Counting My Blessings: One Month into Wellesley College

Has it really been a month? A whole month?

How insane. (Excuse me, while I kiss the sky.)

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We arrived safely in Boston on August 23rd. After renting a car from Logan International Airport, we got to our hotel without further incident.

The next day International Orientation began for new students: we attended welcome breakfast where I saw some friends from China and got the keys to my dorm, where we peeked around before we left campus to open my bank account, switch our T mobile cards, and shop for my new dorm.

The next day my mom and I went on a day trip to Great Neck, New York, where we visited my aunt, uncle, and my two cousins: Esther and Kalli. They introduced me to their video games (Super Bros Smash?) and Netflix (I now share an account with them…uh-oh), and we had a nice lunch at a mall.

The next day I moved in. I checked in, went to the health clinic, got my OneCard, and most importantly, I met my roommate – we chose sides, started unpacking, met our neighbors. Later that evening, we had our mentor group meeting, where I met host of bright young faces who I would get to know over the next few days.

Over the next few days, we had academic fairs, information sessions, bonding sessions, placement tests, and course registration.

I was placed in Chinese 103. After a brief and spontaneous discussion with my mom, we decided that it would be wasteful to spend my time on a language of which I had lived in its home country for four years.

I got every single course that I wanted. Things were going so smoothly for me. REL 114: Science and the Bible, CHEM 120: Intensive Intro, MATH 205: Multivariable Calculus, FREN 101.

Following the day of convocation, we had our first day of classes. That evening, I met the students in CRU and ABSK – Christian groups on campus.

Over the weekend I left with a group of new friends and spent a day in Boston. I got myself a pair of earrings, and we just walked and talked.

The following Monday, I went to MIT and spent an afternoon by myself there because I was craving solitude. That evening, I was introduced into the Symphony church family, which I now consider a secondary family here.

On Tuesday I had my first violin lesson with Gabby. She’s wonderful. House Council meetings began.

I officially joined the Brandeis-Wellesley Orchestra and the Chamber Music Society. I interviewed a few times for other orgs that week, and made doorstops with my roommate.

I briefly joined the party scene over the weekend at Euphoria, and survived about ten minutes.

I went to Symphony Church and met an old choir mate from my Dulwich College Beijing days.

I started my archery class – so much fun! Our target adopted the nickname “The Three Hunters.”

I was officially voted in as our HOCO Fire Chief.

I had breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with new friends. Over and over again, every day.

I met my “Big” on Flower Sunday.

I met my chamber trio – Lisa and Aviva – a flute and harp 🙂

I joined Wellesley Debate Society – challenging and exciting Tuesday Thursday evenings coming up!

We sat on Severance Green and watched a screening of “Finding Dory”, where I cried my eyes out and forgot all about the snacks provided.

Had my first midterm, registered for voting, watched the first presidential debate, and so the story continues…

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There really are no limits here, except for myself. I can’t wait for the rest of my life here to begin!