tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36266978.post6942207342655699338..comments2022-10-26T04:47:50.103-04:00Comments on The Bronzed Shoe Archives: Notes from my perch on the eve of final exams weekLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10676579695252330189noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36266978.post-63556693648301977472007-05-13T16:50:00.000-04:002007-05-13T16:50:00.000-04:00Maybe you didn't want me to read this, so I'm sorr...Maybe you didn't want me to read this, so I'm sorry if that's the case. I certainly understand you wanting space--a chance to experience on your own, without expectations from someone else's experience. But I think I know what you mean.<BR/><BR/>I understand the jealously of feeling left out, of wanting everything at once. I sacrificed much social life for the sake of other involvements this year, and I don't really regret it...but I do recognize the way I allowed myself less freedom than my friends have. Last summer, I definitely missed my lake swims and hanging out with my best friend's family (the extent of my home social life!). <BR/><BR/>First, I admire your stringency on communication at Bethany. I was similar I guess. I never talk to anyone on the phone but my parents anyway, but I only had limited email correspondence with friends. If you receive good emails from good friends, don't feel guilty about responding. If you're corresponding with GLo (congrats on the research!), by all means do so! But I don't think you'll have to worry too much about the distractions. <BR/><BR/>All relationships take time to build. But you'll be surrounded by open, chatty, funny, crazy, kind people. They'll help! It's interesting how much of personal growth is about breaking out of boxes. As much as I'm excited about my summer, I'm absolutely terrified to teach two classes of people my age. That will stretch me. But it's good to be stretched.<BR/><BR/>Probably none of this makes sense, but if I could offer any advice, it's only this: don't criticize yourself. Don't feel guilty if you sit in the house in Rochester and miss things in Atlanta. That's normal. Don't be disappointed with yourself if you feel uncomfortable around people and long to escape. Normal feelings, don't judge or fight them. Don't try to force yourself into a set emotional place. What's supposed to come will come. You'll be great.Ti Brehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11706837604468829840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36266978.post-60288266672047575772007-05-08T23:19:00.000-04:002007-05-08T23:19:00.000-04:00If I really am feeling it would have been better t...If I really am feeling it would have been better to make the other choice, next time when something like it comes around, I'll choose the other road. <BR/><BR/>Sounded like you were pretty busy with extra curriculars from here. <BR/> <BR/>New York! How exciting!!! Letters - snail mail...that'll be different, but an opportunity!<BR/>Congratualtions on the first year! I'm so proud of you. <BR/>Love.Linda Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578522164594540018noreply@blogger.com