Review of Yesterday...

Yesterday, January 20th, was the beginning of the Spring semester here at the U. This meant new schedules, new classrooms to find, and new people. Add that to the excitment of the inauguration, and it was quite a busy day (definitely not what I was used to after a month of staying at home!).

My first class, Survey of Western Art I, was at 8 am. After finally waking up and getting dressed to brace the recently freakishly cold weather (Miami should never have 50 degree weather, but alas...), I headed down to the dining hall with those who were also unfortunate in having such an early start to their day. Around 7:40 I started to make my way to the Whitten Learning Center- which I had forgotten was all the way on the other side of campus. I got there with a couple of minutes to spare and found the classroom easily. After receiving the syllabus and going over some basics, we were dismissed early. With some time to spare until my next class, I headed down to the University Center (UC), which had all-day coverage of the inauguration. I joined many others on the line of couches and chairs, watching the preparation for the ceremony until it was time for my next class.

By 9:30 I was in my seat in a classroom in the Dooly Memorial Building for my Holy Wars and Western Religious Toleration class. Much like before, we went over the syllabus, which edition of what book was required, etc. and were dismissed ahead of schedule. I went back to the UC, having to leave right before the start of the ceremonies to make it to my next class on time.

After having some difficulty in finding which door non-residents of Eaton (another Residential College that also houses classrooms) were allowed to enter through, I finally made it to my English 106 class (Exiles on Mainstreet). This room was the smallest I had seen so far, and I managed to sit myself right behind a huge column. Good job, Ashley. The Prof. knew we all wanted to see the inauguration, so he promised to keep class short. Ironically enough, it was the longest class of the day. As soon as we were dismissed I bolted out of the classroom and jogged my way down to the UC.

By this time (just before noon), it was absolutely PACKED. I managed to squeeze my way into the back of the room and peeked through the shoulders of those taller than myself (so pretty much everyone). Apparently I had arrived just in time, and was able to see Aretha Franklin finish off the last of her song (nice hat, by the way). Joe Biden was then sworn in, and the room burst into cheers. We then waited.... and a song was played....and waited.... and a speech was given..... and waited.... finally, the moment had come. As the 44th president was sworn in, the emotion in the room was nearly tangible. So many had worked so hard and waited so long that it was almost hard to imagine that it was finally happening. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. After the cheers, hugs, and attempts to dance in a cramped area, the room fell silent as President Obama began to deliver his speech. I knew that I had another class coming up soon, but I waited until the very end, and wound up being late to my next class. I knew that this is never a good habit to start, but I was witnessing a moment in history that generations after us will only be able to imagine.

I finally tore myself away from the TV screen and made my way to Illustration 102, which is definitly not your average drawing class. After going over the unusual list of materials (maybe I'll post a picture to better explain it...), I left to go back to the UC once again. There I found free food (always the best friend of a college student) and was able to watch George and Laura Bush step into their helicopter and leave the White House. It's possible that I'm sounding bitter now- my apologies if I am.

I walked back to Hecht to see how everyone else's days were going, and joined a friend on a trip to the store to buy some supplies. After that excursion and searching online for books, I racked up quite the credit card bill that I'm currently working to pay off. I took a nap and attempted to clean my room, then headed over to the dining hall for an early dinner with some of the girls from my floor.

Around 6:15 I left for my last class of the day- Intro to Philosophy. I must admit that I'm attempting to switch this class for Contemporary Moral Issues, but I decided to attend anyway just in case that doesn't happen. It wound up being the shortest class of the day- we were handed the syllabus, told to email the Prof., and were dismissed. I nearly ran back to the dorms (seeing as I was not dressed for the cold weather that had found its way to Miami after nightfall) and fell into bed. I started the homework I had been assigned for each class (mainly analyzing Obama's speech) and took yet another nap.

At 9:00 there was a mandatory floor meeting to discuss Sportsfest- quite possibly the best thing about Spring semester. We came up with a team name, tag line, and discussed who would be signing up for which events. We were also officially introduced to the two new girls on our floor- one who had simply moved from Stanford to Hecht (just in time for Sportsfest- Hecht has won 7 years in a row I believe) and one who had transfered from Miami University in Ohio.

We had a great time coming up with team names- the point is to come up the grossest, dirtiest thing possible and still get it approved. After deciding upon a name and tag line, a friend and I started some designs for the floor banner and t-shirts. I think they're coming out quite well if I do say myself. I'll post them once they're okayed by my RA.

I think I'm still a bit tired from it all, but this cold snap is keeping me alert.