So I'm kind of new to this particular blogging software, as in high school I was a LiveJournal addict, updating my followers on a day-to-day basis with my cynical point-of-view. As I sit here typing this first post, I am metaphorically taking off the mask, the mask that has caused me such anger, frustration, and even depression. The truth is, that sometimes we are easily able to deceive those individuals who inhabit space around us. People say patience is a virtue, but what if you've given something almost half of your youth, and the results are still not there. Recently, I've been regretting the transfer that I made in the Spring of 2008 to the University of Miami. My fall semester was everything I had hoped for and dreamt about, despite a few altercations that could've been solved and easily adapted to. Weather, something tells me I should've put on my North Face and grew up, instead of changing my already established, new life. Weekends of causing mischief on Fraternity Row and at The University View Apartments, turned into ones of relaxation and isolation. While my friends at Maryland were living it up, I was trying to make due with what Miami had to offer me, which was essentially nothing until about the second month. At Maryland , I was nowhere as involved in Jewish life as I am at Miami. All my friends were supplied in Ellicott Hall, lecture halls, and orientation weekends. I not only had one group of friends, but had a diversified mixture to chose from. So now I'm taking off the mask, and letting everyone know how Miami has changed me as a person. Before I transferred to UM, I was one of the most confident individuals that you would come across in your life, not caring what others thought and it was no struggle for me to find people to share my memories with. However coming into a highly "image orientated" environment in the midst of a crucial year for college development, I had underestimated the sudoku puzzle that was in store for me. Walking on the grounds, it was estrange for me to be frowned upon by females that thought they were too good for me or other individuals ignore my weekend proposals for fun as if I was not good enough for them. I tried my hardest to be outgoing, fleeing from room to room on MT2, however no one was responding to my call. With the failure of making strong friendships on MT2, I decided to give Jewish organizations a chance. Jamie Straz, a junior from Tennessee,opened his arms and invited me to a Shabbat on North Miami Beach, and this was the entrance into a strong, religious connection between me and Jewish involvement at UM. Through Jewish involvement, I was able to form the friendships that encompass my faltering social life at UM. So now, in my third semester at the University of Miami, I still feel as if an element is missing from my college life, something that Maryland was able to offer that Miami still has not been able to fulfill. In the latter part of the week, I contracted a fever and a possible case of pneumonia. Having people supply me with medications and offer their help made me realize that I have very good, true friends at UM. Am I being selfish then? I have accomplished a lot at the University of Miami, mainly substantially raising my index which will help if I do decide to transfer. This was all very hard to write, as I lay here in my bed sick as a dog, but I just felt I had to get something burning off my chest and maybe it would explain the false smiles on my face.
