Here I Am in College

9-1-77

Dear Family—According to my new watch it’s 11:45. We just had a hall meeting discussing the dorm rules. Weekday curfew—11 p.m. Fri, Sat and Sun—12 p.m.

My first day at college is about over. I’m fairly tired but will write a bit.

Everyone’s friendly. I pulled in about 12 noon and found out I was three days late. Ate lunch—sat with a guy from Kansas, met some of his friends. Then stood in line for an hour, filled out a few forms and found I’ll have to do my registering tomorrow as they gave you a number and I have a high number—there’s a lot of students to register.

After that I moved everything up to my room and unpacked. That took at least an hour and a half.

Layed on my bed and read the Student Handbook for a while—then went to supper at 5:00. 

Met a New Yorker—Joe somebody. We yakked through supper then yakked while he did a load of laundry. Then at 7:30 we went to a song festival in the chapel, followed by an “ice-cream social” in the cafeteria. Joe and I yakked till about 9:30—then I came over and I called you. Then we yakked for an hour in my room.

When we had our hall meeting, Joe went yak to his room.

He talks without a N.Y. accent. It sounds like he’s imitating somebody.

Everything is remarkably pleasant and easy. I have no jitters at all.

Here’s a bird’s-eye view of my room:

[GRAPHIC OF ROOM SKETCH]

Room is approx. 15’ x 20’

(2nd Floor Welch Hall—Rm. 227)

So far I have no roommate too but will have soon. I have plenty room for my stereo so I’ll probably bring it down next time.

I’m still rather lost on campus at times. That won’t last long.

It will be hard to be a remarkable Christian down here—there’s so many talented people. That’s great though. I don’t want to be BMOC, I just want to be excellent. I’m going to try to study hard—studies have priority. I’m going to try for straight A’s.

I enjoy having room to myself but I think I’ll enjoy a roommate too.

I don’t know of anything I forgot to bring. I guess we did a good job, Mom. I sure have a lot of clothes. I thought I was bringing a lot of items but my room still seems empty.

Some of the rooms look like they’ve been lived in for years—like mine at home always looked. It will gradually begin to be filled up, I’m sure.

I’ll write you again soon—I’ve got to hit the sack. I’ll be missing you all more and more as the days pass. But I feel very good about being here. God loves you each and all.

Love, Tom