I haven't written all summer! For that, I am terribly sorry. I enjoyed the last bit of New Zealand and flew home from my year in Korea, leaving with Mikey for a road trip around the western states the day after I arrived back in the USA. Mikey and I started in Chicago, went to a bunch of national parks, to see Katie Bell, to the Grand Canyon, and to a whole bunch of other places. I would cover that all more in depth, but after 2 weeks home and my sister's engagement party and training in Chicago and moving to Rome, I kind of missed the boat on that I think.
Being in Rome, as far as the city itself, feels like I never left. We went to the Spanish Steps as a staff before the students arrived, and I was amazed at how familiar it felt. The same dudes trying to sell you things. The same idiots getting yelled at by cops for reaching into the fountain. The same smells and sights and sounds. It all came back so quickly. My Italian is coming back a bit more slowly, but hopefully I'll continue to improve as the year goes on.
The first 27 students, our freshmen, arrived about a week and a half ago. The rest came a few days ago. My schedule has been non-stop since I got here! It's been waking up at 7am, staying up til midnight or later, working the whole time. I'm somehow not going insane yet. I love the work, and I love the people I'm with, and once orientation finishes, I'm going to take a much needed personal day into things settling down a bit.
I'm living in a hotel with 51 students, and so far it's going well. They're all still super disoriented and confused about the city and the school, which is understandable. I remember those days well. Right now, it's helping them with the simplest of tasks, and I can't wait for them to come into their element here. I haven't had a ton of time to explore since being back, but I'm looking forward to time off. I fear the hotel will never really feel like a home for me, but the perks of breakfast and room cleaning are very nice!
I've gotten myself sick over the last few days, and on top of the long work days, I'm officially tired. The title of this post refers to a story that my mom and grandmother will love, because it's very like something they themselves would do. It very much involves how tired I was. Last night, I forgot my room key for the hotel on campus (it's a simple swipe card, so it's easy to replace). I asked the desk receptionist for a new one, no problem.
Then, I had to hang some decorations on the students' doors. I did so, and when I wanted to go to my room after, I realized I had left my card inside of my room. I asked the desk receptionist for a new one, we laughed, and I went to my room.
Then, I had to talk to one of my students who hadn't filled out his waivers. Again, I forgot my card in my room. Same lady, and by this point, she thinks I'm drunk or losing it. I decided I've probably had enough feeling stupid for one day, and I'm feeling sickly, so I decide to go to bed. I shower, brush my teeth, and get into bed. I fall asleep for thirty minutes.
A student knocks on my door. 12:30am. "Ryan, my card doesn't work. What do I do?" I tell her to ask the front desk, and I'm sleepy and disoriented. "I don't know how to say it in Italian, though!" I put on some shoes and walk her down to the desk. "Her card isn't working," I say in Italian. A quick fix, and we're on our way back up to the rooms. I get to my door, check my pockets, and sure enough, I left my own room key inside. It was the most miserably embarrassing walk of shame down to my room to ask for another one. "Ho dimenticato la mia carta nella mia camera... ancora..." I forgot my card in my room... again... The desk receptionist and I had a hearty laugh, and I told her that I am sick, tired, and going completely insane. She definitely believes the last of those to be true.
My complete airheadedness aside, life is great. This job is truly my dream job. I feel like I'm already contributing to the students' experience. I feel like the team we have as a staff is going to work really well. I feel content. I feel like I've accomplished something in being here. I feel the wiggle room for me to grow. So far, I have no complaints, not even the long days or the sickness.
It feels very different than when I was a student here. It's a lot of familiar faces, but a lot of different ones, too. Campus is physically different. I'm working, not studying. It's amazing how much I've personally changed since I was here in college. I feel old, even though I know I'm still just a young man with a lot more to see and do.
Having Pedro here, my friend and now colleague who I went to college with, is so different, but so great. I never got to experience this place with someone so close to me, and it makes me feel really at home having him here. He also really knows what the hell he's doing with this job, so he's been a great guide for me. My biggest fear is not living up to expectations with the job, and I'm doing everything I can to excel.
Anyway, that's all I have to say for now. Biggest news so far for me is that I'm taking 50 students to Greece over Fall Break! It's going to be so great. I am really enjoying starting to work on planning it. It's going to be one hell of a year on all fronts. Thanks for reading, and ciao for now!
