Providence

I sit on a bed in Providence as rain patters on the window.

I think to myself the words of the founder of Providence, Roger Williams, that by "God's... Providence" I find myself here. It seems to me extraordinary that I am here for some reason I can't put my finger on. Is it because I am lucky enough for the opportunity to travel across the nation? Because it is somewhere I have never been or even imagined of being? Or simply because out of the entire world, I am drawn to the small city of Providence to seek out the beginning of the rest of my life?

Roaming around the country, looking at areas where I could very well be spending the next four years of my life makes me think about those four years. I see in these campuses unlimited potential for an enriching experience. The potential to pursue interests, to embark on a professional career, to truly become the person I want to be. It's something difficult to think about, much less work to accomplish.

There are so many aspects to life, it's strange to imagine them all changing within the next eight months or so, yet that will be a result. Everything will change. This seems clear as I look around to see a culture distinctly and profoundly different than what I've lived in for almost 18 years.

For the most part, I'm excited. Fashioning my own lifestyle is an amazing prospect. I just hope I don't go wrong in doing it. For the most part, I have confidence in myself and am assured that I will embrace the changes gracefully. Still... there are nagging thoughts. Little demons that terrorize my vision of an ideal future. Will I be lonely? Will I be overwhelmed with schoolwork in addition to the new wave of things to be done? Will I forget the dreams and hopes I have now, on the outset of my life? Will I have the courage and conviction to make a break with my life as I now know it?

In looking off to the endless, dark fog of the future, the only idea that really stabilizes me is faith that no matter what happens, it will all turn out the way it should. I don't know quite how to describe it. Above all aspects of my faith, the idea that everything will be good in the end functions as my rock. It helps me get through the hardest times in my life, as I'm sure it will in this case. I don't know why, but for some reason, that idea has never been challenged for me. In the face of the world, I can always look within myself to know that life flows the way it's meant to.

Lying in Bed

Here I am, lying in bed late on a Sunday night. I've been meaning to catch up on my blog today. I've been so busy, I've neglected it for several weeks!

Today has turned out to be a great day. A day that reminds me that we are only challenged to make us stronger. I've had the chance today to sort out thoughts and emotions that have presented themselves lately, it's rather refreshing.

I'm grateful for this day and everyday. Now, it's time to go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a brand new day.

Good night :)

Acceptance (the Picture Edition)

Here are some pictures to accompany my post earlier this week about acceptance into UChicago. This is right after Brad found out he was accepted as well...

Courtesy of Julie's phone :)

The University of Chicago

On a lake... just like Hogwarts!

The Dining Hall is Hogwarts-esque.

I swear to you, it must be Hogwarts!

Library looks like Hogwarts!

Hogwarts...

A phoenix as a mascot?! Definitely Hogwarts.

Acceptance

Heart racing, I checked my UChicago Admissions Account for what must have been the 100th time in eighth period TOK. 99 times, nothing new. Apparently the 100th is the charm!

There was only a minor change: a small box within which was a curt statement along the lines of, "Admissions decisions have been made. Click here to view your decision." I gasped audibly. My entire TOK class, aware of my plight, turned to face me all at once. One word: pressure.

I eagerly, yet nervously, clicked the link. At that exact moment 5,855 other potential students were attempting the same. As a result, the page took an excruciatingly long time to load...

Finally, a message appeared.

"Dear Blake,

Congratulations! -"

That was as far as I got. A cheer escaped my mouth and I leaped from my chair. The class, observing me throughout the ordeal, began to applaud. I had forgotten their presence and blushed.

Mrs. Allen told me to call my mom. I did so, was wished a congratulations, and then my thoughts turned to my friend Brad. I asked Mrs. Allen if I could get him, she approved. After running through the halls, I made it to Mr. Talbot's room, and asked him if I could have Brad. From there we ran to the IB room to get on a computer. Pressure continued to mount...

Several people had Research in the IB room. I'm sure they loved Brad and I loudly and excitedly interrupting their study period. We frantically got onto a computer and Brad logged into his account... The minutes it took for this process to occur were obnoxiously long. Everyone in the room took to focusing intently on the screen...

Next thing we know, the letter opens with the same words as mine! Brad jumps higher than Kobe and we cheered gleefully. What happened next, I am not so sure. It was complete and utter happiness.... and apparently Julie and Brooke got pictures for us :).

My life has suddenly decreased in stress level, although a variety of new challenges loom ahead. I'm still going to apply to some other colleges, but it feels amazing to have my safety school be ranked #8 in the country. My mind is blown, quite frankly.

On the same note, I would like to offer my congratulations to the IB Class of 2010 who is certainly surpassing the expectations placed upon it. I would like to congratulate the following:

Albert Cui: Yale. My friend, you have worked harder than anyone for this, you completely and totally deserve it. I am inexpressibly happy for you!

David Evans: Stanford. Wow. You are brilliant, David. At 18, you've done more to help the world than a lot of adults. You will excel at Stanford or at whatever prestigious college you choose to attend.

Anish Bhatnager: Johns Hopkins. Since we met each other in 4th grade, you have dreamed of going to this amazing university. We are going to hang out a bunch during college. I know you'll be amazing! :)

Phuong My Le: Washington University in St. Louis. Although I joke about WashU, it's a great university and you'll have a great time. It's supposed to have one of the happiest student bodies, you'll make it even happier!

Bradley Marshall: fellow UChicago potential student. Dude, I am stoked at the idea of you and I going to one of the best universities in the world that is supposedly exactly like Hogwarts! Chicago seems to be right on our wavelength, I can't wait to visit and possibly attend this elite school with you.

I don't know if I'll go to Chicago for sure, but the #8 university in the country is an amazing safety net to have. I'll apply to some more colleges, but no matter what happens, I'm on the up and up! :)

Flaming Steak!

Last night, mom left me a steak in the BBQ and told me to monitor it regularly. Me being a teenage boy, monitored it infrequently. Upon placing the steak on my plate, I realized the fire from the BBQ had made its way to my steak - my steak was on fire!

ARGH!

TOO MUCH TO DO!

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The ironic thing is that in the last ten minutes that it took me to type all of this up, I could have done aforementioned homework... I should check Facebook...