Hey,

Remember how this week started off with some pretty good news? Remember how you’re relearning patience? And how about the time you looked like an utter genius in French class when you suggested the boy symbolized the ball and the parents symbolized two teams playing against each other? And … yes: the hot tub. It was pretty nice, right? Basically, you have two and a half weeks of classes before finals week. Take charge, wrap it up. But first, spend this next week stretching and training your stomach for Thanksgiving.

These letters are not like I’m completely ignoring the completely discouraging things that have happened. Forcing myself to write these notes are helping me face reality a little bit better. Can I squeeze out one little rant? Just one? A little one?

“I’m not trying to discourage you, but…” These are the words someone from my academic advisement center told me when I asked about minoring in French. The person then said something about those who’ve served French-speaking missions or otherwise lived in Francophonia being successful with the minor. Of course I understood more from what the person didn’t say. I get that universities are trying to turn over graduates as quickly as possible, but it’s not like I’m trying to double major; after this semester I’m halfway to a minor, but then the person also more or less said I’d suck or whatever. I’m over it.