13 September 2008

Back to School

I know school started about two weeks ago, but the start of the new semester coincided perfectly with the crashing of my computer.

The computer spent a week in the "shop," where computer "technicians" racked up countless (and expensive) hours "fixing" my computer's "issues." (All those quotation marks remind me of Chris Farley on SNL's "Weekend Update.")





The computer is now in working order, but missing everything but my music, for which I had to pay one arm and one leg to save.

Now, with two missing appendages, I'm returning to true desktop, push-button publishing. Without a right arm, I'll never be fully accepted in India, and typing will take much longer, but I'll manage. Thanks, Cougar Computer, for wholeheartedly ripping me off.

Okay. I've got that out of my system and can move on to something that relates better to this post's title, "Back to School."

School started two weeks ago and I'm finally taking all the GEs I pushed aside when I decided as a freshman (five years ago) that I wanted to jump right into my major courses.

Naturally, I managed to knock out most of my GEs along the way, but I saved the true 100 level courses for this, my senior year. What courses, you ask? Biology 100 and Physical Science 100, the two most dreaded classes in the GE catalog.

Besides those challenging courses, I'm taking Latin American Studies 495 (my senior seminar), Philosophy 201 (GE/for my minor), and Religion 351 (World Religions in Light of the Restored Gospel).

By the end of the semester, I'll be 15 credits closer to graduating, and as my mother likes to point out, holding up a sign on a street corner that says, "Will Think for Food."

At least, that's what she says Uncle Alan told his son-in-law about majoring in Philosophy. I'll be okay, though, since I'm only minoring in it. My major is Latin American Studies, which is so much more viable. I like to tell people I'm studying to be a Mexican.


(Pancho Villa a.k.a. Pancho Villa, Friend of the Mormons. I bet you didn't know that!)


The more I think about it, the more I realize that the combination of Latin American Studies and Philosophy is going to make for a much more idiosyncratic sign. It will say something like "Will Think in Spanish for Food" or "Will Describe World Poverty and Hunger for Food."

That last one will mean so much more to me, for I, myself, will be starving. How existential.

Watch out, Ghandi.





Roll over, Henry David Thoreau.





Okay, I actually love my major and my minor, and that's why I chose them. Some other time I can blog about my big plans for after graduation. Right now, I just need to "work hard and get good grades," as my father reminds me every time I speak with him (literally). That will secure my graduation and future success. At least it better, 'cause that's what they've been feeding me since the seventh grade.

The first day of school, which was 2 September, Cody (my roommate) and I decided to take some back to school pictures. He's starting his junior core in the accounting program and had to wear a suit on the first day.





I decided to really contrast his style with my Ed Hardy skull tattoo shoes. I really turn heads when I wear them on campus. I thought it was a great way to portray the differences in our majors.





In my defense, I was carrying a copy of the New York Times under my arm. That's something we Latin American Studies majors like to do.





Here's one more interesting contrast between me and Cody.


9 comments:

Kimberly said...

Next thing I know, you will be singing "Barrack Obamama" (to the tune of do-re-me-fa-so-la-te-do).

Diane said...

Now that I've dried my tears (from laughing so hard) I must comment. I just hope it pays well to think in Spanish for food. And...that last picture is priceless!! I guess it's too late to think about journalism huh? Then you could write your thoughts in spanish for food.

Missy said...

As always you never disapoint me in the laugh department. I am glad you chose what you are passionate about. I didn't, and I still have so many regrets. I was told it was "underwater basket-weaving." I guess I happen to really like underwater basket-weaving. Plus, I'm really good at it too.

Unknown said...

That was the hardest I've laughed reading a blog post in a LOOOONG time! You are so funny. And Cody makes you look really short. I like mom's journalism idea.

Anonymous said...

I wrote such a good comment and it went somewhere so here is another version. You really make me laugh and that is what we need in this world. I do hope you can "think for food in Spanish". Love ya

Marie said...

I like Henry David Thoreau- he taught me to "step to the music (I) hear, however measured and far away". Oh, and I got my postcard!

-cyberfriend

Christie said...

Wow, I never thought of that before. I should go on the student diet. Maybe you should market that and make your millions.

You know, in case the philosphy doesn't pay out quite at first.

Oh, and what side of the family do you get that height from? Or is your roommate like eight feet tall?

Grandma Hand said...

I am going to try to clarify "anonymous" to you but oh well I am just a victim of this computer age and it puts down whatever it wants RIGHT!!!!! I am Grandma Hand I think.

Mills said...

a. I love that Chris Farley clip.
b. I could have helped you with your computadora for no charge.
c. These pictures are cute.
d. Cody is very tall.
e. You had a good first day of school outfit.