I really was never in Kansas, but I've recently seen Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and finally Georgia, marking the start of a new chapter. Despite the excitement of a new adventure, it is strange to not be in Morris anymore. I miss what's simple and familiar in a place where people are quirky and accepted for who they are and what they bring to the table. In this big, new place, "parallel" streets intersect, side roads are never through streets and cyclists take their lives in their hands going to the grocery store. In other words, I'm working on finding my way around this city without a car, and its certainly not the ideal situation I'd hoped for. I find myself longing for the days of a five minute walk to class and long bike rides where the only traffic is the occasional tractor or combine. Its also hot and sticky, so anywhere I go, I'm a guaranteed sweat hog upon arrival. They tell me it cools down eventually.
Despite some of the difficulties I've faced in my first couple weeks, I'm thrilled to be here.There is a really positive energy at Rollins, among faculty and students alike. I perceived this energy in my painfully brief visit in March, but it was so ostensible that it made other very impressive programs pale in comparison. The faculty are as student-oriented as those in Morris and are world-renowned public health practitioners. This fall, I will be receiving instruction from a faculty member who was part of the WHO's worldwide smallpox eradication team. The school's dean was one of the first to recognize and begin to investigate the AIDS epidemic as it emerged, and within the CDC fought the good fight to save lives despite a stubborn administration. The students are impressive too, coming from a diversity of backgrounds. Many have been in the work force for a few years already, others come from abroad, and others, like me, are fresh out of undergrad. One thing is certain: I am in good (and impressive!) company down here.
Let the adventure begin!
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