Dearest Friends and Family,
Since I've been feeling quite nostalgic lately, I figured that a letter-style post would be most appropriate. I realize that I haven't posted anything new in a few weeks, and it may feel like I've fallen off the face of the earth, but please know that I am alive and well and thriving! This past month has gone by so fast and I feel like there's no way to possibly put into words all that I have experienced thus far, but here it goes :).
I go to the best university in the world. I know that may seem like a very proud and haughty statement, but I believe it to be true with all my heart. There is just something about Berkeley - the people, the atmosphere, the culture, the feeling of endless possibilities and opportunities. Not to mention the spirit...... GO BEARS. I've definitely gotten to a point where I know my way around pretty well. My dorm is a couple blocks off campus, but we're right in the middle of the main commercial district with all the shops and restaurants which is really fun. Yes, there are lots of homeless people around, and yes, I have to walk past People's Park quite frequently, but it's really not as bad as it seems. I like being in an urban atmosphere where I can hear street musicians playing on the sidewalk and spontaneously go to get pizza or ice cream with my roommates. I'm not going to lie, Berkeley is a really scary place to be a night, especially as a young woman, but there are always people willing to go out and have fun on my floor :).
So, I joined a sorority! Alpha Omicron Pi..... or just AOPi for short. The house is absolutely gorgeous and it's the highest one up on the hill, so we have a breathtaking view of the entire San Francisco Bay from our balcony. I've been eating dinner there at least a couple times a week, and have just been getting to know the girls. All of the people in my pledge class (new members) are so incredibly sweet and amazing and I have met so many upperclassmen that I have already come to love and respect. I've joined their intermural softball team, and I'm also considering getting involved with a few committees this semester! There is just so much opportunity to be taken advantage of! I also met a couple other Christians in the house and I went to Campus Crusades with them last Thursday. I absolutely loved it - definitely reminded me of home. I want to start going to their freshman bible study, and they also have a Greek bible study for students in sororities and fraternities that I would love to go to as well. So don't worry about me on that front. There is so much community here and I feel so loved and supported by everyone already. God is so good!
As far as school goes, I have definitely been reading a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean it completely blows my mind how much reading I have assigned per week. But I feel like I'm finally getting back into the swing of things after a month of being here. I expected it to be really hard and I also tried to prepare myself for the disappointment at my performance that is certain to come eventually, but at the same time, I know that all I can do is my best :).
It's so weird to think that some of my best friends are only just moving into college this week. I feel like such a seasoned college veteran or something :). There are definitely moments when I get really homesick, especially when I think about all of my friends from back home. I mean, I went to school with two of my best friends from kindergarten all the way up until we graduated together a few months ago, and it's weird to think that we will never be at the same school again. But I guess that that's just part of life - as one stage ends, another begins. And both are special for different reasons. Anyways, I can't wait to hear from them soon and how their first few days of college have been. I've also been receiving letters from some people and those are so very dear to my heart! I promise if you write me a letter, I will write you back! I can't guarantee that my reply will come right away, but I will do my best to be as prompt as possible!
So there you have it. Even though I have moments of loneliness and sadness, nothing can permanently damper my spirits. I am just so incredibly happy to be here among such amazing and brilliant people, and I thank God everyday for choosing to bless me so completely. There are actually people who have asked me why I am so joyful and smiley all the time and the only answer I have for them is Jesus. He has just been filling me up to the brim with happiness and contentment and my future is fully in His hands. I'm just so excited!
Well, homework calls, but I will try to be better about posting updates more regularly. I'm sure I will have some good stories to tell as the semester marches on :). Farewell for now, dear friends, and know that I am doing very well. I love you all and I can't wait until our next meeting :).
Sincerely,
Olivia
