sure this is what I'm supposed to be doing? Am I going to like it? Then, came the obligatory awkward entrance into a room full of professors, deans and new students. I took a deep breath- mentally prepared myself for a new beginning, and opened the door.
My program consists of only 35 people, and I am the youngest. Fortunately, there are not too many creepers- only 1 so far, which I will tell everyone about later. It is so completely different than Baylor- so much, that they can't even be compared. Baylor will always be my alma mater and will remain very dear to my heart; however, I am REALLY excited to be in such a great academic environment here at UT.
All of my fears went out the door- because I realized that for the next two years, I will receive the proper training- to help me realize my dream. The people I met, have also been really nice as well.
I made some new friends which I am very excited about- mainly because I was worried that my "new friendgroup" was going to consist of older students (married with children). I was so wrong..... I have a name-twin in my program which was very exciting for me- and for all of our professors who act like they have never had two people with the same name in one of their classes before.. I am currently awaiting my nickname :) The great thing about our group, is that we all come from different places, schools, backgrounds and work experience; however, we are all here, starting on a new journey to essentially achieve the same goal. It will be an honor to walk they stage with them two years from now.
As for school- lets just say that I will be writing.. A LOT for the next two years. More on the Master's project will come later.
I love love love love Austin- there is constantly something going on and new things to try. I tried a new church this morning: Austin Stone- it was great and I think I will make it my home church. It is very contemporary and laid back. The pastor was funny and many other college students attend. I look forward to going back next week.
More later- I have some studying/people watching to do. :) Love and miss you all.
