A Different World

Tuesday marks my second week in Provo, and thus far I would say it’s been quite the experience. Most people think of college as a way of meeting new people, exploring new places, and finding new hobbies. I have most definitely experienced all these things, but in a very unique way.

The people I have met here have honestly been some of the friendliest people ever. In most cases these are the kind of people you want to surround yourself around. Riding public transportation is a different story though; the friendliest of people can also be the strangest people you’ll encounter. Take, for example, my bus rides to and from Salt Lake every day. Just the other day I literally shared a seat with a guy for no reason. He had offered the seat to a woman who didn’t have one, but instead of offering to stand while she sat, he just scooted all the way over on top of me, wanting to fit three people in our seats! When she declined his offer he remained in the center of the two seats while I silently squeezed myself against the window, trying to keep focused on my book. I have been bringing a book to read on the bus to try to escape form these awkward bus situations, but have found that it really doesn’t do much. Another man on my way back to Provo sat next to me telling me about his time in the Army. I would take a break from reading to listen to these stories for a while, go back to reading, and be interrupted a paragraph later with another story of where his daughter was conceived (Germany, for all those wondering.)

Basically, I’ve learned how to problem solve these past two weeks. If you don’t have power, call the electric company until you do. If you have a flat tire, find someone that can change it (if it’s not you). And if people are being too friendly, invest in headphones.