Aaron - Journal 8

January 25, 2004

"I'm loving this..."

The spring semester has begun with quite a start. Coming to school the second time was far different than coming the first. This time, I had people to look forward to seeing again. I knew my way around, I know the faculty, I know where all my classes are, and I know my classmates. The weather has been cold for these parts, but considerably warmer than back home. When I left, it was around -10. I have been rather amused with my classmates shivering and complaining about this balmy 20 and 30-degree weather.

My classes this semester are a heavy load. I started with two math classes, two science classes, a German class, and a PE class. Eighteen hours, but it felt like 25. I dropped one of the science classes (quantitative analysis, a chemistry class) and added statistics, a class that is much easier. Now I have three math classes! That trade has allowed me to actually get my homework completed, and to add fun extra-curriculars.

This semester I am continuing to serve on Honors Counsel and am helping prepare for the Honors Weekend in February. I also volunteered to help in the local Mathcounts competition (I also volunteered some of my friends, but don't tell them that!). We will be running the registration table, judging in the score-room, and I will be giving a little talk on how Mathcounts has benefited me. About two weeks ago, Weldon Miller called and asked me if I was interested in running for a seat in Student Government Association (SGA). After deliberating for five seconds, I decided to run, and on Thursday I was elected with three other new senators. I am excited to serve on SGA, do not have a very clear idea of what exactly that will entail.

This semester I begun as a youth sponsor at Weavers Mennonite Church. Since starting school, I have missed being with kids and staying active in my church. Being a sponsor at Weavers has allowed me to get to know kids and increased my relation with the church body. I feel that it is important not to just regularly attend church, but to contribute to it. Nate Barker, the youth pastor, invited me to a Youth Leaders' retreat in Williamsburg for a weekend. The retreat was not only relaxing and refreshing physically, but my walk with the Lord was enhanced.

I have taken up daily exercise. I wake up at 6:45, meet up with my friend Jon and go for a quick run. Then we hit the weight machines for about 20 minutes. It's not very intense, but it's enough. After we're finished I have about an hour to get some work done before my first class that is at either 9:00 or 9:25.

I'm loving this...