Welcome to the American Studies Program

Hello! So, I am doing great so far. Its been an interesting few days since move-in. It was 65 degrees on Monday and it was nice being able to move in and haul luggage in Florida-esq weather. Some of us guys went to Safe Way on Monday for basic groceries and I had to get a twin comforter and pillow from a REALLY cheap place.

Tuesday we went with groups to different service projects and lunch. My group went to Ben's Chili in the area of D.C. that was part of the Black Renaisance, when New York's Harlem Renaisance was going on. It was really great food, all sorts of famous people have been there. President Bush was actually there on Monday the day before, so we missed him. After lunch we went to a Mennonite house and moved furniture and painted walls. The house is used by missionaries who commit two years to serve in the local area and international offices. All their health care and living necesities are paid for, but it is still a very modest living arrangement.

Today there was our first class session. This is going to be an interesting semester. I am still not quite sure how we are going to be taught... its not your normal syllabus, reading material, and regurgitating it back to the professor in a mid-term, final, and term paper. There are three classes, each one lasting for about a few weeks, and begining as soon as the previous one ends. So I am not in three classes at once. I am glad to have had Dr. Janet Metzger for several classes because her West Coast teaching styles that are unorthodox compared to the very structured East Coast style of lecturing is exactly what the ASP program resembles. Our projects are done and evaluated in very fair, but also very creative ways.

So, getting to some of the funny stuff... my roomates and I have been trying to figure out how EXACTLY the thermostat works. Its very easy to read, everything is ordinary and in English. However, that all being said, we are at a loss when understanding what goes on in the air conditioning system when the A/C is turned to "auto" and set to 80 degrees, and the heat is set to "auto" and 75 degrees. Does the A/C and heat work in tandem to create a mild temperature of 77-78 degrees? Do the two conflict with each other? Or does one override the other completely? Kevin has declared me the resident A/C philosopher for my public ponderings. But when I do delve into the metaphysics of air-conditioning my roommates are still inquisitive.

So here is a picture of my dorm for your viewing pleasure:















The living room, with Kevin (left), Cesar (middle), and Justin (right).