Coachella Bound

On Thursday I am off to Coachella, with three of my closest friends here. I couldn't be more excited. For me, this will be one of our last adventures together, and this has really been dawning on me.

These last few days, I've felt really unwell, really tired, and drained. The pressure of not knowing where i'm going next year is whilst most the time really manageable, but sometimes its all you can think about. I think the pressure is building because i've come to the realization now, everywhere i've gotten in so far, is not really the right place for me. I go a lot on what I feel when i'm on campus, how does being there make me feel? I think this is a sure way of knowing whether you're in the right place. Even the first time I came to SBCC, about two days before the start of term, I was amazed. Two years on it's still unbeatable, and truth be told I only wish it was a four-year so I wouldn't have to move. Actually it is only one of three campus' that i've ever felt so at home in. It's not just beautiful, there is a really friendly and energizing vibe going on.

I thought about writing this week a little about my expectations vs reality of life here over the two years. I want my blog over these final few weeks to be left with lots of advice and help for any new students.

1) I definitely expected to feel more homesick. The reality: There have only been two occasions in two years I have felt truly homesick. Maybe it is different for everyone, but for me, I am really close with my family, I love my home, but it has not dragged me down when I have been here for the most part. I would say tricky times can sometimes be when you are really stressed, maybe the last few weeks of the semester, and when you return from Summer.

2) I'll become more American. The reality: Nope, not at all. In fact quite the opposite, I think you learn to embrace your culture much more being away from it. I am a lot more patriotic then I ever was back home. There are elements of American culture I much prefer, like their friendliness and their huge portion sizes, but for the most part I still feel 100% British. I think knowing you are different from everyone else, makes you want to hold onto that originality far more.

3) I can coast for two years (not do that much work, relax on the beach and socialize). Reality: I don't think i've ever worked harder in my entire life. Of course you can coast, you can do that anywhere in life, but don't expect to transfer anywhere good. The education here in my major has been brilliant, i've found it engaging and my thinking has improved no end. Yes, last semester was a really hard, long slog, but this semester has been way, way easier. So you can find the balance, and have 
some fun too.

Alrite, that's it for now, I shall continue after Coachella!