To the lovely sophomores of CSU,

            As I sit here in my apartment complex, I suffer a pining headache, a sore throat, and exhaustion. Sound familiar? If it does not then you are very lucky! Drink lots of orange juice, tea, or anything containing vitamin c! It all does wonders.

Anyways, it seems to be a mutual consensus that just halfway through October was about when we all were finally fully adjusted to the academic aspect of this year. Just in time for mid-terms. I spoke to multiple sophomores and they all said that they were finally easing into this year halfway through this past month. I know I can certainly say the same and it’s quite the relief. I figured out that all of my teachers thought to put the heavy load of the semester at the beginning. Normally that would have worked if they all had not done that. Oh the joys of college. Always keeping you on your toes! I still dislike most of my classes, but my motivation to do the work is back. I created my own motivation because it certainly was not about to spurt from the classroom.

This year the hardest thing for me has been discipline. I struggle to do my work in a timely fashion. I still get it done but not as thoroughly. Life is all about learning so sometime I will. Do not take that to heart, though, please don’t do what I am doing! You all are stronger than that! As you may learn, I do not take my own advice. This month has been filled with people having personal, friend, and relationship issues. I am fortunate enough to have people come to me when something is going on and then later I am scolded for not following my own advice. I’m convinced that is just a human thing to do. That’s my justification.

My family visited me a few weeks ago. We went to dinner and spent a lovely evening chatting about miscellaneous things in honor of celebrating my dad’s birthday. My mom was taking this picture so she’s not in the photo. From left to right it goes me, my dad, and my sister named Sitara.

This month, I really got to thinking about being “that person”. When we entered the restaurant, my mom immediately requested to be seated at a booth instead of sitting at the table that we were led to. I thought to myself, “oh no, we’re that family.” From then on, I thought of every scenario where being “that” something applied. There are those people who put hot sauce on everything, those who prefer to sleep instead of party, those who walk around in sandals when there is snow on the ground and many more. Do we humans categorize to give ourselves peace of mind or is there an alternative purpose? For me, I talk to random people too much whether it’s on random flights to different states or at social gatherings here in Fort Collins. I’m that girl. This is simply food for thought. What makes you that person? I have so many situations where I am that person. Just yesterday there was a man who pressed the cross button but proceeded to cross anyways and then the light turned red for nothing because he had already passed. Darn guy. Don’t be that guy. The scenarios are infinite of who can be what type of person.

In summary, I crafted myself a new earring holder from materials at Joanne’s, had some friend dates, went on a real date, and came to the conclusion that I am content with receiving more than two B’s by the end of this semester. I've admired beautiful sunsets from outside my apartment window and here is just one of the many.

The holiday season is fast approaching and I can say I’m that girl and I start playing holiday music before Thanksgiving is over. KOSI 101 becomes my go-to radio station and out comes the apple cider and chocolate chip cookies. I look forward to celebrating fall break in California with some relatives and then having many, 31 to be exact, celebrating Christmas at my house for winter break. The true question is: how many family members can you fit into a hot tub? Last time we had 10. As much as I would like to say that this semester has been slowly going by because of the sophomore slump, it truly has sped quickly. I cannot believe that October is over and finals are just around the corner. Cheers to you all for the hard work that you've put into this semester. It will pay off soon! I believe in all of you even if you don’t believe in yourselves. J You all are stuck with me until the end of the year so get used to my positivity.

Much love,

            Chand