It's only been the second day of school and only a week since the new Spring CIEE arrivals have entered the realm of Beijing University. A new semester brings in new adventures and a fresh perspective. I can't compare the semesters because each one is unique. Though I will say the new group of students seem a lot more relaxed (so far) about life and they enjoy having a good time. So far I'm able to hang out or simply talk to most of the students in the group. I haven't really sensed a clique or exclusive group mentality compared to last semester. Fall semester, to cut to the chase was drama filled. Some were hilarious, some drama was just utterly ridiculous and reminded many of us of middle school, which we all left years ago.For some reason on day 1 of Fall semester, groups formed on the spot. That sucked for me because I tend to enjoy drifting. I find it frustrating when people make life 'exclusive'. I just met you!!! What's not to love? I'm just as cuddly and awesome like the pandas. :-D
Perhaps I just got really shy last semester and didn't really hang out with anyone. Another factor would probably be I always studied and the room next to me was not CIEE occupied, but occupied by traveling sales men or a family with a screaming child. Plus the CIEE students next to me kept to themselves, or I just never really saw the lot of them. I will say though that I made some truly wonderful girl friends last semester. And guy friends (I still got you covered!) I have been blessed to meet some beautiful unique creatures who have led to me to reconnect with my feminine side and to have a little confidence with myself. My confidence, to be truthful, plummeted during the fall and winter at Beijing University.
However we are all reminded that Spring is here and a new fresh start has arrived. I am really enjoying the company of new and some returning faces. Hopefully school work won't kill us.
On another note, rm 504 (across from me) is occupied by Rachel (from CU Boulder) and Angie (Georgetown) who are wonderful people. Plus Rachel has helped the new semester kick off with a bang. Straight across from her room is the Chinese student dormitory #47 (i believe) and you can see right into everyone's rooms.
Tonight Rachel was lucky to see a shirtless student perform some numb-chuck moves and began laughing her pants off, which attracted the attention of many in Shaoyuan's fifth floor. This is was happened. Take a look
Some girls started screaming 'you're hot!!" but literally they were saying "you're spicy!!!"
Were making Chinese friends so fast! hopefully we'll hang a banner in our rooms and send messages via hand signals.
