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I have 21 days left in Strasbourg, in France, in Europe, this side of the Prime Meridian. 21 days left to find myself, to act as an observer, to be removed from my former surroundings, my real life. I was in the midst of a rather convoluted conundrum last night, contemplating whether or not I want to go to law school, and further, whether or not I really want to become a lawyer. I was initially discouraged when I came upon a lengthy article on one of the world news sites that I frequent entailing a detailed list of reasons why someone should not go to law school. Amongst these were: There are too many lawyers in the world right now. Not only that, but they are most likely smarter than you. You will accumulate a monstrous amount of debt, which a fifth of law students never actually pay off. Law school is one of the most stressful experiences possible. Why would you waste three years of your life pursuing a goal the may or may not (most likely not) come to fruition, while simultaneously spending upwards to $100,000 on this venture.

I pondered these rationales long and hard, and then I went down to the bar. I needed someone to talk to, and who better than the eternal optimist, David: Someone who has been more than influential on my frame of mind in these months in Strasbourg. We discussed these inquiries for a few hours, and by the time the bar closed, I felt like I was on top of the world. These people, making these excuses, attempting to deter me from my aspirations, setting frivolous limitations on themselves; I will not may them any mind. For it is me and me alone who is able to will my future. I am the captain of my ship, if you will, and my conscious and effort will ultimately determine my fate; Not those who adopt these various pessimistic attitudes towards life and their careers. These people will never be successful. How can they? They spend their entire lives putting their eggs into two baskets, while ignoring the third basket entirely. They refuse to accept that their concept of rationality and further, their perception of reality is entirely based upon habit-formed ideals heavily ingrained in their conscious through years of lazy self-programming. I will think laterally, rather than focusing on human limitations, these artificial constructs that have held so many back.

Heidelberg was a spectacular little city. The Christmas markets were absolutely wondeful, and though I could not afford to buy food, I was lucky enough to have spent my time with three girls who generously shared their Christmas inspired foodstuffs with me. I was quite content. I would like to return to Heidelberg someday and explore it further. The castle was honestly, less than interesting. We were not able to enter the castle because we didn't have a tour guide, something that CEPA neglected to research. However, the train that we took up the hill to the castle made things worthwhile. Never before have I had the opportunity to ride a train moving up a hill at probably a fifty to sixty degree angle. They should turn that thing into a roller coaster.

Thanksgiving dinner was also entirely memorable. I am not one to get excited over this particular holiday, or holidays in general, but that Thanksgiving dinner, as one eloquent student from Devry put it, was "off the hook". The turkey was not dry at all, a realization that assaulted my senses oh so pleasantly. The potatoes, gravy, and squash soup were also delectable. I once again must commend the culinary students for making even a picky eater such as myself enjoy foods that have never graced my palate.

Today, I will spend my time in the computer lab, pouring my thoughts over this paper on Voss and the Art of travel.

I bid you adieu.

-Tyler Collins