Life at Sea

January 7, 2008
23:00

Things are getting better here in the middle of the nowhere. We’ve had all of our classes now and three of them are essentially reviews of other international politics and relations courses I had at Juniata. The other class is International Political Economy and I will not enjoy a single second of it, but I know I will learn a lot and that’s what is important. Maybe I’ll even surprise myself and learn to like economics? Haha okay, who am I trying to fool…I will never enjoy economics. I’m not the only student that feels like my classes will not be academically challenging, so we took our concerns to the dean of academics today. She is now talking to Macquarie (the accrediting institution) to see if we can do an independent study on something more relevant and interesting to our specific specialties and fields of interest. I would absolutely love to just be on this boat learning what I want to learn…and some economics. We won’t know for a few days whether or not we can learn independently, but I’m thinking optimistic thoughts about the whole situation. It’s still a strange feeling to know that I am considered a real person…I’m no longer an undergrad student just trying to get down the basics. I know the basics…I know the basics inside and out. I’m now trying to carve my way into this field. Odd.

Today was also the day I presented to all of my fellow students on conflict resolution skills. This boat is unique in that we all eat, live, study, socialize, learn and play together. There is no way to escape. Heck, tonight at dinner both of my professors ate at my table…we are all stuck in this little confined area and there is inevitably going to be fighting and drama. I think my bit was well received and I’ve had many compliments and positive feedback, so that makes me feel good.

Tomorrow is a busy day. I have my ‘blue day’ classes which are both the classes that I will be trying to replace with independent studies. I also am sitting in on an undergraduate conflict resolution course…I talked with the professor of that class and I think I’m going to end up being a TA of sorts. And I have to train the IRC’s on mediation skills. That on top of eating and reading 3415551 pages for class & I have a 12 hour day!

I’m excited for China. I’m ready to get off this damn boat and into real society. I can’t wait to buy things that don’t have a monopolized pricing system and spend time doing things I want to do instead of the few organized activities that exist on this ship. And knowing a package from home is waiting for me doesn’t hurt either! I have to do a 3 day Academic Field Program while in Shanghai, so that means I’ll still be staying on the boat and spending all of my time with my classmates, but at least there is the opportunity to leave in the evening and get some real food or even just go for a walk. Freedom!!!

Also, I have a roommate! Her name is Elaine and she’s from Hong Kong. Her English is pretty good, but she seems really quiet and reserved. I think we’ll be good roommates…and get this, her side of the room is messier than mine! I’m forced to be neat because I have no belongings (40 lbs of luggage will do that to you) and her stuff is all over the place! Ahh it makes me feel like home!

That’s about all of my news from here. Mom, I want to hear about Dad’s party!! You’ve been slacking in the email department big time. Send one to my gmail with the details. Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! 50 sounds old, I’m not gonna lie! Love you! xoxo

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