The Proximity of Gravity

Chapter 1 - Orientation Welcome

So. This is college. I had made it. It had been a long journey, a ton of hard work, and even some convincing for my parents, but I made it.

Hi! This is my journal, and I’m hoping to document how things go and be able to process some of my emotions here. I’m so excited to be here, and a little sad how my family was worried and sad to see me go.

Honestly, I’m not sure how I turned out so different from my farming parents, but I did. They’ve never watched anything but Fox News, and while I love them dearly, I’ve been dreaming of getting out of my house since before junior high. They don’t see the world the way I do, and I’m really looking forward to doing and trying new things.

I also showed up early for orientation, but I’m also really excited about meeting my roommate. I mean, I’ve read all the good and bad stories about roomies, but I hope she can be a friend, at least.

Day Two

My roommate, Emily, is cool and weird and amazing. I really hope to learn things from her. We bounded over our crazy parents, but I’m hoping that’s not just a small first thing.

She’s pretty skinny, but she eats like she’s HUGE! I honestly don’t know what’s up with that, but I have to admit I was oddly impressed with how much food she ate at dinner tonight. She asked if I wanted to join her, and part of me was like ‘why not try something new?’ but maybe later? I’ll see how this goes as we move forward.

Day Four

Emily and I got to hang out a lot the last few days. Despite being from a legacy family here at the university, we think and act a lot alike. She wants to go into computer science, and I’m into that - or maybe I’ll do chemistry? I haven’t decided yet.

The one thing I am interested in, but have to admit I’m afraid of, is how much this girl EATS! She told me her mom has kept her on a diet for, like, ever, but that she decided to play along. In high school, she ended up finding a big group of online friends who like to eat A LOT online. She told me it’s kind of like processing her feelings as she just eats as much as she wants, now that she’s at school. I don’t mind keeping her company. I asked her if she’s afraid of getting fat, and she said no. I don’t totally get it, but I’m sure we’ll see how this goes.