Except I lie.  I’ve hit the so-called “sophomore slump.” I think I have.  I might as well suffer from an existential crisis, but who am I to know?

I’m finishing up my second block of Civilization of the West.  This course studies basically studies European History from the year 4000BCE to 1989 (the fall of the Berlin Wall).  This course is a perfect example of why the Block Plan is so beautiful, intense, unbelievable, and overwhelming.  Essentially, I’m studying 6000 years of history in the course of 7 weeks.  It’s laughable, for sure.  Regardless, I absolutely love it and am so tired of it.  It’s becoming a love/hate relationship.   As a History major (it’s so weird calling myself a history major!), I am obsessed with Modern Europe History. Reading Rene Descartes, Mary Wollstonecraft,  Charles Dickens, Karl Marx, and Sigmund Freud reaffirmed this sickly desire to learn more about Modern Europe.

Where else can you study SO MUCH in such a LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME?  (That was a rhetorical question… )

Spring Break is a comin’, and I’m positive most of the campus is feeling the Slump.

A housemate sleeping, feeling the "Slump"

My plans for Spring Break, you ask?  I’m doing a road trip with two other friends to Yellowstone, than Washington, than Vancouver, than Oregon, than San Francisco, than Salt Lake City, and then back to CC.  Insane–right?  Yeah, 4000 miles of driving.  I’m so excited!

Oh Spring Break, please come sooner!

I apologize!

First, let’s talk winter break.  I went home to OklaHOMEa (like my play on words?) for all of winter break.  It was relaxing. I slept, worked at my old job that I had during high school, and visited as many friends as possible.

Unfortunately, I thought a month at home was way too long.  I felt like I was doing sooo little. Truthfully, I wasn’t doing very little. I was working 30 hours a week, went to doctors (wisdom teeth surgery, checked for skin cancer), ate TONS of frozen yogurt, had coffee with teachers from high school, watched a total of 11 movies, read 3 books, and bought new clothes!

This leads to my theory (not really my theory per se, probably some CC students feel the same) of time on the block plan.  Winter break roughly translates into one block at CC.  Right? In regards to the block, it’s fast-paced, I can barely catch my breath, I read more than 5 books for class, and I write more than 4,000 words. That’s only in 3.5 weeks.  Time flashes before my eyes, and before I know it—I’ve already moved on to my next class.   Thus, I hypothesize that CC exists on an alternate universe in which individuals can freely move to and from CC reality to the reality that most of the world experiences.

Signing off from the alternate universe,

Melissa

Since yesterday, the snow has been dancing out  the skies.  It’s a beautiful site; however, it’s not so fun in 7 degree weather.  As I sit in my room, sipping on delicious peppermint hot chocolate, I do not plan on leaving my house at all today.  As a native Oklahoman, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered single digit weather.  Yes, I’ve seen snow, ice, and freezing water–just never experienced that single digit stuff.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate this weather.  I actually adore it.  I just never want to spend more than 15 minutes in the weather.

Isn't this gorgeous? This is the quad near where I live.

Now, updates.  I’m in a history class this block called American History, American Cinema:  History, Hollywood and Representing the American Past.  It’s a different type of class in which students read about historical events and then watch how film presents the historical events.  Just last week, we learned about the JFK assassination and the 9/11 events in order to visualize how film narrates trauma.

On the subject of history, I am declaring a double major in history and sociology!  It’s very exciting, because I love how the two majors go hand-in-hand.  Sociology studies societal patterns of today, while history analyzes patterns of the past. 

This weekend, I baked sugar cookie people (it’s like a gingerbread person, but made with sugar cookie dough) with my friends.  It was incredibly fun, because I haven’t hung out with my friends altogether in awhile and we were able to enjoy each other’s company.  Since I’m the baker out of the four of us, I made the cookies and cut out the people, while my friends ate the cookies once they were done baking.    I wish I had pictures of the cookies, but they’re gone…

Lastly, I will be home in 1 week and 5 days!  I’m gotten quite homesick.  I left Oklahoma around mid-August, and haven’t been home since.  Regardless, I’m so excited to see my family, friends, and my luscious bed.  A month of Oklahoma (truthfully, that’s the perfect amount of time).   I can’t wait.

The Glass House Family.  Those who scare each other, stay together.

This year, I live in the Lennox House or, more informally known as, the Glass House.   The Glass House is a themed learning community that focuses on encouraging multi-cultural awareness through discussion, support, and programming.

For first block, our programming was to help out with H(unger) A(ction) M(onth) Jam (HAM Jam, for short!) through the CC community kitchen.  Second block, we held a dance party in our basement called, “Mash Up at the Mansion.”  It was incredibly fun, and our house was PACKED.  In other words, our dance party was a success.  This coming block (3^rd block), our house is holding a haunted house for the campus and community!  I’m so excited, because the haunted house is based on folk tales from the residents of the house.  I won’t give too much away, but I’m telling the story of Ma Lai, a Vietnamese story of a ghost who only eats when she’s sleeping.  I know it doesn’t make much sense, but I’m planning on writing another entry on the haunted house (complete with pictures).

I know that at one point or another, you always hear residential life horror stories.  This hasn’t been the case for me at CC.  There are so many options to where you can live on campus.

-Melissa

I am now in my second week of Probability and Statistics with David Brown.  I haven’t taken a math course in a few years, and David (who is hilarious) is incredible. He teaches his lessons so that even I can understand.  Even if I’ve forgotten basic math skills, he doesn’t tease or make fun of me.  He’s honestly there to help the students.  Regardless, it’s been difficult getting adjusted to the Block Plan.

Wait.  Let me backtrack some and talk about being a New Student Orientation (NSO) leader.  Each year, CC has an orientation for the incoming freshmen and transfers.  What makes this school’s orientation so special is the fact that all the incoming students go on service trips all over the Southwest.  I co-led (with my friend Eleanor) a trip to Santa Fe at a non-profit that works with families who are victims of domestic violence.  The group of 10 freshmen that were on this trip was so hardworking.  I really believe they wanted their work to make a positive in these families’ lives.

Every night during their NSO trip, my co-leader and I would lead discussions about their fears, their expectations, and the reality of college.  What was so heart-warming for me was when the freshmen were able to open up and admit that they all had similar fears.  For example, many of the freshmen had fears of the rigor of the Block Plan.  They asked, “Will I be able to catch my breath if I’m behind in class work?”  “Will I be able to do extracurricular activities, meet friends, and have a social life?”  I sat there with chills running up and down my spine, because these were my exact fears last year.  They sat there and I told them how it is possible; however, it’s hard to find your niche and rhythm first semester.  I mean, my first year was a roller coaster!  I wanted to do every club on campus (I joined 10).  I wanted to major in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences (I don’t even think this is plausible).  I wanted to be friends with everyone (now, I have a handful of marvelous and brilliant friends).

Fortunately my second semester, I came to the realization that Colorado College (or any college for that matter) is meant to be the best four years of my life.  I don’t need to do everything  and rush.  I can just be Melissa Tran.  Who is a girl from Oklahoma and attends one of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation.

So ecstatic for the year to come!

Melissa

The Seine River

Casablanca. Gigi. Sabrina. Amelie.  Before Sunrise and Before Sunset (my two personal favorites).

Media has romanticized our imagination of the city of Paris.  The examined and lived, however, brings this city to a whole new level.  As I sit writing this, I am reliving Paris in my imagination.  I was able to examine and experience the city of Paris.

Want to see the Seine River?  It’s only a twenty minute walk.  The Louvre?  Cross the Pont d’Artes and you’re there.  Want to see Notre Dame?  Eiffel Tower?  Pompidou  Center? Done. Done. And Done.

From front left: Katherine, Brenna, Kelly, Alissa, Me, and Connie

However, what does the everyday person know about the layering of history within this beautiful city?  To tell you the truth, I knew nothing.  Susan Ashley (Dean of the College) and Tip Ragan (Chair of the History Department) co-taught this course.  I’ve never been so challenged by any professor as I have with these two.   Susan focused on teaching the intellectual history of Paris, while Tip focused more on the social history.  Together, they were masterful in teaching the thirteen of us how Paris developed and progressed in the middle ages, the Age of Absolutism, and Modern Paris.

The class was amazing and probably one of the best courses I have ever had in my entire life.  The workload wasn’t too much or overwhelming, but I was challenged by the class discussions.  Susan and Tip would steer discussion by asking a single question, and the class would try to find answers or more questions within the 2.5 hours.  My brain literally hurt after each class, because I had never imagined Paris to be so brilliant.

Oscar Wilde is buried in Paris. Look at all the kisses!

There are no words to describe how I feel about this class–it’s a true “unique, intellectual adventure.” Consider taking this summer block when it’s offered.  I promise you, it will be mind-blowing.

View from the Eiffel Tower!

A rather short or long update (it’s all perception, you know).

This block I am in Inequality (my third class in the sociology department).  This particular course is taught by Jeff Livesay who is amazing.  On the first day of the block, Jeff (with his Mississippian accent) immediately dived into the topic material.  He immediately explained, “This class is about inequality.  More specifically, this is a course on class inequality.  The department teaches about gender and racial inequality, but this course doesn’t.”  I immediately thought, “this was the class I’ve been waiting for since I’ve arrived at CC.” It’s daunting to think that we live our lives in such routine without thinking beyond the “American Dream.”  Sure, I knew class inequality exists–just not to the levels of  inequality that this course explicitly criticizes.

RELAY FOR LIFE happened last Friday night!  Despite the rain and change of location to El Pomar gym, it was a fantastic event.  As part of the planning committee, I didn’t understand why were planning the event in October when the event wouldn’t take place until May.  I observed hundreds of CC students together at an event to “celebrate, remember, and fight back” (Relay For Life motto).  It was beautiful to see so many students walk the track from 7pm to 7am–they were devoted to see an end to this horrible disease.

In the back, there are luminaria bags that spell out CURE.

This is the joint-team banner for our first lap! Fanterriblastic!

In TWO WEEKS, I will be in Paris!  I will be taking the Social History of Paris course this summer taught by Dean Susan Ashley and Tip Ragan.  I’ve been so focused on 8th block that I didn’t realize I will be in another country in fourteen days.  It’s absurd how quick a block goes.  Goodness, I should start thinking about packing…

Lastly, I have officially declared my major today!  Earlier, I wrote that I was in Inequality with Jeff Livesay.  Being in this class just made me realize that I NEEDED to be a Sociology major.  So this afternoon, I went to Jeff and asked him if he would be my new academic adviser in order to declare my major.  After an hour conversation about my future, plans at CC, plans for study abroad, I came out of Jeff’s office with a overwhelming sense of elation.  For some reason, this declaration of my major made me realize how much I loved my first year of college (the good and the bad) and CC. When choosing a college, I never thought I would major in Sociology.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Until Paris–au revoir!

-Melissa

I’m not going to lie.  As a senior in high school, I did not have the slightest idea of where I wanted to attend college.  Many of my classmates had romanticized the idea of college.  Students applied to very prestigious universities with a major already in mind.  I DIDN’T.  Something was wrong with me.  I wasn’t looking forward to the college process-I had no clue for what I was looking for in a college.  My parents assumed that I was going to apply to the major universities in Oklahoma.  Nevertheless, my teachers, friends, and college counselor recommended that I look at other schools outside of Oklahoma.  While I did apply to three Oklahoma universities, I also applied to six more schools.  Researching colleges was overwhelming.  Did I want a school in a rural or urban location?  What is your ideal student body size?  Diversity?  Financial aid?  Majors? Campus life?

These questions opened up a lot possibilities for my future.  The thought of planning my future as a 17-year-old scared me.  My solution for this dilemma?  Apply to a wide range of schools to insure that come decision time, I would have many options.  I applied to the medical research university, the religious-affiliated university, the engineering university, the pre-law school; a few schools in the South, Southwest, North, Northeast, the West; schools with predominantly right or left political views; and of course, liberal art colleges.  Come acceptance/rejection time, I was accepted to all nine schools.  I didn’t expect that to happen, because I assumed that schools would essentially decide if I was a good match for them.  There was no way that I was a “good fit” for all nine schools.  I realized the most important aspect of my future necessitates an interdisciplinary and critical understanding of society.  A liberal arts education would definitely fulfill the expectations of my future.  To make matters more difficult, I applied to two liberal art colleges-one of course being Colorado College.

I visited both schools.  First, I visited CC and knew I loved it.  The other school wasn’t the right match for me.  Essentially, I knew that Colorado College was going to be my home for four years.

I wasn’t aware of this at the time, but I wanted to go to a school that truly believed in a “unique intellectual adventure.” This school is unique-there are few like this.  Where else are you able to submerse yourself in one class at a time?  Where else are you able to be a philosopher, an educator, a theologian, a sociologist, and a feminist within a span of a year?  This school is intellectual–I’ve been able to take courses that I never thought I would love or interests that I am passionate about.  Without the block plan, I would never be able to experiment with different courses, start friendships with everyone in my current block (despite differing opinions), or share a common love for knowledge.  Overall, it’s been an adventure. Undoubtedly.

Seriously, don’t ever apply to nine schools.  CC is awesome.

When I visited CC last year. It was snowing and cold!

Being a freshman and not knowing where my niche was at CC, sub-free hall has made a very positive influence for my first year.  It’s self-selecting.  Students choose to live on this hall.   Not all of us get along, but we’re a big family.  I remember 1st block, we had dance parties (pratically) every weekend.  Unfortunately during one of our dance parties, Security had come up thinking we were under the influence–we were just having too much fun, and getting out of hand.

Looking back (as a second semester Freshman), I did wonder if being placed on the sub-free hallway was a good idea.  It was one of the best decisions I’ve made (besides choosing CC, of course).  Transitioning into college is difficult in itself, especially on the  Block Plan, and having a home that was quiet with a new family made college that much easier.  I highly recommend choosing sub-free as a freshman, especially if you’re uncertain, uncomfortable, and need some stability in a new college environment

Living on the substance-free hall does not mean you have to be substance free, it’s where you live.  As my wonderful Residential Advisor said at the beginning of the school year, “It’s not a lifestyle, it’s a home.”

peace out (it’s SPRING BREAK),

Melissa

Dance party!

Part of my hall getting ready for Halloween fun!

Part of my hall went to Yoo Mae for sushi! Verrrrry good + cheap!

(From top left) Bridgett, Anh, Alana, Susie, Me, and Krystle

Yesterday evening, after a very busy day, I went with a group of friends to go see Joshua Radin.  My first concert in Colorado Springs!  It was amazing, and the venue reminded me of a venue I went to in Oklahoma.  The two opening acts, Jesse Harris and Meiko, were the best opening acts I have EVER heard in my entire life.  No lie!

Jesse Harris

Jesse Harris was the first opening act.  I loved his voice a lot; it was so soothing and calm.  He actually wrote Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why”, which is a phenomenal song.

Meiko

The next opening act was Meiko.  She was quirky, cute, and a wonderful music artist.  In my opinion, she resembled Rachel Yamagata.  It was also Meiko’s 24th birthday, in which she sang to us (and not the other way around)!

Finally, Joshua Radin.  His most recent fame was singing the Sesame Street theme song on an episode of the televsion show Scrubs.  His voice was calm, melodic, and mesmerizing.  I actually had not heard of him until a week ago, but I really like him.  Perhaps you might know “I’d Rather Be With You”, which is his most recent hit.

Joshua Radin

Overall, it was one of the best concerts I’ve attended.  While I thoroughly enjoyed Joshua Radin, I loved both the opening acts, which is rare.  A musical and calming evening to end a busy day!

Signing off,

Melissa

Hello, hello, hello!

I can’t get over the fact that I am less than three blocks away from finishing my first year here at CC.  This school year has gone by too quickly.  Sure, getting acclimated to the school, community and altitude was difficult; however, I’ve loved every moment of it.  The good and the bad.

This block I am taking something completely out of my comfort zone.  I am in Topics in Feminist and Gender Studies: Women and Violence with Eileen Breshnahan.  I Love it! I know what you’re thinking, “she loves a class about women and violence?”  It’s true-I really do enjoy this class.  Let me quote a course objective from my class syllabus, “to develop an understanding of the socially constructed nature of gender and gender relations and of how these relate to the social construction of gender-based violence. “  I’m seeing our society in a different light-a socially constructed system of patriarchy.  After not even finishing my first week of the class, I am finally admitting to myself that I am a feminist.

On a lighter note, tomorrow I am going to do ED: 100 after my Feminist and Gender Studies class.  It’s been a week since I’ve seen the students!  I hope they remember me.  Then, I’m heading over to finish the last of my training for one of the local nonprofits I’m working with this year!  Wish me luck.

Until then,

-Melissa

Block Break happenings!

Wednesday:  After working hours on my take-home final for Sociology, I immediately headed out to a local elementary school to get ahead in my adjunct course.  Adjuncts are courses students can take alongside their core blocks.  These classes are .25 credit.  It’s fun to take adjuncts because, it gives me the opportunity to escape from my current block for just a couple hours.  Last semester, I took the American Sign Language adjunct.  Class met every Thursday (except for the fourth week of the Block) in the evenings.   This semester, I’m taking an extended adjunct called ED100: College Aides in the Colorado Springs Area.

Thursday: I showed up to observe the class I was assigned, and I fell in love.  The students are brilliant, unaware of what comes out of their mouths, and incredibly silly.  Even though this was my first day, I was awestruck by this teacher who was able to make this all happen.  I am absolutely positive I want a career in the education system.

Later, I attended an orientation for a non-profit organization.  I’m so excited to be working with this organization. They help individuals who don’t appear to need help, thus they are ignored.  The Colorado Springs area has many organizations that anyone can work with.  Click here to check out organizations!

Friday: I went to observe for a few hours at the elementary school again-they had a Valentine’s Day party!  From this experience, I have promised myself to never give my children sugar (if I do have children).  When I came back to campus, my friends, Cassie and Justin, and I packed to go to Denver.  We stayed with a friend, Garrick, who left that Wednesday to spend some time at home.  We ate a delicious home-cooked meal, watched a movie, and played Blockus (I highly recommend spending thirty dollars for this game).

My friends waiting for the bus. The cold was getting to all of us--especially Cassie.

Saturday: My friends and I woke up and headed out to the Denver Natural Science Museum.  It’s phenomenal.  The planetarium; however, was my favorite.  I sat in my chair, and watched a thirty minute film called Cosmic Collision that was voiced by Robert Redford.  If you have the chance, go see the Denver Natural Science Museum (it’s awesome, even if you’re not five).

I thought I could scare the stuffed bear.

Block break was busy, yet fun.  Probably, my favorite Block Break experience thus far.

I’m in Sociology of Everyday life with Professor C.J. Pascoe, and it’s pretty awesome.  C.J. is one of the best professors I’ve had since I’ve been here (despite this being my fifth block here at CC).  The workload is very rigorous, but what do you expect–it’s the Block Plan.  I’ve been able to accomplish so much in 3.5 weeks that it’s really unthinkable.

Today is a Research Day (we didn’t have class today, either).  My group, Becca Spiegel and Maya Webber, is working on a New Media and the Self Presentation.  What we’re researching is how social networking sites, specifically Facebook, present a core presentation of the individual.  As the individual meets new people or makes new friends, he or she will update their ‘profile’ accordingly.  Our overall goal is to show that we have multiple selves and Facebook represents our many selves on a single site.  We’re doing surveys and an analysis based off of them.  Hopefully, it’ll work out!

I want to leave you with a picture I took in the fall of my view from my room. The building is Shove Chapel: