Yesterday marked the beginning of my second week at Harvard. It feels I have been here much longer, which is usually a good thing, and I have indeed experienced moments of happiness that were so elusive in my high school years. But they have been sudden and short bursts like smoking a blunt for a millisecond - most likely caused by that strange ability of the human mind to glimpse over the landscape of an experience and see only the sunlit grounds, even when darkness attacks the corner of the eyes. Unless I get laid on a regular basis, the familiar machinery of academic routine should suppress this silly impulse.
My classes began two days ago, but I can't say much about them because the professors just gave brief overviews of the material. In fact, I am still in the process of choosing my courses. It is very likely that I will either study myth and folklore or Buddhism in Japan, though. Should be interesting.
All the students I've met so far have been friendly. I have yet to pick up a negative vibe from anyone. The most striking quality of my peers is diversity of background and culture. Coming to a global university like Harvard, I expected this, of course, but I am still amazed by the variety of countries from which students have journeyed. I have personally met people from Ukraine, Bulgaria, China, Canada, Australia, Congo, and Zimbabwe. If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.
Ironically, the single annoying aspect of my experience so far has been making new friends - and watching other people make new friends. Whenever I eat at Annenberg Hall, the designated cafeteria for freshmen, I plop down next to a bunch of strangers, introduce myself, and listen to others introduce themselves. Then we exchange forgettable information about our dorming arrangements, hometowns, career aspirations, and prospective classes, and often ask the same questions again when the awkward silence falls. Not that I scorn this practice or have a better idea. Our deathly fear of loneliness is just a bit tragic.
I live in a three-room suite with three other roommates. From what I've seen, our bedrooms are smaller than those at other dorms, but our in-suite bath somewhat makes up for it. Our dorm is also located right next to the Main Gate, allowing easy access to Harvard Square, CVS, Staples, and the bookstore. These things matter.
Because there is no air conditioning and the infamous New England weather has yet to set in, I turn on the fan almost all the time. I am really hoping the temperature starts dropping fast. I brought too many winter clothes for this nonsensical quasi-Californian weather to continue.
