Whoa, what a day!

It is the first day of class at The Ohio State University and already I feel incredibly stressed out with all of the information that I was given today. I mean there's all that nonsense in Math 150 (pre-calculus), exciting confusion in Spanish 103.66, and understanding of everyone and their mother in Anthropology. But even though class seemed to drag on all day, I was still nevertheless excited to see 50,000 plus walking the streets leading to all of the classes strewn about campus.

Even though the campus is massive and I feel lost after every block I hit, I still enjoy adventuring out to the Oval everyday and mapping my daily locations. One of the best things that OSU has done to eliminate the "obvious-freshman-holding-a-map-looking- for- help," is setting up these tents where OSU volunteers sit with campus maps and help the lost people stumbling by. It's safe to say that I have hit these tents at least three times this week. Plus, after you are done embarrassing yourself because you don't know where a certain building is, the volunteers offer water, coffee, and snacks.

But by far, the best thing I like about walking across campus is the scenery. The Oval is absolutely beautiful with thick oak trees and bright green grass. And, being the kid from Florida, the best part about the grass is that it is actually real- like I mean it is natural. Down home in FL, we have the nasty, burnt, fire ant infested crab grass. But this stuff in Columbus is comfortable enough to lie down in and take a nap. But I digress. So back to the Oval: it is this giant quad area, obviously in the shape of an oval, with historic buildings and squirrels the size of armadillos. It's the perfect location to throw a Frisbee, take a nap, or cram for an upcoming test.

So all in all, I love this place. I mean the classes are tough and I have a test tomorrow, but the weekend is almost here. I have one of my best friends from high school coming up to experience life in Columbus and a Buckeye football game. I absolutely cannot wait. GO BUCKS!

Posted by Dare_to_Explore at 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I can't believe it. It's the day that I have been waiting for and fearing for the past three months: the day that I move out and head up to OSU. In a sense, packing and transitioning my life into a completely unknown world, provides a sense of excitement as well as uncontrollable apprehension. I mean I knew this day was going to come, but I wasn't aware of how I would be feeling at the exact moment. But, as I look around at my emptied room, I think about life and new beginnings. I know that sounds a tad cliché, but it's all about sleeping on the old and waking up to the new.

So the packing process has finally begun! All my shirts, shorts, and the few sweaters that I have are all jam-packed into a suitcase along with some pictures and souvenirs from my room. Since I am flying up from Florida, the moving process is a little difficult. My mom and dad are taking their essentials and then combining more of my stuff into their bags. I have no idea how I am possibly going to find everything strewn about in 5 different bags! As I look around my room and evaluate my mental list of things to bring, I feel as if I have definitely covered the bases: clothes, school supplies, movies, books, vitamins, and buckeye necklaces.

The only thing that separates my internal emotions from accepting the fact that I am finally moving is the 330 page summer reading memoir, The Language of Baklava, that I am only half way done with. Procrastination at it's finest. Oh, but how can I read now, when all I think about is my final night at home and all the stresses of traveling.

So the countdown continues...I have exactly 24 hrs until I board my flight and head up to Columbus! I am so close! OH! -

Posted by Dare_to_Explore at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Wow, I just got back from a very eventful weekend at The University of Florida and I have a ton to write about. Since most of my friends from high school go to UF, I figured I would spend a weekend here and try to understand their excitement for this school. The best part about my arrival was that it was a total surprise to a few people, except for the guys that I was staying with, because everyone else thought I had already left for school.

So on Thursday night, I left Orlando and drove an hour and a half Gainesville to see UF and the renowned "Gator Country." First off, I would like to mention that it is unbearably hot there; I have no idea how these students survive. From the moment I woke up to the time I went to sleep, I always seemed to feel sweat on my brow. Even though I live in Florida and I'm used to hot weather, it's somehow about 5 degrees hotter in "G-ville" than in Orlando! But I digress.

I stayed with Jake and Andrew, two of my good buddies from high school, and the setting could not have been better. We blasted the tunes of Garth Brooks and AC/DC every night as we decided what adventures we would explore that evening. Then we would take our warmed up voices to the car, and drive around at midnight yelling at the tops of our lungs the same lyrics looking for somewhere to eat. In my opinion, there is nothing better than blasting my favorite song in the car, windows down, and singing to the steering wheel as if it is a microphone.

But, the highlight of my weekend was the much anticipated rivalry game between the Gators and The Miami Hurricanes. Even though these teams hardly ever meet, they still share an in-state rivalry that has filled the pages of college football history. Miami has had bragging rights for the past twenty years and UF was in desperate need for redemption. Walking around campus on game day was entertaining: Miami fans were making "U" shapes with their hands and being "chomped" by the arm motion of the Gator fans. I was not a big fan of the hand-made "U" of the Miami fans. I figured that since their mascot was the hurricanes, they would be spinning around in circles, but unfortunately I was mistaken. Even though I am a Buckeye fan, I enjoy the ambiance of college football and the different traditions that culminate each university. Heck, I even threw up an "O- H-" to feel apart of this game; but the people of Gainesville just laughed at me and yelled 41-14grrr.

In the end, the mighty "U" was no match for the Gators as Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow led the team to a 26-3 victory. The setting was incredible: It was at night, a prime time game, and a sold out stadium. Nothing is better than that. I was privileged to see the intimidating Gator Chomp of 90,000 plus and the famous sounds of The Pride of The Sunshine Band. It was a fun atmosphere for anyone who appreciates the fanfare and tradition of college football like I do.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and I sadly realized this as I drove home. Let's just say, without being redundant, that I am still so excited to go to college. I hope that game day in Ohio is the same, or even better, than the great experience that I had this weekend in Gator Country.
On a final note, let's begin the countdown...I have 9 days until I move in!

Posted by Dare_to_Explore at 9:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sometimes when I'm really stressed due to school or homework or lack of sleep, I like to think, "Man I wish I could be doing absolutely nothing right now." Well now that I am 15 days away from starting school and bored out of my mind, I have the reverse emotion of "Wow I really wish I was busy doing something."

For the time being, I have been a little busy with school and dorm shopping. Since I am flying in from Florida, it's very hard to bring things such as rugs, irons, TV, etc. But luckily I was chosen for the Ohio State Welcome Leaders (aka OWLS) and have been given the amazing privilege of moving in early. This way, I’ll have the time to adjust myself before everyone else moves in and buy what I need from local stores. During my time with the OWLS, I will help other freshman like myself, move into the dorms and get settled. Some awesome aspects: free food, the ability to move in early, and free T-shirt. I am really looking forward to meeting people and of course, the free stuff!

As I check off the days on my calendar leading up to OSU, I have begun to realize the awesome family activities coming up. See, I am the oldest in the family, so my parents think it would be a great idea to have final "Nights with Michael." One of these events involves a party centered on the OSU vs. USC game. My parents are both die-hard Ohio State football fans (and both graduated from OSU), so naturally they have decided to incorporate their obsession with my final days at home. Basically, we are having a huge party to celebrate Buckeye tradition and to hopefully see the team beat USC. It's fun seeing old graduates of OSU, like my parents, get so fired up as if they were students again back in the old days. I really enjoy times like this, especially when my parent’s friends from college come over and talk about their experiences on campus and how " I really need to go here..." or " definitely need to try the pizza at Tommy's, it's out of this world!"

I haven't even started school or gone to my first football game as a student, but already I feel as if I know everything about Ohio State. With all of these pointers and advice, I don't know how I can go wrong. In less than 3 weeks I will be up there, in this dreamland of sorts according to OSU alums, trying my best to take in every moment so that I can pass on my tips to the next generation of Buckeyes.

Posted by Dare_to_Explore at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)