School, Home, and Research

Right now I'm almost finished with my first week of classes. I'm still having a hard time believing that I'm really starting my junior year of college. It has gone so fast! I haven't been back even a week, and already some exciting things have happened. The main one being joining a research team in the chemistry department. I won't repeat myself, because I wrote a Facebook note about. But I'll just say that I have been given an amazing opportunity for this year, and most of next summer, that will end me being able to co-author a paper for publication!

So far I'm loving living with my new roommate. We were best friends last year, and we seem to have made a good decision about roommates. We have yet to have any disagreements, and have similar schedules and bedtimes. And the only thing that can beat staying up late with your roommate/best friend as school talking about politics and theology is sister time.

One thing I was not expecting when I got back to school was homesickness. Last year I missed my family very badly, and was very lonely at times, but I was never what I would call homesick. But this year is different. I'm not sure why. It seems strange to me that I would do ok for one year and then come back and not be ok. But right now I don't even want to think about the next three months away from home, or the months of may, june, and part of july. I suppose this independence is all part of growing up, but some times I just have to keep repeating to myself "God is here with me, God is here with me".

I miss you all, and can't wait to see you all at thanksgiving.

Cheers!

Laura

Amendment 1: I was thrilled today to learn that because the way my class schedule worked out I will be home for a week at thanksgiving, instead of just a few days.

Amendment 2: If anyone is interested, the research I will be doing involves studying the way different molecules transfer energy between themselves. It, apparently, has an application in LED lights. (If anyone cares enough about this stuff, I can give you more details, but I won't bore the rest of you).