the Dalaverse

I love my school. I am actually sitting here, in tears, because I love it so much.

Here is what happened this morning. I need to drop my Values Inq course because I took enough religion courses to satisfy the gen ed requirement, and in looking for something to add, my eye was caught by a history course titled Introduction to Museum Studies. I e-mailed Bjorn to explain why I was dropping Violence and Non-Violence, and I e-mailed Professor Roberts, my still-unofficial advisor, to ask what he thought of the museum class. Within two hours:

Bjorn re-sent me the notification about the new rules regarding exemptions for Values Inq and said to make sure one of the courses was a 300 level, or it wouldn't count, before he crossed me off the list. When I double-checked and assured him it was, he asked me if I'd be interested in taking a few more courses in order to get a minor degree in religious studies.

Roberts said that museum studies would be an excellent choice; even thought it isn't cross-listed with anthropology, it will be very useful. He also mentioned an art history course on Mayan architecture that will be archaeology-heavy, and said to stop by to chat when I got a chance.

Meanwhile, I called the registrar's office to ask if I could still switch classes online or if I should go for a drop/add slip, and she was as pleasant, friendly, and helpful as pretty much every single staff member here.

I can't even begin to relate what a relief this is, after I've been worrying all summer and with extra strength the past week. I love that I can do this, that my professors actually know who I am and am interested in what I will be doing and what I have to say because they don't have thousands of students demanding their attention.

I love my school. I feel rather self-centered at the moment, considering all that's going on in the world, but there it is. I could have been miserable somewhere else, but for once I did the right thing in picking this school, and it's a decision I will never question.