This is a stream-of-consciousness post about a variety of different impressions and experiences as we are getting to know the area and Portland State. Or you could just say I'm rambling...
- There are a lot of crows here, they even wake us up sometimes when we sleep with the window open. I don't dislike birds but crows are a different story...
- It's been quite hot here with temperatures in the high 80s and even 90s. The nice thing is that it cools down considerably as soon as the sun goes down. At night, it has been in the 50s (although one morning, it was 45!). But it's supposed to cool down into the 70s in the next days. And, surprise surprise, no rain yet in the month of September.
- Subarus seem to be the car of choice in Portland (apart from Priuses). Dave fits right in.
- There seems to be a contested senate race between Jeff Merkley (D) and Gordon Smith (R) - we are being bombarded with TV ads. This one is pretty funny and incriminating:
- Through my many orientations (I think I'm finally done!), I'm learning a lot about Portland State. The average student is 28 years old and almost 50% of students are only half-time. Very different from UT.
- It's kind of refreshing to be at an institution that doesn't buy into the traditional view of a university ("ivory tower") and doesn't try to be like Vanderbilt, Florida etc. Portland State's undergraduate curriculum is very interesting - no wonder it's ranked among the top 10 for first-year experiences, service learning, internships/co-ops, learning communities and senior capstone project.
- PSU employees do not pay any health insurance premiums. Wow!
2 comments:
You're making me think I need to look for a new job.
Very cool about the no health insurance premium. It must be nice living in a progressive part of the country. Glad the weather is welcoming you in a kind way. Subarus seem to be prevalent everywhere in the PNW, at least the places I've been. Can't wait to come visit sometime!
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