Today is the official last day of classes for the Fall '02 semester. My first semester of freshman year. And for some reason, perhaps the fog that decided to come over Madison or maybe the unusual warmth of the cool winter air on my crackling dry face, I feel reflective. My second or third day of classes here, I sat outside the foriegn language building and smoked a ciggerette. Looking upon my fellow students, it was then I realized I was in college. So I phoned my father and we spoke a bit. He interrupted at one point and interjected, "Avu, [my dad's pet name for me] you know, you sound like a man. No, no I am not kidding. You sound different, a man, like a man," he said. Much has changed since that day. I've had a tuff semester. Really hard for a lot of reasons. But what have I learned? How have I changed. When I sat down to write this, I was sure I knew it, the truth is, I don't. I've got some thoughts about it, but I really dont have anything else. Work is important. People are the greatest thing. See? I don't have much to say, its just baby concepts. This is a really ill-concieved post. Let me try this again.

Okay. College. What have I to say about this experience at this point? I feel like I am trying to write Modest Mouse lyrics. I am going to take a nap and then try to finish this thought.

I had my last german class today. Before class, I was relaxing watching "Premium Blend" on Comedy Central. And I was thinking how I should have really given standup a shot, I mean I'm funny. So we had this oral exams today (no) and I came out of mine and started talking to people waiting their turns. I was making jokes and people were laughing. Someone asked me how I learned Hebrew so quickly. A conversation about learning languages at a young age begun and concluded with the reason I do well in German without ever being in class is because Adam (my TA) likes me and because I'm used to learning languages. I stood and said, "No. No, the reason I do well in German is because I am putting hours of work into it." By then, the audience was broken in so even that made them laugh. I ended with "Well Goodnight everyone, its been a real great time in class with you this semester, don't forget to tip your waitress." And left. Talk about ending on an up note.