Back in Action

The first week of school has come and gone. It actually kind of flew by. It was nice for the weekend to come so fast. I wasn't around last weekend and it was really nice to be able to hang out with everyone I missed over the summer.

XC girls - Andrea, me, Erin, Kate

Erika, Maria, and I

This semester I'm completely working on my major, which makes all of my classes super enjoyable. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I have two math classes. I head to Prob/Stats bright and early at 8:15. I'm not completely in love with the class since I'm not really a fan of stats, but as it's a requirement for the major and the professor seems to be pretty good I'm not really complaining. At 1 i have Abstract Algebra. This class is interesting for me because I am one of four students in the class. It's an upper level math class only taken by majors, so, as most people find the idea of being a math major to be the absolute grossest, not many people sign up. It makes the class really relaxed. I really enjoy the itty bitty class size.

Tuesday and Thursday I have the Secondary Ed Block. I have one class a day from 12-2:15. They are separate from each other, though the professors work together to mesh the two. We only have one syllabus, for example. Starting in a week or two we'll be getting placements in local high schools where we'll be observing, helping, and teaching from 8-11 Tuesday and Thursday mornings until just before Thanksgiving. These classes seem like they'd be super long, but they go by quickly.

All in all, I'm pretty much in love with my schedule. While I do like LSRs and think it's good to have the Liberal Arts education it's nice to be focused on the two things I'm really interested in. Plus, I'm done by 2:30 every day, which leaves plenty of time for a nap before XC practice at 4:15. YES.

Speaking of XC, I'm bouncing back from my ridiculously long illness fairly quickly. We did a tempo run Friday than nearly killed me, but if that won't get me back into shape I don't know what will. I love being with the girls and getting to know all of the first years. With a team of 24 we've been having a good time.

SMC XC girls on a hike during pre-season (I'm MIA)

Another reason I'm enjoying XC season so much right now is that I've talked with my coach, Molly, about focusing on skiing. This means that she's really flexible with my schedule and I'm able to be more ski-specific. On Wednesday when we do strength I do my own strength afterward. On Saturday I went home with Juli, who's also on the ski team, and we did a long double pole rollerski with my dad. Sunday I was able to substitute a hike with Juli and my crazy athletic parents for the long run the rest of the girls were doing. It's so nice to know that I'm getting a head start on skiing compared to last year when I did almost nothing. I'm crossing my fingers for some better results. There's really nowhere to go but up at this point.

Juli and I on our cold, rainy hike

Juli and my dad heading back down