As I was sitting at my desk typing this morning, I looked over at my list of this week's blog posts. There was a big, blank space next to Monday. I think I scratched in "design idea". And although I do have the photos of Kate's almost completely decorated apartment to share, the post isn't quite ready.
So, I asked Kate if she wanted to write my post for me. (She's a great writer.) She declined the offer, but she gave me some ideas for future posts. Then I asked her if I could interview her(!). Ha. Here's what she had to say about college life.
Me: What's the one thing that surprised you the most about going away to college?
Kate: That I didn't like the city as much as I thought I would. (She was adamant about going to Boston.) I like it now, but it took a very long time. The noise, the traffic, not enough trees.... I prefer to visit rather than live there. I appreciate it more this year because I feel like I'm part of the city instead of part of a campus.
This is when the dogs decided to join us in her room. I ambushed her as she was packing to head back into Boston and the boys knew something was up. They don't like when she's gone.
Me: What's been your favorite class so far?
Kate: Intro. to Creative Writing. I took it my first semester as a Freshman. Shakespeare was good, too. I would really like to take more creative writing classes and be able to focus just on that. Right now I like "Learn how to Teach Children to Read" because you're learning what's it's like to learn how to read (the course teaches you a new language--symbols stand in for letters--so you understand how difficult it is to learn a language especially at a young age, why some words are easier to grasp than others, and because I love reading. (She really loved her Jumpstart Internship last year. She was able to teach inner city pre-school.) I'd rather work directly with the kids.
Me: What have you found most challenging?
Kate: Going back and forth between home and school. When I'm home, I have a tendency to just chill so when I get back to school I have to stay up late studying. Sometimes I get things done at home, but I know that that's the sacrifice I make in order to be home. When I'm at school over the weekend, I'm more on top of my studies. The balance is hard.
Me: How do you like your new apartment (that we're 90% done decorating)?
Kate: I love it. Sometimes I forget that I was ever in a dorm room which has its own challenges. I'm not a typical college student...I like to go to bed at a decent hour and wake up early. I don't have to deal with lights or noise if my roommate decides to stay up. It feels more homey. I come home and have my own room and then I go back to school and have my own room and it's nice. It's cozy and peaceful. I can light candles and watch movies whenever I want.
Me: How would you compare city living with country living?
Kate: Country living is more peaceful and relaxing. You get to pay more attention to yourself. In the city there's more noise and the pace of life is much busier. City living can be loud--it's a completely different lifestyle. I prefer time to myself, I like to read, I like to be with family. I like nature better. (Me: And of course your doggies are here.) Yeah, the hardest part about going to college is saying goodbye to them.
Me: What advice would you give to your sister about going away to college?
Kate: That as much as you want to take time out for yourself, you should also try to branch out and make a few good friends so when you're actually there you have a support system instead of being alone. It's easy for the two of us to want to be alone. But it's important to have those friends. She should still make sure to take time for herself too.
(Kate is attending college in Boston where she is studying elementary education and political science (double major) and minoring in writing.)
We had a really good talk this weekend about writing and she was very encouraging about my book project. I think we spent almost two hours chatting about it in the kitchen while I got dinner ready. I love our random girl talks. The three of us can spend hours talking about anything. And then there are the one-on-one times I get that are just priceless. (You'll get to read about another one soon.)
Kate will Snapchat me (us) randomly during the day. The photo above is just one of dozens she's sent this semester. I love getting a little glimpse of her day!
Someday I'll get her to write one of my posts.
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