I am in Milwaukee, first week. Start class next week. I am quietly observing this strange behavior everyone exhibits as well. Yes, heard it all before, the insecurites, the need for friends, a place of comfort for oneself. Hmm, freshman have a lot of growing up to do. I suppose it only becomes another form of the same “oldness” as well. I am not very bothered by these newbies, all their thoughts are just beginning. I can see already how their thoughts have that familiar 2-dimensional quality, that need to connect and hold to old values and experiences, unwillingly to the most essential degree to be vulnerable. Open with themselves, aware of themselves, these all seem like simple concepts that are taken for granted once again. I have 2 roommates, which I am sure I will have no problems with, but it is at the very least amusing to observe their behaviors. Art is the most direct form of self-expression and if one is not open with the self, holds on to this straight, unyielding lines of insecurity, it will ultimately reflect in their art and they will not advance to the degrees of others who offer their naked wills freely as I plan to. I will pass no judgement, I will be patient with everyone and everything, for I understand the places all these people have come from. I can see their needs to feel comforted because they have never expereinced a place where there is no need to defend oneself to the hilt to remain intact. Here one must be broken and then trust themeselves and others to be built back up, better and stronger, more inspired and skilled. I believe this is the safest and the best place to exhibit oneself so completely.