Lessons Learned

Well everyone-I messed up. I said somethings in this blog that were hurtful, inappropriate, and unprofessional which I have now taken off. The school saw what I wrote and chose to send me home. As much as it hurts, I do understand their decision and can only blame myself. Even though I was only there for a week, I feel that I gain some fantastic experience.
So, after many tears and a long drive to think about things I have concluded this: although I may think of myself as a mature young woman, I am still just a kid and have a lot of growing up to do. I think very highly of that school and am very upset with myself that such a stupid decision ended my time with them.

Needless to say, I am not too fond of blogging anymore and I will not be doing it for quite awhile.

I apologize to everyone I disappointed.
Love to all,
Robin

It's only been 3 days?!!?

As I continue here, my confidence grows in my signing everyday. I am really proud of myself and happy with how brave I've been. In order to try and get to know the girls here, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and started conversations with them. Usually I don't like to start conversations with strangers (especially in a language other than English!) but I have forced myself to. I find myself having conversations with students and afterward thinking, "Did I really just understand all of that? WOW!" It is starting to feel natural enough that I don't have to think about every single thing they say or I want to say. If I am asked a question, I answer and then think, "Wow, I didn't know I knew that sign!"
I've only been here for about 3 days but I feel like it's been forever! If I left tomorrow I would miss these girls-I can't imagine how hard it will be after a month!
Love to all!
-Robin

My Dorm

Here is the northeast corner of my room. That is the door and the desk that I use to store cleaning supplies, shower stuff, hair stuff, and meds. I had a bunch of hooks up all over the walls so those are used for my penguin robe and my scarf.
















This is the southeast corner of the room. I use that desk for an actual desk and that dresser for food...as you can see. That is also the closet that I use for close and shoes. I have double of everything in the room except a mirror-that is all I get.
*Notice MOOSE hanging out on the closet door!
















Here is the south wall. I don't use that bed and it kind of makes the room look like a cell but whatever. The whole west wall (pretty much) is windows but the curtains are evil and don't want to open. If I can get them to open, it is a new battle to get them shut.
















Northwest corner. I use that dresser for my clothes and that closet to store all of my bags I used to get down here and am not looking forward to packing again. No that is not a mouse on the floor, it is my cell phone. The room has very limited outlets so I have to plug the phone in and run the cord under my bed.
















North wall. I think that wall looks less like a cell and more like a room...my cow sheets really add a lot.
















A woman just came a little while ago and hung this on the outside of my door...either she didn't know I was in here or she is really rude because the door was open and I watched her hang it there.

First Day

Ok, this is more overwhelming than I thought it would be. I have spent a substantial amount of my day smiling and nodding.
To start off my adventure here properly, I had a night time visitor. I was laying in bed half asleep when, suddenly opening my eyes, I saw someone standing in my doorway peeking in. They just looked in and then left again. Thinking back, I don't know why I didn't FREAK OUT! At the time, I just assumed that it was the girl who lives across from me. This morning while I was getting ready, my prowler returned. Apparently, they do dorm checks here and that woman was not informed that I was not a student. She apologized and said that she came twice in the night-glad to know that I sleep heavy enough that anyone can walk into my room! She promised that should wouldn't come back tonight. I'm sure you are all thinking I am insane for not locking my door...well there isn't a lock! I don't particularly like that but whatever.
I have never felt so dumb in my entire life as I did today. I came here thinking I would be able to communicate perfectly with everyone but that is NOT the case! Oh well it is just the first day thing have to get better and I don't see myself going backwards in my signing skills.
Love from Iowa!
-Robin

January 4

Hello all! I have arrived safely in Council Bluffs, IA as of 4:15 today. I was given a tour of the building and campus after making 18 MILLION trips up and down three flights of stairs and across a parking lot to get all of my stuff up here. There were two teachers outside that helped me carry some stuff up (God bless them!) saving me two trips. The people here are all very nice (1 point for Iowa) and I look forward to meeting more.
I have my own dorm room and it is HUGE! This room is bigger than my dorm at Augie and I have it all to myself! 2 closets, 2 dressers, and 2 desks! LOVE IT!!!! In the next few days I will put up some pictures of the room and area that I am in. I am kind of secluded from the students; they are on the other side of the building. I believe more college students are coming to stay in my little area as well, but I don't know when.
I will try to keep this up as I want to keep everyone posted on what I am doing. Email me lots and I will email you as well. With this, though, I don't have to type the same thing 50 times to tell everyone about it!
Love you all!!!