I learn new things about you everyday....

With the beginning of my new semester at Purdue, thus the beginning of friendships with new people. People that I wouldn't necessary be friends with under natural circumstances, can now be safely called friends. I can't say that we've become close friends as of yet. But at least more than acquaintances. I have phone numbers of some girls, I'm not afraid to call them when I have questions. I'm comfortable enough with them to ask for rides back home when I think it's not too troubling. We crack jokes and make fun of each other. Occasionally plan dinners with each other, and talk about our other halves.. and marriage plans (well, their marriage plans!). So honestly, it has all been pretty good and growing in the 'friendship' department at Purdue.

Friendships are different now though as a Grad student compared to when I was an Undergrad. Is it because there's still a certain distance between us that hasn't really been bridged? Or is it that we see each other too much during the day for every single class, sometimes before and after class as well... that we just don't really hang out after class all that much. Maybe it's also the factor of increased workload and responsibilities that we all have as Grad students. It's also possibly the fact that I'm a poor grad student trying to spend as little as possible on luxuries that I used to indulge in.. like eating out, and shopping.

The girls (and guy) in my program all have interesting backgrounds, and I learn something new about them everyday. I realized that I haven't really talked all that much about the people that I'm around with now.
Some statistics about us:
* There's about 27 of us or so. All girls, but one guy.
* About only 5-6 people are single.
* 3 are married or at least used to be married.
* 1 is engaged to be married.
* 2 already have kids.
* The rest have been with their other halves for a pretty long time!
* 5 did their undergrad at Purdue.
* 2 Internationals: Me, and Zeina from Lebanon  
* Seems like we're mostly homebodies. Only a handful are party-ers.
* We're known to be Type-A personalities... frustrated while waiting in line, always painfully aware of time, short fused, competitive and (ohmygosh) physical characteristics of facial tension (tight lips, clenched jaw) and teeth grinding.  Can't say I fit all the characteristics, but definitely the clenched jaw and teeth grinding I do.
* Personalities we have: bubbly, over-achiever, perfectionist, infectious-laugh-er, mellow, loud, 21-ers, sorority chick, smart-ass, positive-r, research-er, overall-just-smart-er, mother... Pretty diverse huh?! :)

I can't say that I've made too many Caucasian American friends throughout my Undergrad. Those that I have, are mainly the ones interested in the Asian culture. The ones who take Chinese classes with me. Or the ones that I studied abroad with. The really typical Caucasian American friend.. that I only probably have a handful of. That has all changed with Grad School! It's a good thing though. Although I can't say that I relate to them more than I do with my Asian American/Asian-interested friends... I can still be myself and not feel uncomfortable. And that's the most important part. :)