classes begun
Part of learning, the first step actually, is to know that your teachers have something valuable to offer. This is especially important when you're paying a fortune or entire life savings for that education.
I'm happy to report that the first week of my teaching classes have proved that I will in fact learn a whole lot if I aim to get an A. I also now know that I am an INTP according to the Myers-Briggs personality test. Which means, in summary of my type description, that I am brilliant at taking tests, I don't really like people, and I live in my head.
I've also discovered (re-discovered) that average Americans feel threatened by me. Maybe it's the stray hair on my upper lip I neglected to pluck out? One professor was definitely scared of my super-size eyes, she even made an example of it in class (I didn't mind). Or, maybe my scarf colors are too dull? Should I try pink?
I've also set a new goal for myself: find and love the humanity of people around me. Even those shells who don't want to meet my eyes. Even the ones who speak really loudly thinking it'll fill the emptiness.