I'm Here and I'm Happy

I spent an amazing last few days in Ann Arbor and managed to see mostly everyone that I wanted to say goodbye to. I was reminded of how much I will miss sitting on a crowded, comfy couch, listening to music and watching FIFA, joking around at the mall, going out for dinner and drinks with old friends, or just sitting on the floor, talking to even older friends. I didn’t go out of my way to photograph most of these moments, but thankfully, someone else had the forethought to get at least a few pictures.

I boarded the plane in Detroit on the 21^st and arrived over an hour early in Heathrow Airport on the morning of the 22^nd. I spent a few hours in a terminal coffee shop with other international students, waiting for the transfer to Goldsmiths. The scene reminded me of art camp (read Blue Lake and/or Interlochen), and I immediately panicked about my decision to surround myself with people like this. Finally one girl arrived who I clicked with. “Did you go to Michigan?” she asked, staring at my Michigan Dance Team Competition t-shirt.

“Yeah, I did.”

“Oh. I graduated from OSU.” I heard her say as I noticed the red and white shirt she had on.

Ouch. Dreams of future friendship crushed. As we boarded the bus, we parted ways.

I drifted in and out of sleep for who knows how long, and eventually ended up getting dropped off at Ewen Henderson Court. When I got up to reception, I was told that there was a glitch and my room had already been given to someone else. They asked me to come behind the counter, into the office, where I sat, exhausted, trying to hold back tears (I felt like I was in elementary school again). Finally, they got everything sorted and I was given a room, where I promptly collapsed and rested well into the next afternoon.

Last night, my flatmates asked me to go to a standup comedy night at the student union with them. That was the first indication that we would get along just fine. The second was when we arrived at the union early and sat down to chat over our pints of cheap beer. I learned that one is from Manchester, has a degree in music performance, and is here to get her music administration masters. The other is originally from Atlanta, but has been living abroad in the UK and Germany for the past 4 years, and is here to get her masters in music and the mind. After general introductions, the conversation abruptly changed to world politics, then race issues, then gender issues, then gay rights, etc. These women are intelligent, well informed, and have a wonderful sense of humor. I had so much fun with them during the comedy night and then just hanging out and having our first “girl talk” in the union pub afterward as well.

Today, the three of us went to the grocery store and Tk Maxx to pick up essentials and tonight we’re having a chili and wine night (probably 2 of my favorite things).

I miss everyone at home so much. But, I am happy here.