Three hundred and twenty-three miles away from home

I love it here.

It's really surreal sometimes.

For instance: the study/homework party we had tonight. I was working on a short paper about how competition in different communities (specifically in the dance world) affects the relationships in those communities, as well as a short journal entry of my reactions to today's dancemaking class. My suite-mate Alessa was sketching dress designs, my friend Alison was writing a paper about what has made her "her creative self," and my friend Kacie was writing a three to five page paper about a desk-lamp. Other assignments I've had so far include drawing my skeleton -- not anatomically, but how I picture it in my imagination -- and then some notes about it, writing about an animal whose movement I find interesting, and also just making sure to condition every day.


There's something very different about going to an arts school than there is going to a state school. Maybe it's the excessive number of Toms, combat boots, mohawks, and dreadlocks around me. Maybe it's because Columbia legitimately has a certified zombie-specialist on staff. Maybe it's even just the energy of Chicago, but there really is something different here. I felt it the moment I stepped on campus at the open house last spring, and that's what convinced me that this place is absolutely for me.

That being said, I'm really missing home right now. I've been away for a month and I have two more to go until I can come home for the first time at Thanksgiving. I miss my friends, and I miss the Delaware County Fair, and I miss the smell of fall in the country. I know that last part sounds super cheesy but, my hand to God, fall smells different in the city. Not like fall. Fall is supposed to smell like leaves, and wood-smoke, and chilly air. Here it just smells like chilly air and the subway. Fall is supposed to bring bonfires and marching band season (some call it "football season" but they're missing the whole point of football games: halftime). I'm really sad that I didn't get to see my seniors premiere their halftime show at the BV v. Hayes game (or see the Barons epically beat the Pacers). I won't get to march with my Guardies on Alumni Night, I won't get to see my seniors' Senior Night show, and I won't get to see the fall play. Two of my close friends who graduated with my sister just had a baby yesterday, and I won't get to see them for months.

Facebook and Skype are not enough sometimes.

Don't get me wrong, I really do love it here. So much! But if you're going to an in-state school, please don't take it for granted.