Since writing my last blog post, I met with my advisor and my Meiklejohn (a senior student advisor), finalized my medical clearance to participate on the lacrosse team, passed through the famous gates of Brown University for the 256th Opening Convocation, registered for a number of classes, "shopped" a number of classes, dropped a number of classes, and much much more......that's just a nut shell. Long post to follow. Brace yourself.
The "shopping period" at Brown is two-weeks at the beginning of each semester to "shop" as many classes as you want. A wonderful part of Brown is the open curriculum. You can take any classes you want, no core requirements, just you and whatever you want to learn. While shopping classes, you don't technically need to be registered for classes to attend them. The idea is you can listen to the professor and get a sense for the material and decide whether or not you want to continue in that class for the rest of the semester. I had a revelation in the "Intermediate Microeconomics" class. I placed into the class with my AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exam scores from high school. However, the class requires advanced knowledge of multivariable calculus, which I have yet to learn. I decided not to be the hero and dropped down to the Principles of Economics class with a couple hundred of my close peers. As I have already learned most of the content in the class, I will have the chance to solidify my economic base, get good grades, and make lots of friends in my class. My (hopefully) final schedule consists of ECON 0110 Principles of Economics, GEOL 0160E Volcanos: Windows into the Deep Earth, CHEM 0330: Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure, and HISP 0500 Advanced Spanish 1.
On the lacrosse field, I have never worked harder in my life. Here is a snippet from an e-mail I wrote to a beloved high school lacrosse coach updating him on the process:
Two practices and two lifts under my belt. Hardest I've ever had to work. My body is screaming at me to quit and give up and just leave the field, but that's just not who I am.
I need all the strength I can get. Hard to juggle lax and school, but the resources are there if I make the team.
Essentially walking through the darkness, not sure when they'll let me know if I make the team or when they'll have the tougher conversation with me.
That was last Friday. Doubts about D1 lacrosse flew around my mind. I kept telling myself, "there is a wall." The first run, the first lift, the first conditioning always tends to be the worst because you never know when it will end or how you will feel after. Now, I am starting to find my groove both athletically and socially. The lacrosse team is an incredible group of young men and I am running and competing with D1 athletes. All I know is that I should just keep showing up to practice. If I am willing to work to make myself better so that I can make my teammates better, they are glad to have me there. I love it.
The lacrosse team has a piece of culture called "extras." Extras can be a lift, run, stick-skills practice, stretch, or anything that you do outside of practice to make yourself a better athlete and a better part of the team. They say shoot for 21 extras a week, meaning you literally have to eat, breathe, and sleep athlete. As a Brown lacrosse player, you engage in the constant pursuit of better. You don't do your extras for you, you do your extras for the man in the locker next to you. Again, I love it.
The weekend was a blast. I went to a party at a nearby club that I later found out was organized by the Brown Student Government. It was the most fun, school-organized party I've ever been to. The second night I popped around the dorms before ending up at the lacrosse house for a party. Through all of this, of course, I am surrounded by good friends.
The first week, I wondered "will you be my best friend?" about nearly every person I have met. I shook hundreds of hands and forgot hundreds of names (even though I'm really good with names), and a few have sifted out to be my best friends, the people I just click really well with. Whether or not we remain friends is up to fate itself, but for now, it feels great to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Mia and Luca are my mainstays right now. Mia is from New York City, she regales me with stories of Manhattan and I regal her with my own stories of Manhattan and the mountainsides of Colorado. Her parents are journalists. She is incredibly smart and articulate. Luca is from the suburbs of Boston. He is really into movies and wants to major in Modern Culture and Media. The three of us have been locked in conversation for hours after dinner every single night with other kind, intelligent souls passing in and out. Good conversation is something I crave. I knew there would be no shortage of it at Brown and I have proven myself right.
Everything is in place right now. It's a warm and comfortable feeling.
Life is a beautiful gift.
J
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