Marquette Summer Term: EOP

If I could say only two sentences about the Educational Opportunity Program’s summer program for incoming freshmen, I would say these two things: 1) I was apprehensive about the entire program. 2) In the end, I loved it. And even that is probably understating it.

There is so much I could talk about that it would be overwhelming and idiotic to throw it into one post. Instead, what I’ve decided to do is to make this a sort of series. Since I probably won’t be doing much the next few days (outside of hopefully being able to shadow my family physician, Dr. Olson, and going to an Irish dance class with Kate — but more on those later and as they happen), I’ll write fascinating entries on my experiences. Furthermore, I’ll release them once a day since that would be even more exciting, and I actually have the convenient feature to do that on WordPress.

Let’s start. When I first heard about EOP and even up until the summer program started, I was apprehensive about joining. When I wasn’t apprehensive, I felt ridiculous. They made the program sound so intense, and perhaps it was to some, but I found it flamingly enjoyable. ((That is probably just me as a person though. For as much as others may have loved the summer program for the social aspect, I loved it for the social and educational aspects.)) The summer program was scheduled to last about five weeks. Knowing that, I knew it would be deadly if I didn’t have fun, but also that it would be superb if I did have fun. And I did have fun. I hope everyone there did.

The experience was somewhat awkward at first. I literally did not know anyone, and there were groups and couples who knew each other and sort of clinged to their status quo. I don’t blame them, but I think I would have approached this social situation differently had I had a friend there with me initially. I made lots of solid friends though, and I hope I will be able to see each of them again in the fall. I actually met one of my peers back from Fairview Elementary. That was awesome. She, Tanja, was from Serbia and immigrated during the war over there. I didn’t recognize her at all, nor did I have the foggiest that I knew her. The funny thing is that we realized we were classmates when I wore my Fairview tshirt. I know: Dang, that thing still fits me.

The EOP faculty are a communal bunch. I especially love the “southern/sitcom-black-family”-ness. It’s so charismatic. There’s an example I could share, but it’s not explanatory through text. If I had a video, I’d show you, but I don’t. That’s another thing: I don’t have any photos — absurd. I should look into investing in a digital camera. . . or hijacking my sister’s.

I think the rest of what I want to reflect on is too specific to elaborate on in a general post. Here’s a sampler of what is to come though: Fortunate and the Introduction to Theology Seminar, Introduction to Theology, Chemistry and Biology EOP courses, TTC, Studying, Chilling and Killing Time, Deep Dorm Discussions, EOP Scheduled Activities, Weekends, and possibly Dining. I’ll just run through my thoughts and memories from those events. They’ll be delicious, I promise — like a Loaded Steakhouse Burger from Burger King with fries. ((Burger King fries are a reference to Fortunate and the Intro to Theo Seminar.)) Oh, now I want one.

Also one technical note: I import these entries to Facebook. I’m not sure if the footnotes are going to work properly. If they don’t, you will see double parantheses. Those indicate that they are my footnotes. They look nice on my website. Check it out.

• College
• EOP