We make college out to be so great. We get these attractive brochures in the mail, see films like "Animal House," go study abroad for a year and spend all our time traveling Europe, talk about the collective responsibility of connecting faith with learning, all that jazz. These are the best years of our lives, right?
False.
Not when you have major papers due in 2 classes, applications for law school to send out, 3 ensembles to practice for, a spring recital to think about, J-term and spring classes to register for, the accompanying scheduling conflicts to deal with, trying to get home from Brazil to be the best man at your friend's wedding, and a 25+ page paper due in t-minus 20 days.
Yes, welcome to senior year at Luther College, where the motto is "Make Aaron pay for all that time he spent cavorting around London last year when he should have been doing something tangibly productive." It's like the world wants me to fail or something. But I will fight it. Fight! Fight to the death!
I thought it was stressful to study and take the LSAT. Well, it is. But it's also stressful to apply to law school. Especially since on paper, I do not seem qualified. I have a quite good GPA, the study abroad thing, and not a whole lot else. My LSAT didn't go nearly as well as I had hoped. It's not like it will keep me out of every law school in the country, but it's a hindrance, especially to the places I really want to go. Let's just say it's a shitty situation, I'm not happy with it at all. I didn't want to go to law school until this summer, so I have no relevant job experience. My job experience is selling drugs at a Walgreens. My extracurricular activities are playing trombone. Not exactly law school material. It's stressful, nuff' said. I'll be glad to get it all sent in, and will be really glad to hear that I got in somewhere. I just need some stability.
At least I can take solace in the fact that everyone is unbelievably stressed right now. Goes with the territory, I suppose. But I'll be a better person for it, right? Hopefully. Hopefully I can slack off all of January and spring. Not really, but at least not be so swamped all the time. But hey, no LSAT, no senior paper, it'll be nice.
Damn this post was rambling. But I just had to get it out there. It's Halloween. Happy Halloween.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
LCCB
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
- Victor Hugo
I believe that quote with all my being.
I'm not going to talk long, because I've been on the road for a week with band, and I'm really tired. But I wanted to get a few things out before they fade. This was my last tour with the Luther College Concert Band, a tour that took us throughout the Great Lakes states. And it was good.
In my senior talk, I said something about how playing music together is the most beautiful thing people could do together. And if you have the privilege of making music with friends, well then, I don't even know what to say. It's an honor beyond words. And that's how I feel. Honored beyond words to have the opportunity to play bass trombone with such a beautiful ensemble, with a wise conductor, and in the midst of a truly awe inspiring tradition. And that is humbling. I look back to 3 years ago, when I was toiling in Varsity Band. Can't take anything for granted. You really can't.
I'm so proud of my section. We get along with each other and we play well with each other. As was said last night, as the 7 of us sat around a table of a Greek restaurant in Chicago, we're a family. And that's cool. That's really cool.
I'm so tired, I need to go to sleep. But I am so thankful for so many things. For music. For community. For opportunity. For Mr. Nyline. For the bass trombone. For homestay stories. For our section. For the chance to do something that transcends words. For good, good friends. For best friends.
Take a look at that quote again. I know I am.
- Victor Hugo
I believe that quote with all my being.
I'm not going to talk long, because I've been on the road for a week with band, and I'm really tired. But I wanted to get a few things out before they fade. This was my last tour with the Luther College Concert Band, a tour that took us throughout the Great Lakes states. And it was good.
In my senior talk, I said something about how playing music together is the most beautiful thing people could do together. And if you have the privilege of making music with friends, well then, I don't even know what to say. It's an honor beyond words. And that's how I feel. Honored beyond words to have the opportunity to play bass trombone with such a beautiful ensemble, with a wise conductor, and in the midst of a truly awe inspiring tradition. And that is humbling. I look back to 3 years ago, when I was toiling in Varsity Band. Can't take anything for granted. You really can't.
I'm so proud of my section. We get along with each other and we play well with each other. As was said last night, as the 7 of us sat around a table of a Greek restaurant in Chicago, we're a family. And that's cool. That's really cool.
I'm so tired, I need to go to sleep. But I am so thankful for so many things. For music. For community. For opportunity. For Mr. Nyline. For the bass trombone. For homestay stories. For our section. For the chance to do something that transcends words. For good, good friends. For best friends.
Take a look at that quote again. I know I am.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Collegiate Experience
Homecoming at Luther. A celebration of Luther Norse tradition, cheerful golf tournaments, student concerts, and a whole bunch of middle aged to elderly folks reliving their glory years in the beautiful confines of Decorah. Or more specifically, Luther, which has been overrun by alumni the past 24 hours.
Today I participated in something that I haven't done for about 3 years. I went to a Luther football game. Well, one half of a Luther football game. I left at halftime to take notes on revolutionary thought in 19th century Russia. But that's besides the point. The point is, I found it a titch underwhelming. Which is sort of what I expected, I suppose. But I've been trying to think of why. The issue? I think it's lack of an athletic tradition. Football is not exactly Luther's strong suit. Never has been. As a result of that, and of the fact that we are a division III school, Luther football games lack a certain je ne sais quoi. Let's maybe compare a few things. First, let's look at Luther's venerable Carlson Stadium, the new Minnesota stadium, and the "Big House" at Michigan.
Obviously, there is a bit of a discrepancy. Of course, Minnesota and Michigan are division I Big 10 schools (though you couldn't tell by the Gopher's record). But definitely, there is a different atmosphere. And a different set of priorities. And you know what, I think that's okay.
I've been privileged enough to be raised in what I would consider 3 different collegiate environments. First, I grew up with the tradition of the University of Minnesota, thanks to my dad. I went to the games, attended homecoming, heard the marching band, and got sort of caught up in the spirit of the college. Secondly, I've attended Luther, which is definitely has a distinct identity and spirit, but is much more focused on the mission and academics of the college. And thirdly, I've been privy to the University of Nottingham, which is somewhat like Minnesota in terms of size, but with an emphasis on the city and region. Although I grew up in the beautiful tradition of Minnesota, I've definitely become close to Luther and Notts.
But even so, I do still sometimes find myself wishing I had that traditional, large college experience. The tailgating, marching in the band playing fight songs, winning one for the gipper, all of that jazz. I have a strong feeling for Minnesota still, no doubt. But as I was watching Luther fumble its way across the field today (we did end up winning though), I decided I could live with what I chose. We may be lacking in the football department, but Luther definitely makes up in the intangibles.
Last night, jazz orchestra played a gig in Marty's. And it was fun. No doubt. A ton of people showed up. And they were dancing, and they were rowdy, and they were ready to listen to some jazz. And I was more than happy to oblige. It felt so good, to be able to play for an excited crowd. And to see people dance. I may be movement challenged when it comes to the contemporary scene, but there are few things more beautiful than the act of improvisation in swing dance. It made me sad that I've been too busy to go to swing club. Needless to say, I had a really good time on Friday night. I'm looking forward to kicking it up for our next concert. And in the spring, we're playing Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, the original Ellington arrangement. Intense.
This week, you ask? More copious note taking, more reading, more practicing, more living. But that's what college is for, right? This has been a stressful semester, especially with the LSAT, the senior paper, and the whole application process to law school (in my mind, I just pronounced process the British way. Cool). But, it will pay off in the end. Band tour is creeping up as well on Friday. It would be really nice to go home for fall break and make some coin, but it will be nice to go and make some music too. And stay in the Chicago Hyatt. But seriously, we're sounding good in band. I'm proud of us.
I need to get up early and play for church. So, that's it for now. Later dudes.
Today I participated in something that I haven't done for about 3 years. I went to a Luther football game. Well, one half of a Luther football game. I left at halftime to take notes on revolutionary thought in 19th century Russia. But that's besides the point. The point is, I found it a titch underwhelming. Which is sort of what I expected, I suppose. But I've been trying to think of why. The issue? I think it's lack of an athletic tradition. Football is not exactly Luther's strong suit. Never has been. As a result of that, and of the fact that we are a division III school, Luther football games lack a certain je ne sais quoi. Let's maybe compare a few things. First, let's look at Luther's venerable Carlson Stadium, the new Minnesota stadium, and the "Big House" at Michigan.
Obviously, there is a bit of a discrepancy. Of course, Minnesota and Michigan are division I Big 10 schools (though you couldn't tell by the Gopher's record). But definitely, there is a different atmosphere. And a different set of priorities. And you know what, I think that's okay.
I've been privileged enough to be raised in what I would consider 3 different collegiate environments. First, I grew up with the tradition of the University of Minnesota, thanks to my dad. I went to the games, attended homecoming, heard the marching band, and got sort of caught up in the spirit of the college. Secondly, I've attended Luther, which is definitely has a distinct identity and spirit, but is much more focused on the mission and academics of the college. And thirdly, I've been privy to the University of Nottingham, which is somewhat like Minnesota in terms of size, but with an emphasis on the city and region. Although I grew up in the beautiful tradition of Minnesota, I've definitely become close to Luther and Notts.
But even so, I do still sometimes find myself wishing I had that traditional, large college experience. The tailgating, marching in the band playing fight songs, winning one for the gipper, all of that jazz. I have a strong feeling for Minnesota still, no doubt. But as I was watching Luther fumble its way across the field today (we did end up winning though), I decided I could live with what I chose. We may be lacking in the football department, but Luther definitely makes up in the intangibles.
Last night, jazz orchestra played a gig in Marty's. And it was fun. No doubt. A ton of people showed up. And they were dancing, and they were rowdy, and they were ready to listen to some jazz. And I was more than happy to oblige. It felt so good, to be able to play for an excited crowd. And to see people dance. I may be movement challenged when it comes to the contemporary scene, but there are few things more beautiful than the act of improvisation in swing dance. It made me sad that I've been too busy to go to swing club. Needless to say, I had a really good time on Friday night. I'm looking forward to kicking it up for our next concert. And in the spring, we're playing Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, the original Ellington arrangement. Intense.
This week, you ask? More copious note taking, more reading, more practicing, more living. But that's what college is for, right? This has been a stressful semester, especially with the LSAT, the senior paper, and the whole application process to law school (in my mind, I just pronounced process the British way. Cool). But, it will pay off in the end. Band tour is creeping up as well on Friday. It would be really nice to go home for fall break and make some coin, but it will be nice to go and make some music too. And stay in the Chicago Hyatt. But seriously, we're sounding good in band. I'm proud of us.
I need to get up early and play for church. So, that's it for now. Later dudes.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Expatriate
So now I remember what college is really like. Detailed research, long hours spent in the bowels of Preus Library, standardized tests, normal tests, papers to write, stacks of books, band, jazz, lessons, social obligations, etc, etc, etc. Oh yeah, and class. Nothing against the highly esteemed University of Nottingham (The Times 2006 higher learning institution of the year), but given my academic obligations there, Luther is coming out a bit more intense. The one two punch of the LSAT and the senior paper are definitely taking me to task. Or at least, a feeling that I should be on task. I don't even know. I do know that I have 12 books checked out from the library. That's probably more than I checked out during the duration of 2006-07.
I love the word expatriate. Just say it a few times. It's a cool word. And look at how it's spelled. Instead of "ex-patriot", it's "expatriate." I can respect that.
Last year, I used to refer to myself as an expatriate, an American living abroad in England. Increasingly, as I navigate post-Nottingham America, I find myself using the term to describe myself currently as well. I miss England, in ways that I don't think I fully realize. Which is sort of strange, because I find my life back in America well. I love my friends and family (I could do without the nagging), I like being academically challenged, I'm excited to go to law school, it's nice to be back at Luther. But as I've verbalized over countless mugs of coffee, something still continues to be missing. I left something in the US when I left for England, which ended up disappearing. And I left something in England that I can't get back, because it permanently resides in the East Midlands. I think it boils down to the fact that I can't reconcile that Aaron (see photo) with the one that is currently sitting in Farwell 609, navigating around stacks of antifederalist literature.
The Aaron seen above had a dynamic life. And I mean, I have a pretty dynamic life now too. But as the photo might indicate, there's something different. There's something distinctive. And I don't know if this photo accurately portrays this, but I love England. Like, I really love it, genuinely adore its culture, ardently want to seek out new experiences there. This is a strange sensation for me, because I'm also an ardent American type person. I love this country as well. But England, well, it seems to continue to exhibit a powerful draw on me. I know some of my other flatmates feel this too, but this much? I have no idea. I feel somewhat isolated in my intense longing.
Besides the complete acculturation element, the part I find myself missing most is the excitement of travel. I sort of have these visions as I walk along, where I can see myself walking through the Zurich train station or riding the bus to les Grands Montets, just like I did last year. Or more commonly, riding the Underground. It's a very strange feeling, these intensely real and still tangible memories fleeting past my eyes. Frankly, they're painful. I've realized that I do like excitement. I like cities. I like being able to go to London for the weekend, or New York, or Chicago, or Paris.
But mainly, I think I just miss my other home.
So I don't know what's going on. I'm still here, still plugging along. A long way from England. But if anything from my re-acculturation so far has taught me, it is that I will be returning to the land of hope and glory. How long from now? I don't know. I'm going to go to law school for international law, and we'll see if that can take me back across the dune sea. It used to be a question of maybe. Now it's when.
But for now, I'm still here. And that's okay. It's even better when the Yankees are out of the playoffs. Would be better if the Twins were in, but there's always next year.
I love the word expatriate. Just say it a few times. It's a cool word. And look at how it's spelled. Instead of "ex-patriot", it's "expatriate." I can respect that.
Last year, I used to refer to myself as an expatriate, an American living abroad in England. Increasingly, as I navigate post-Nottingham America, I find myself using the term to describe myself currently as well. I miss England, in ways that I don't think I fully realize. Which is sort of strange, because I find my life back in America well. I love my friends and family (I could do without the nagging), I like being academically challenged, I'm excited to go to law school, it's nice to be back at Luther. But as I've verbalized over countless mugs of coffee, something still continues to be missing. I left something in the US when I left for England, which ended up disappearing. And I left something in England that I can't get back, because it permanently resides in the East Midlands. I think it boils down to the fact that I can't reconcile that Aaron (see photo) with the one that is currently sitting in Farwell 609, navigating around stacks of antifederalist literature.
The Aaron seen above had a dynamic life. And I mean, I have a pretty dynamic life now too. But as the photo might indicate, there's something different. There's something distinctive. And I don't know if this photo accurately portrays this, but I love England. Like, I really love it, genuinely adore its culture, ardently want to seek out new experiences there. This is a strange sensation for me, because I'm also an ardent American type person. I love this country as well. But England, well, it seems to continue to exhibit a powerful draw on me. I know some of my other flatmates feel this too, but this much? I have no idea. I feel somewhat isolated in my intense longing.
Besides the complete acculturation element, the part I find myself missing most is the excitement of travel. I sort of have these visions as I walk along, where I can see myself walking through the Zurich train station or riding the bus to les Grands Montets, just like I did last year. Or more commonly, riding the Underground. It's a very strange feeling, these intensely real and still tangible memories fleeting past my eyes. Frankly, they're painful. I've realized that I do like excitement. I like cities. I like being able to go to London for the weekend, or New York, or Chicago, or Paris.
But mainly, I think I just miss my other home.
So I don't know what's going on. I'm still here, still plugging along. A long way from England. But if anything from my re-acculturation so far has taught me, it is that I will be returning to the land of hope and glory. How long from now? I don't know. I'm going to go to law school for international law, and we'll see if that can take me back across the dune sea. It used to be a question of maybe. Now it's when.
But for now, I'm still here. And that's okay. It's even better when the Yankees are out of the playoffs. Would be better if the Twins were in, but there's always next year.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Wednesday = Hawaiian Shirt Day
Wednesdays mean really only two things in the College environment. Number one, it's Hawaiian shirt day. Number 2, trombone choir is at 5:15. If those aren't two reasons to get you to the middle of the week, there is something seriously wrong with you. Who doesn't like Hawaiian shirts? And who doesn't like standing around in a semi-circle for 45 minutes with possibly the most awkward collection of people that Luther can muster? Exactly.
Having undergone the trial by fire that is the LSAT, I have now shifted my attentions to the all important SENIOR PAPER, a fun filled document of 25 pages based heavily on primary sources that helps dictate whether I graduate or not. I wrote some 10-12 page papers both sophomore year and in England. And I typically do ok on them. But, this seems a titch different. For one, you're supposed to do a topic that has somewhat limited research on already. Which is a little tricky. My topic is the persistence of antifederalism after the ratification of the Constitution in 1788, and how antifederalism may have been truer to the spirit of the Constitution than any other faction or idea.
I know, I know, absolutely riveting. I can't even begin to tell you how exciting it is to pore through large tomes of James Madison's papers in the bowels of Preus Library. No better way to spend my evenings. But like I said, it's sort of important that it gets done, and makes sense. Daresay, I would even like it to be somewhat insightful and/or historically stimulating.
Aside from the joy of antifederalism, I'm excited for Thursday. Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois and Democratic candidate for President is coming to speak at Luther. I've never been to a political rally of this type and I like what Obama is saying so far. He seems to bring a fresh face to politics, a la JFK. Of course, JFK didn't really do jack shit, so what does that say about fresh faces? Maybe this will be different. After all, according to his facebook profile, he likes Miles Davis. That's damn near good enough for me.
So, that's that. I wanted to pine some more about Nottingham and living in England, but I'm sort of tired. I'll get to that later, it's a recurring topic. So, instead I'll leave you with my MLB Postseason picks. After all, there's only one October (but it doesn't mean nearly as much without the Minnesota Twins)
ALDS
Sox over Angels
Indians over Yanks
ALCS
Sox over Indians
NLDS
Rockies over Phillies
Dbacks over Cubbies
NLCS
Dbacks over Rockies
WS
Sox over Dbacks
Personally, I'm rooting for the Rockies. Have to love an underdog, and they just seem the next most righteous team.
Having undergone the trial by fire that is the LSAT, I have now shifted my attentions to the all important SENIOR PAPER, a fun filled document of 25 pages based heavily on primary sources that helps dictate whether I graduate or not. I wrote some 10-12 page papers both sophomore year and in England. And I typically do ok on them. But, this seems a titch different. For one, you're supposed to do a topic that has somewhat limited research on already. Which is a little tricky. My topic is the persistence of antifederalism after the ratification of the Constitution in 1788, and how antifederalism may have been truer to the spirit of the Constitution than any other faction or idea.
I know, I know, absolutely riveting. I can't even begin to tell you how exciting it is to pore through large tomes of James Madison's papers in the bowels of Preus Library. No better way to spend my evenings. But like I said, it's sort of important that it gets done, and makes sense. Daresay, I would even like it to be somewhat insightful and/or historically stimulating.
Aside from the joy of antifederalism, I'm excited for Thursday. Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois and Democratic candidate for President is coming to speak at Luther. I've never been to a political rally of this type and I like what Obama is saying so far. He seems to bring a fresh face to politics, a la JFK. Of course, JFK didn't really do jack shit, so what does that say about fresh faces? Maybe this will be different. After all, according to his facebook profile, he likes Miles Davis. That's damn near good enough for me.
So, that's that. I wanted to pine some more about Nottingham and living in England, but I'm sort of tired. I'll get to that later, it's a recurring topic. So, instead I'll leave you with my MLB Postseason picks. After all, there's only one October (but it doesn't mean nearly as much without the Minnesota Twins)
ALDS
Sox over Angels
Indians over Yanks
ALCS
Sox over Indians
NLDS
Rockies over Phillies
Dbacks over Cubbies
NLCS
Dbacks over Rockies
WS
Sox over Dbacks
Personally, I'm rooting for the Rockies. Have to love an underdog, and they just seem the next most righteous team.
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