Journeymen

When we urge for new pursuits in life, we must do what our heart calls.

Utah is cold, very cold. I had previously lived in Norway for a year, so I thought I would be used to it all…that is far from the truth. The first Monday of the new school year was an eye-opening one. I am a part of AFROTC, which, if you do not know what that means, is the Air Force Reserves Officer Training Corps. I dream of becoming a pilot in the Air Force and, hopefully, working in the space industry. I love space; I have loved it my whole life. I enjoy looking at the stars and pondering the universe’s mysteries. Where do we come from? What are we made of? Does life exist out there besides us? That kind of stuff. But other than that, back to the coldness of Utah. 

The first week of getting up at 4:30 and standing in 10-degree cold crisp air opens your eyes to what it means to be disciplined. Back home in California, I was disciplined and would wake up early, but it was California weather. Another fact is that I was alone at home doing irritating tasks. Did I enjoy waking up early? No. Did I enjoy being out in the cold? Not at all. But being a part of the AFROTC, I wasn’t just one being. Dozens of other cadets and higher-ranking individuals are all there, too. Waking up at 4:30 and standing out in 10-degree weather isn’t bad when you’re more than just one individual. 

Back at home in California, I was a part of a community college. The difference between a community college and an actual university differs significantly from my new experiences. First off, who knew classes were only 50 minutes long? I am used to 1.5-hour courses in community college, with labs sometimes 3 hours long. My most extended class here at Utah State is about 2 hours, accompanied by about 50-minute classes. We get enough done, and they seem less stressful when shorter. The class work is less confusing but more frequent. Universities are professionals and more efficient…I enjoy it. 

The most grateful feature I now experience is the gift of walking to class. In California, I had the burden of driving 2 hours, 4 days a week, to class and back. Now living on campus, I am 5 minutes away from my closest class. Driving was extruding after the 4th year of doing it, and it is something I hope never to do much of again. Living in Europe, I quickly grew accustomed to walking in cities, and everywhere I needed to go. That was a habit I promptly fell in love with. 

As it is Sunday, I am writing in my favorite cafe and finishing my first blog post. I hope you enjoy and follow along for the ride!  

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