It's a weird feeling stepping on to campus for the start of my final year at UH-Manoa. I remember the first time I came here 4 years ago with my family. I was so young and thought I knew so much. Now, with much more knowledge I introspect with quite the opposite view point in knowing that I have so much still to learn! I have loved my stay so far here in the lovely valley of Manoa and thinking about how quickly the first 3 years flew by almost scares me. I am very excited for my last year; as much as I love UHM, I'm very excited to graduate. I am no where near done with school so I'm anxious to get my undergrad out of the way and to hopefully start Medical school next fall.
The first week of class is always exciting, it's the best to see old friends that come back from the mainland and outer islands for the year of classes. As I walk around campus it's comical to see the mixture of expressions on everyone's face. First years walk around with big smiles and their campus maps as they enjoy their first experiences on campus. Transfers walk around gleaming at all the features of a new campus including it's unique food, plant life, people and weather. The Veterans however, a little less cheery. They drag their feet between classes, conditioned to the beauty of the campus and immediately spring to life at the sight of a good friend they haven't seen since May.
My first-first week on campus was exhilarating! I remember meeting so many people, always fumbling around in my backpack to find my class schedule while simultaneously interpreting the campus map. Everything was so foreign to me and I couldn't get enough! This was also the first time I experienced a steak plate lunch, (note: if you haven't gotten one from campus yet, go get one ASAP!) it was love at first site. Coming from South Dakota, I'm used to eating my fair share of steak and potatoes; however the steak, rice and mac salad combo was a paradise in itself for my taste buds.
The only downside to the first week of classes - besides the whole 'going to class again' reality - is all the lines. Line to get your textbooks, food, validate ID. They are so hectic as well as frustrating if you only have an hour break and don't want to risk being late for your next class so you have to keep putting off these essentials until the lines slowly fade away towards the end of the week.
All in all though first week is always grand. Nothing can beat reuniting with a bunch of friends and talk story and share laughs while catching up!
