So, the semester has finally begun. You can tell because I am on campus writing this blog, sitting on a library computer amongst a bunch of faces that I do not know. There was one familiar face, a handsome guy that comes into Dunkin from time to time. I had just gotten to the library, a bit out of breath from my hike up the hill(more on that momentarily) and on my way to a LibGuides training meeting. Between the adrenaline and the jitters, it seemed like a good idea to go introduce myself. Since the last time he came into Dunkin and smiled at me I had been running scenarios in my head as to what to say when next we met. I went with "Hey, you know I realized I have known you for a semester now and I still don't know your name." A little surprised but with a small smile, he told me his name and I reminded him of mine. As if my change to glasses wasn't Clark Kent enough, without my Dunkin visor I look different once more. We exchanged small talk, what he was studying and what I was doing at the library today. I'm not sure when I'll see my crush again, but it is the small things that can make or break your day :]
I like the atmosphere of academic libraries. Especially ones where there is a high student exchange program. I'm being distracted as I type this by two dudes whispering in French. Their volume is too low to hear, but if only...
Sidebar. Mystery man aside, I am on campus. If you arrive on campus any time after 9am or 10am, you can kiss parking nearby goodbye. Instead, since I am a "commuter" and not a real "staff/faculty" memeber, I ended up parking in what URI students call "The Plains." A parking lot much like a Target(I point this out because the other commuter parking on campus is no good. In the "Target"/Plains parking two cars can pass each other, a feat that the other lots don't allow, and there is less fighting there.) and structured much better. However, it's location is placed even further away than the Gym(The Ryan Center) and, to get back to the Library, is something I consider a hike. It's all up hill and at a casual pace takes 15 minutes, I have timed it twice this week. Once on tuesday as I got to my car before driving to Providence for a class(long story) and the second was this morning. Bring an iPod, it's a good investment.
Parking is a problem across most of the state and particularly on the campuses. If you want to consider URI Providence a campus. You park in the Dunkin Donuts Convention Center and then walk a zig-zag of eight blocks to a tall building where my class was. It doesn't stand out and isn't a straight shot to get to- a quality that URI Kingston shares. Anyways, I had to sign up for a scan card that would allow me to park for free as a student(I already bought the commuter one at Kingston for the year, which ran me $250.) Since I am on campus more this semester, it makes sense now, but most of my classes are online and so it is about time it's getting used. But, I am still limited in parking. C'est la vie.
My classes so far are ok. One of them is tricky to follow along with and, this semester in particular, it is quite experimental. My second one is clear cut but I love the professor and wish it was in person. The third, the Providence one, I think I will like and come to appreciate once I get use to the drive. My roommate drove this week and it is my turn next week. Jinkies.
It feels like Spring as Winter continues to allude and surprise Rhode Island. My best advice? Bring a coat, pack a spare pair of shoes, and always have an umbrella in your car. Gloves & hat: optional.
I have to get ready to punch in for work- my third job of which I accepted this semester and already love. I'm still getting use to how things run(Sierra, LibGuides, locations, passwords, procedures) but it will be amazing experience in the long run slash I might do my academic PFE here. Who know! Wish me luck!
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