Alas, it has been almost half a year since I last updated this blog. My busy schedule and my laziness show just how committed I am to splurging my ideas for all to publicly see on the internet.
Since returning home to Colorado for winter break, I’ve been struck by a little nostalgia for the venerable University of Virginia and the people I’ve met there. I cannot believe how suddenly college has gone by; five semesters done, three more to go! This and following posts will chronicle the photos I’ve taken of the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s university during my first year from the fall of 2009 to the spring of 2011.
THE PLACES:
A view of the Pentagon before landing in D.C. A new chapter of my life is about to begin.
Opening Convocation for the First Years. My only memory, the horrendous humidity and receiving a nickel (containing the visage of our school’s founder, Thomas Jefferson).
My first, and only, UVa football game so far. It was an amazing sight to see a sea of orange, it wasn’t so amazing to see us lose to William & Mary.
“Good evening Mr. Jefferson.” It’s part of tradition that students streak down the Lawn from the Rotunda, run back up, peek into the keyhole, and give a little greeting to TJ. And no, I wasn’t streaking when I took this picture.
Campbell Hall, home of the University of Virginia School of Architecture. Little did I know that this place would become a prison for us future architects.
A look into the East Addition of Campbell Hall by a member of the architecture faculty, W.G. Clark. Trust me, this is the only nice part of the 1960′s era building.
A view of the north side of Campbell Hall, my future home away from home. If you have friends that are architecture students, visit them in studio so that they can have outside human contact, please. I beg you.
My final pin-up for ARCH 1020: Lessons in Making. I thought that taking this class would be bad, but the future would hold even worse… It’s worth it, though.
THE PEOPLE:
No place on earth would be livable if it were not for the people who inhabit it. I must admit, I initially did not enjoy the people at UVa because I thought most of them were superficial, loose, party-animals, etc. Yet, the friends I have made since then have made the place feel like a second home to me. I love my friends like family, and I miss them even as I write this from 1,000 miles away in Colorado.
Returning from a hike to Humpback Rock with Grace Christian Fellowship. They are some of the most amazing people I know. I thank God that I’ve gotten to know my fellow brothers and sisters and form a relationship that will, hopefully, stand the test of time.
Three friends frolicking in the snow. Two would become awesome roommates and brothers.
Listening to my first CUSO (Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra) concert. It’s hard to see, but this picture contains three good friends I’ve made since coming to UVa. Hint: their names are zuangster, linzian, and rds911. One of them is visible in the last row of cellos. XD
And last but not least, a late night doing homework at Webb lounge. It’s unfortunate that Tuttle has been demolished. It was the place where I made friends the most while we would have all-nighters not because we would be working (which we should have been doing) but because we would be hanging out and having a good time.
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Looking back, my first year had its ups and downs. I had to become adjusted to a new life over a thousand miles away from home and, although I hated it at first, I’m glad that it happened. It was a period of growth, of getting the hang of my architecture major, of forming amazing new friendships, and, most importantly, of forging a greater relationship with God. Don’t let my nostalgia fool you into thinking everything was peachy but know that I am thankful for everything good and bad that happened. I learned a lot of what life has to offer in my first year, one reason why I created this blog in the first place.
