hayley's blog...

Back home, I went through phases like most people where I would get really pumped up about going to work out. Whether it was the rain, food, homework etc. that would stop my stretch of going, I always loved working out. I loved feeling energized, and in shape. My goal for at college was that I was going to work out every other day, optimize taking classes. I was FINALLY going to stick with it. In the first few days, I bought a 14 time class pass, and tried to work out. Discouraged after zumba was filled up, I headed to the Little Bob in my running tank. After waiting to get into the gym, I was turned away because I needed a full t-shirt. The second time I was ready to go. I had my t-shirt ready, there was no line. I was pretty excited to run the treadmill, and soon realized that there was a line for that too. I swore that finally the third time I was going to go at an odd hour of the day to ensure a. I had my t-shirt, b. I did not have to wait in a line to get in the gym, and c. that I would not have to wait to use the treadmill. I’m supposed to be there right now.. but it’s raining, and I’m tired, and I have lots of homework to do. AKA I’m seriously procrastinating my work out. One day I will finally get there, and keep you posted of how my exercising is going…

Last summer, i vividly remember myself lost, confused, and overwhelmed looking at schools. Within my limitations, I knew that across the United States I had HUNDREDS of schools to pick from. So the question that I always asked myself was how do you pick? I’m the oldest in my family so the whole college search process was a new thing. My parents, and myself went into the whole situation blindsided, and not totally sure where to begin. I bought the Princeton Review book of the North East’s best schools. I figured I would start my search close by to my home. I remember going through the index of the book narrowing down each, and every college. First, crossing off the ones that I knew I could not get in to, afford, etc. At the end, I had about thirty schools to really investigate. And one thing that I remember loving and reading was something about Delaware.. that the students were generally happy, and that students’ had the perfect grasp on a balance between learning and social life. Every bit of that information I have found out to be true here. Just today as I was walking by the green, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly happy, and lucky that I am able to afford such a wonderful opportunity here, and to truly love every minute of it. And the statement about students here having a great balance I have found to be almost dead on. Going in to college, I knew that I wanted to experience the social aspects of college life on the weekends, but also that school work was a priority. From past stories that I have heard from others, I always thought I would have to be the nerd who didn’t want to go out on a tuesday night, and chose to do my homework instead. But rather I have found that students here work hard, and enjoy their free time. This has truly been one of the things that I think makes Delaware such a great school, and a place that I think I can truly succeed at.

When I tell everyone from Delaware that I’m from Boston, it’s like I traveled from China or something to go to school here. Everyone’s in disbelief that i actually drove 6 hours to go to college. They think it’s WICKED cool as they will all mock me and say. But Delaware I have found to be very different than Massachusetts. The culture, the people..everything is a new atmosphere. I call my hometown the “Mansfield Bubble.” Practically everyone is from the upper middle class, white family that lives the stereotypical cookie cutter life. While at times it can be overwhelming to be submersed in such a new world, I’ve found that I really love it. It’s been great to hear everyone’s stories about their “senior weeks” (something I definitely feel like i missed out on MA). But even just the little things. Band for example was something in high school that had an automatic stereotype associated  with being in the band. Here I’ve found that the kids who are in band have turned out to be some of the coolest, and hilarious people that I’ve met at school so far. It’s been really amusing, rewarding, and a lot of fun to go to school with people that are diverse, and different than where I’m from. I don’t for a second regret traveling a bit farther away to go to school.

All of my school work is piling up. Before I left for school my friend’s who left for school before me, kept telling me how they never had time to do their work, and it was hard to find time to do it. Everyone always warns you at school to make sure you time manage well. I guess that I always thought I was an exception because it was so easy to do in highschool. I’m working on my time management and really trying to stay focused and making time for my work.. aka my self discipline.