“Oh hey Internet, how’s it going? How was your summer? Oh, that sucks. Mine wasn’t too bad.”
Well friends, it’s time to say goodbye to the temp jobs, awkward tan-lines, and shameful hookups with that one girl from high school who you kind of liked at one point but now have to explain that it was just more of a fling, for academia is once again upon us! Here’s to another year of internships, awkward hangovers, and shameful hookups with that one girl from your freshman dorm who you kind of liked at one point but now have to explain that it was just more of a fling. Ah, the wonders of education and maturity.
This semester I begin work as a grad student, which includes teaching a section of freshman comp. I’m admittedly nervous, but also excited to bring to the classroom all of the do’s and don’t's I’ve accumulated from my years as an undergrad. But knowing me, I’ll say something awkward on the first day and lose all agency immediately. Then again, if Lennon could derp out and still go on to be more popular than Jesus, perhaps I’ve got a chance with those freshmen afterall…
Anywho, so far I’m quite enjoying my move to Syracuse (which apparently is nicknamed the “Salt City“). The university’s campus is quite beautiful (the English dept. offices are in a wonderfully gothic building epically (and righteously) dubbed the “Hall of Languages“), my apartment is literally brand-new, and whenever I need a good laugh I can check out the football team. (In an ironic twist of fate, however, one of my roommates was a former player — he had NFL prospects, but had to permanently retire when he tore his ACL, PCL, & LCL in a single play his 2nd season. Doctors said he’d never be able to walk again. The good news is that he walks just fine now. The bad news is that he wants to take me to the gym. AlexJonesPlan, don’t fail me now!)
The only thing I don’t like so far is the commute. I live on the south fringe of Syracuse, meaning that I’ve got a good 30-min walk to campus. Yes, I still am a bum and refuse to buy a car. I did, however, buy a bike. But I’ll be damned (see link: ironic title much?) if anyone wants to give me room on the road to actually ride it. (Dan, I’m looking at you for cycling tips.)
mind the gap
And call me vain, but I’ve currently forgone a helmet for the sake of the faux-hawk. But fashion will certainly protect my head from any blunt trauma, right?
Well, at least it’ll be entertaining when it happens.
And, before I go, here’s some of that weird & wonderful Internet miscellany you all crave:
- Christopher & Calvin at recess.
- Silent and delicious: ninja cookies.
- Who out there likes to write fiction? The time draws nigh.
- The worst (and simultaneously the best) of YouTube.
- Look at this fucking hipster dinosaur.
- And either a very useful tool or the best prank ever: schedule a cell phone call.
BACK TO SCHOOL BONUS:
- Free books? I like anything free, and I like books. This could be the start of something wonderful.
