Live and Learn

Next Monday, I start school. I feel like I’m entering Kindergarten again. I don’t know anyone, I can’t speak the language perfectly, and I have no idea what I will be learning. More than anything, though, I’m excited because I love to learn. Also, I’m so happy for once to not have to worry about how this class will look on my college application, or that I had better join another club to get more involved. For the first time since I was little, it’s not about getting 100 % on a spelling test, or staying up late to make a paper “A” material; the only thing I have to do is make an effort. I just have to learn. It’s something we all know how to do, it comes naturally. Just observe: look and listen. At home, I was so sick of hearing people tell incoming freshmen (and younger) how this class or that activity will really impress admissions officer. That they might not like what they were involved in, but at least then they would look good to colleges. I wish that stuff had never mattered, but it doesn’t have to anymore. I think YOU are what looks good to colleges. If you go after what you want, and study things that interest you, then you are impressive. Being yourself is what will look “good” beyond college applications. I didn’t go to Mexico for a year because it will look good to colleges, or because I will be a more impressive job candidate.  I came here to learn- about another culture, about different people, about myself. And honestly, when you get down to it, that’s what life is about.