School

Things have gotten off to somewhat of a rocky start for me. The classes themselves are going fine, but trouble consistently arises everywhere else. For example, I recieved a letter from Residential life saying I have 30 days to get out of here because I do not hold enough units. This was sort of true, but only because my advising professor had not yet posted our research as a class (its up now). Also, I am trying to get into the Advanced Research Methods class, which I am still not sure if I will get in or not. On top of the class being full, a prerequesite for it is the upper-division statistics, which I have yet to take. I spoke with the professor about this, he said he would still admit me if I had approval from my advising professor. I still need to take care of this...

Another issue is with the International Program; I need to finish my application! I am almost finished, with only the personal statement to complete. Its due by February 1st and if I don't have everything by then, I dont think I can go. So, I will keep my focus on this as well.

On a much lighter note, I had my first offical counseling lecture, and all I can say is....WOW. Dr. Erikson is so amazing; all I know is that I left the class completely spellbound. The beginning was good at best, but then he began speaking about a bag. He displayed a large faded green pack, not unlike what a soldier would carry, and discussed how every patient comes in with a bag (clearly to symbolize life experiences, hopes, fears, etc.). He then offered some of the best information i have heard since I started in this field. The best, however, was immediately after this, when he revealed the contents of his bag (I mean in a literal sense). I cannot remember then name of it, but picture a djembe, only slightly smaller. He picked this up and bagan to play it and speak to us at the same time. He iformed us on how lower pitch sounds are considered male sounds, mid-range is female, and the tiny sounds represent children. Then he told us a story, which is very underestimating to say; it's like calling the Atomic bomb a firecracker. The story was about two people and their journey, with ten different events in the story. I can only remember a couple: one where one of the persons looked into a mirror, and the mirror spoke, and said, "Your eyes are not your eyes because you see them, they are your eyes because they see you." I am working on a meaning to this, and if you have one, don't be afraid to share your thoughts. Another event was right after, where the two had to cross the lake of shame. In order to do so, they needed a boat from a judge, who offers it to them if they answer one question: "Are you a sinker, floater, or a swimmer?" They offer an answer (unknown to the audience) and they get it right. On their way, one turns back to the judge and shouts, "What is greatness?!" (I think it was greatness, if not, then some idea that people strive for but always wonder if they have). The judge shouts back, "Greatness is like a duck!". Oh and yes, this story did sound a lot like it was written by someone on an acid trip; there was more about a shaman coming out of a fire, and a banana inside a bottle, but I cannot remember. ANYWAYS, the point was at the very end, the shaman comes out of the fire and asks two questions:

What are you holding on to that you might need to let go of?
When did this story have impact?


We will discuss this more in class on tuesday, and I cannot wait. This was one of the few times where I was severly disappointed that class time had run out. Today was good; I will not forget it anytime soon...