Machine vs New Student

Since I wasn't sure how the traffic would be this morning I ended up arriving on campus more than an hour early. I pulled into the E1 parking lot armed and ready with my Husky card. I scanned it once, I got no response from the automatic gate. I realized I had the card facing the wrong direction. I scanned it a second time, still no response. I scanned it a third time - nothing. I was scanning it a forth time just as I noticed the LED readout flashed $3.00 and the arm flipped up. By now I'm wondering, "Did I just pay three times for parking?" I decided not to check my Husky card account balance until after the end of the day, because if I did mess up I didn't want the knowledge of such a faux pas to ruin my entire day.

My possible error was quickly forgotten when I was greeted in the parking lot by people from the Alumni Association handing out brown bag breakfast bagels with cream cheese, and very tasty hot coffee. It was a very warm welcome for students arriving on the first official day of school.

Once I arrived at our Online MLIS orientation meeting place, I immediately began meeting and connecting with students in my cohort. Right off the bat, and much to my surprise, I met a gal who shares my interest in library programs for seniors.

Later in the morning, our orientation agenda included a game mixer. The leader announced that whoever came to her first with their game sheet filled, wins. Well, due to my now caffeine high (usually I drink decaf ), I was feeling quite zippy. I had my game sheet filled out in a matter of minutes. In fact, it was so quick that when I showed the leader she told me to keep it quiet so that everyone else would keep playing. No more caffeine for me!

The entire day was filled with both orientation information and opportunities to connect with classmates. I was expecting it to be exhausting, but the caffeine took care of that problem. All in all, it was interesting and fun. Just in case you are wondering, my Husky account was only charged once for parking. Yay! God is good (sometimes He protects us from ourselves)!

Tomorrow classes begin.