First month in University

 First month in University

I might write on the trip itself later but for now let me write to you about my first month in University.

My first two weeks were orientation weeks and if you are familiar with orientation, am sure you know what goes down.

Program after program explaining what the programs at the University are about. The orientation was organized under camp Crimson ( a camp meant to Orient new students to OU)

I arrived at school at 11:00 on August 12 2021.

When I reached the airport in Oklahoma city, I was greeted by a kind of heat that felt like I drew closer to the sun. There was something different about this heat though. It was extremely humid. Once I reached school I went to one of the buildings called Walker to meet the wonderful UWC team, I signed in and got my student ID.


My first morning at school, I walked over to the walker, ready to begin my new journey. I was unable to connect to the wifi throughout the night, so the UWC team helped me get a new sim card so that I could use a 1 month sim subscription, which I did. 


Unfortunately, I was not able to find my team for the camp, I looked around but without success, I gave up. Later on the same day, I met Teddy who is now one of the people I spend time with here and she introduced me to her group leader who tried to help me find my group. She wasn't successful so she enthusiastically asked me to join her group so that I could go to all the programs prepared during the camp and I agreed without hesitation.


The next few days were fun and smooth. I attended all the mandatory programs on the schedule, including a campus tour, a consent workshop and a walk through gallery( I have forgotten the actual name). I also spent more time with Teddy and made some other connections with a few people. During the week, I went shopping for my new apartment. I couldn't believe that I was in a store buying pots, spoons, and an iron for myself. Well the future is here and my older safe is here.  Grown we have lol !!!


On one of the days, we had the welcome ceremony. That ceremony is the best welcome ceremony I have seen yet. It was so incredible. The class of 2025 wore the 2025 red t-shirts and walked down to the stadium. As we sat down on those chairs, I took a moment to give gratitude to God and to all the people and organizations that have helped me to come this far. Believe me, I have always envisioned myself attending this very big school and sitting in stadium chairs with 1000s of people around me and to see and live this dream is something I cannot take for granted. No, not even for a second!


Once I returned from my gratitude moment, I came present to my surroundings. The cheerleaders made the OU chants and I slowly started to imitate. "Of the Land of the Free and the home of the brave” we sang the American anthem and soon the President came and gave a speech so passionate and eloquent I couldn't stop smiling.

From nowhere came the jets, I don't know what to call them really, but they flew past us and I was amazed, the fireworks went up and wow, it was such a moment to remember.


Oklahoma Oklahoma, Boomer Sooner, Boomer sooner OKU, we chanted and with every chant I heard a whisper in my heart “seize this moment, you are here Cararise, this far you have come. Mummy is proud of you. Uncle Ben is proud of you” and I placed my hand on my heart to feel my joyous heartbeat.


Classes


My first class was the American federal government which is one of the general requirements , I was so excited for it. I went all dressed in my jeans and T-shirts ( my everyday dress code) and entered that lecture ready to begin. All this to say, I was soooo excited. 


My first two weeks went on well, I must admit though that my sense of direction is really high. I can literally be walking to a building, whose location know not, and just come to a halt and then ask someone for directions only for the person to tell me I am at the right location. It's insane but I like it. 


I almost forgot to mention, I was sick during my first week. I had a fever and I was really drowsy (side effects of the covid vaccine) but am all good now. Fully vaccinated. This is not in any way meant to encourage or discourage you from taking the vaccine. Honestly, just do what's best for you and the people around you.


So my first classes went well. Except, I missed a few assignments because I didn't know where to find them. All classes use their own websites for assignments and I didnt know where to find them. But now I know and am making sure to do all the assignments on time and with as much accuracy as I can. Let me mention this though, I got a 100% for the first time in a long time. Ehhh IB almost made me think my smart self was long gone. But you let me say this here. I used to be Smart but am now a Genius. So I hope and pray , this momentum carries on.


I have attended two churches so far and am already drawn to one. Faith is a very big part of my life and I want to continue to nurture it.


Shekinah

My lifeline came to visit. On some mornings I feel like it's a dream. But she actually came, all the way from Indian to pay a visit I will forever treasure. She got us matching necklaces, she got me a ring hahaha, ohh am not big on jewelry she's trynna get me started. Now this one is the real gem. She got me the ZAMBIAN flag. WOWWWWW. She is the best. I like how intentional she is about things. She pays attention to things that really matter to me. I have so much love for Zambia, so when she got that flag, she spoke directly to my heart. 


I have attended two churches so far and am already drawn to one. Faith is a very big part of my life and I want to continue to nurture it.


Am still settling in. Taking it one day at a time. Being open to new possibilities, new friendships and new experiences. Cheers to new beginnings!!!!


If its your first time here welcome to Space of thoughts, I hope we learn from each other and grow together. For those who have been here before, its such a pleasure to have you again.

Please do reach out to me in the comments or write to me directly using the email lcararise@gmail.com 









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