Australia - Day 36

I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot recently, but man, time really does fly! I can’t believe I’ve been in Sydney for over a month already. I guess when you have your nose buried in a textbook it kinda just creeps up on you.

Speaking of textbooks, I think I’m starting to get this whole back-to-school thing down. I had my first assignment due today – I had to give a presentation on how drug trafficking in North America is a threat to human security… Anyways, the presentation was, not one of my finest to say the least, but at least it got me back in the swing of things. Next week the essay component of the same project is due, and to my own amazement I’m already finished! A week early! That *never* happens! Well, it’s mostly finished – I’m way over the word count so I have to go back and do a lot of editing. But still, a week early, I’m so proud of myself haha.

Since starting school I’ve joined the gym. I’ve been going there fairly regularly (except this past week ‘cause I was preoccupied with my presentation) and I’m feeling pretty good about it. They have this “Boot Camp” thing that lasts six weeks. I might try it next semester after I’m a bit more in shape. We’ll see, not promising anything. But the thought is nice.

I also joined the Global Leadership Program (GLP), which is a kind of “degree enhancing” program that emphasizes leadership and cross-cultural understanding. It’s a pretty interesting program and unique to Macquarie. In order to get recognition on your transcript for entering the program students have to attention six Think Tanks; which are kind of like debates on various global issues facilitated by a professional; attend two Distinguished Speaker events, and engage in one cross cultural practicum. (Hence my trip to Singapore and Thailand this coming semester break). It seems pretty cool – I’ve never done anything like this before.

On a related note, I’m off to Canberra tomorrow for a four-day trip. We’re going visit the Australian Parliament, the Indonesian Embassy, and then a bunch of other, more touristy things like visiting the zoo and feeding the animals. I’m considered a “delegate” which makes me feel pretty professional haha. There are about 50 or so people going on the trip, so it should make of a good time.

What else is there…? Not too much more. School’s starting to pick up and get busier, have a lot more assignments due in the coming weeks. In light of that I’m gonna try and make it to a beach here before it starts cooling down too much. The days are still sunny and warm but at night it’s been getting fairly chilly (and by that I mean around 20 degrees).

Alright well I should get going, I have to wake up in about 4 ½ hours to catch the bus we’re taking to Canberra – Mornings are NOT my friend! At least I can sleep on the way there. (I hope).