The end (and a few beginnings)

My first quarter of college is (almost) officially over. All I have to do is get around to finishing up a journal project and term paper for my Sense of Place in American Art class, turn them in to the box in front of my professor's office, and hop on a train headed to Grover Beach. Now I'll have the time to do all the things I've been neglecting all quarter long--namely, spending time outdoors, going on long bike rides on my Trek 1000, reading for pleasure, and putting more thought into my future. Oh, and I'll get to see my family, friends, and Laura too. And my dogs!

So after a fast-but-grueling quarter, it's time to reflect. There were definitely things I could have done better, but I think I pulled it together for finals week. And there's definitely more things I want to get involved in. I think it's time for me to start writing journalistically again. When I return next quarer I'll try for a position on the city desk of the Aggie, if I find my 20-unit workload permits me. I'll also be entering my first Ultimate season with the Dogs, something that will test both my physical and time-management skills.

Another benefit of being done with finals is finally having some quality time again to spend with my dormmates. Everybody on the floor has a story to tell--the farmer, the weather man, the world traveller, the guitar player, the horse enthusiast, the choir singer/Civil War re-enactor. All parts of California are represented, from San Diego to Redding, the Bay Area to the Central Valley. And who could forget Michelle, our friend from Hawaii? The people are what makes the Integrated Studies program so compelling. And we have this common bond, Miller Hall, our home if but for a year.

The Davids of Miller Hall

So as much as I'm looking forward to going home for this winter break, I'm also looking forward to starting another quarter at UC Davis. I'm excited not only for the classes I'm taking (Biophotonics and Nature and Culture are going to be cool) but also the experiences--the frisbee tournaments, study sessions, lunchtime DC runs, and Saturday nights watching movies with my floormates in Thompson Ballroom. I still miss my life at home in Nipomo, but it's nice to know I have something to look forward to when I return to Davis.

In the mean time, friends, family, good times, and Christmas cookies await. Homeward bound!