Before "hell" begins...

Past few days have been crazy. My class went out to a bar/club every single night since we moved in (Wednesday). I've never "partied" like that for 4 days in a row ("" added because I didn't drink). Our class is so social, I love it!

Today was a "Explore Chicago" day. Our class went on a Shoreline Architectural Tour along the Chicago River. Sun was scorching down on me, but I loved every minute of that tour. I love looking at Chicago buildings because they are so diverse in design, from old(?) style to modern and post-modern designs. I really think Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the States. It has a good combination of nature and modern architectures.



I thank God for helping me adjust smoothly to the new chapter of my life. I especially thank Him for my roommate, Christine. We get along pretty well because we have really similar values and morals. Also, I'm thankful for new friends I'm making. Of course I miss my friends back home, but my colleagues here are becoming very special to me. We're all in this together, willing to help one another to succeed and become good optometrists.



I didn't go to church today... so a search for the Godly church will start next week.

New Beginning

Hello from Chicago, Illinois!!!
I still can't believe I'm over 2000 miles away from home. I thought moving to San Diego for undergrad was huge. It's still so surreal that I'm here.
The move-in process was so hectic. My flight left LA at 8:15am and arrived in Chicago at 2:15pm (Central Time). However, the shuttle didn't pick me up until 3:40pm. There was a heavy traffic on the way to ICO so I arrived at 5:20. The shuttle's AC broke down so I got to have full exposure to hot, humid summer weather for over an hour. My parents warned me about Chicago weather, but humidity still shocked me. I finally appreciate CA's dry weather!



The hardest thing was saying good-bye to my family. I'm kind of glad that my mom didn't come to the airport because I would've cried for sure. I teared up when I said bye to my family and when my flight departed. I hate crying in front of people so I tried my best to hold it in. I envy those who live close by. It's hard that I have no option of going home unless I buy tickets way ahead of time (and spend so much money!). However, my parents are visiting me in September for the White Coat Ceremony so I'm really looking forward to that. (I'm glad I'm single. I have one less person to miss. Ha!)

Other than missing my family/friends and hating the humid, hot weather, I'm thoroughly enjoying my experience at ICO. Even though It's been only 24 hrs since I moved in, I already feel at home. There are only 5 or 6 students from California; everyone else is from..literally everywhere. I like that no one knows each other from before, so we're all happy to get to know anyone. It's hard memorizing ~170 names...It'll take me over a month. ICO is doing a good job keeping us together. They took us to a bar last night (forgot what it's called) to give us extra bonding time!

In fact, they're taking us out to a pub in an hour.

Orientation will take place all day tomorrow and Saturday. I didn't know there's a business-casual dress-code for it! All my non-casual clothes and shoes are in boxes at home! I had to buy cheap skirt and flats from Target. *whew*


the view from my window

Downtown Chicago is only 20 minutes bus-ride away from Chicago. I can see the skyscrapers from ICO. Chicago's such a beautiful city, I can't wait to explore it more and utilize public transportation here!

Even though my schedule's crazy, I'll try to update this blog often. If you have anything you want to send, here's my address

BoRam Lee
3241 S. Michigan Ave
ICO Box 558
Chicago, IL 60616

Please pray for me that I'd find a good solid church here. I need a community to help me stay focused and grow spiritually in the midst of all the studying.