Thompson Library

The Autumn of 2006 was when I first came here. The first week I went to the University and the Department's orientations and took part in many OIA activities, which was then OIE. These activities helped situate myself in this foreign place a whole lot. One of them was the Campus Tour.

The guide told us which building was which and what it was for. We stopped at the Main Library, which was about to be shut down for renovation. We were told that it'll re-open in 2009. I was on the tour with two other girls who were education majors. They told me, "靠你拉." They wanted me to tell them what the new library looks like when they're done with their programs.

Almost three years later, yes, I am still here, and yes I witnessed the re-opening of the Thompson Library. But it's bitter sweet. The change of major and the nature of my program require me to stay longer than the natives to finish my pre-requisites, my coursework and my clinical hours. I'm burning the candle on multiple ends: GA (to earn my own living), clinic (to be eligible to be certified), thesis (to open my opportunities). I really like what I'm doing (I'm not complaining): I like my placements, I like the practical aspect of the program, I like the fact that I am able to help people with what I've learned. It just feels good. But the longer I stay here, the more people are graduating. People who came here the same year I did are wrapping up with their PhD programs. Yet look at me, I'm still here, at the master's level.

This is what life's all about, huh? Catch-22.