Here's to life. Just called my parents, feel I did well on the German test today (despite waiting till the last minute to take it) - I really like that class. Bought ~$100 worth of alcohol... then Arthi bought ~$60 worth of ice cream... no, we aren't binging alcoholics, though it certainly looked like that. ;)

Ah, socteam. I finally understand why Yussanne was so stressed and upset sophomore year, when no one else wanted to help... I seem to be the only 21 year old on socteam with a car who's willing to provide transportation. -sigh- Oh well. It's frustrating, but it's not worth bitching about... especially since I know I was guilty of the same thing freshman/sophomore year.

Why is it that tech seems to suck the life and confidence out of so many people every year? I see wonderful, brilliant people who become so depressed and feel they're absolutely worthless when that's not true at all. The scary thing is, I still remember how that feels. Not only that, it's still dangerously easy to slip into that way of thinking, once you get used to it (thanks a lot, sophomore year). So the rigors of this place, along with providing 'stimulating challenge to tomorrow's scientists', train many others to doubt their abilities and respond to difficulties with either 1) severe depressive episodes, or 2) internalization of these feelings, resulting in gastrointestinal problems. What's wrong with this picture? Where are we going wrong? Can anything be done about it?

There's nothing wrong with showing people the real side of science - it's important to see how research will be in grad school to make an informed decision. But breaking people's spirits in the process is an tremendously negative side effect. There's gotta be a better way. I just wish I knew what it was.

Anyway, back to history reading...