Caroline's Intro

Hello everyone!

I’m Caroline, and I’m from Wisconsin, US – land of abundant dairy products, political protests, and awful Midwestern accents.   I’m currently a student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, which I completely love.  I grew up in a small rural village – I know you all are picturing horses and buggies right now, but a more accurate mental picture would involve corn fields and rich old women clinging to their police scanners so that they can gossip about all the latest drama. 

Needless to say, enrolling in a large university provided a much-needed change of pace.  While the classes here can be very competitive and require a lot of effort, there’s always a ton of fun stuff going on.  I’ve gone to some massive Halloween parties, participated in one of the world’s largest snowball fights, attended a speech by the US president, and still had plenty of time/space to relax and be a bit of an introvert.  Plus our University has a Yule Ball before Christmas vacation.  A legitimate Goblet-of-Fire-esque Yule Ball.  How could anyone NOT love this place?  I wouldn’t trade my little hometown for anything, but it’s nice to escape the fishbowl feeling of small town life and swim around in a big pond for once.  Also, small towns do not have Super Targets.  Oh American consumerism…

Another fact about me: I’m 21 years old (seriously, true story).  I realize that due to my short stature, round face, and unwillingness to give up my collection of brightly-colored headbands, I look about 15.  Middle-aged adults are constantly telling me that I’ll appreciate my youthful appearance when I am older, but honestly, when I’m enjoying delicious Chinese food for half price because the staff has accidently given me the kids’ discount, I have no problem appreciating it at this age too.

I’m going to school for Psychology and Communication Disorders.  I chose psychology because, in short, our brains are just so weird and complicated!  I love learning why we do the things we do.  I chose communication disorders because I knew it would allow me to work with kids, which is something I really enjoy.  The program is focused around helping people with speech and hearing problems, and I hope to eventually become either a school speech pathologist or a pediatric audiologist (ear doctor).  I still have a year or two to decide, but I’m leaning toward audiology, only because all of the controversy and new technology in the field never ceases to amaze me. 

When I’m not studying, I can usually be found watching my favorite YouTubers, reading my never-ending pile of books, writing, ice skating, learning guitar, listening to music, or hanging out with friends.  I also love playing piano - while I used to play mostly classical pieces, I have recently taken to playing more contemporary music and/or poorly-transcribed Ben Folds covers.  Classy, I know.  

I also really like dance (tap, in particular), anything Harry Potter, and watching TV (Arrested Development, Glee, Flight of the Conchords, Gilmore Girls, BBC’s Sherlock, The Office, and Grey’s Anatomy are some of my favorites).  Recently I’ve been babysitting to earn a little extra money, too.

Some things I don’t like are parallel parking and bugs of the house-invading variety (I’m looking at you, box elders)

Other Random Facts About Me: 

   -I love watching old movies that are awesomely terrible.  ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’ is the best; it’s full of inadvertently hilarious quotes. 

   -I have an adorable dog and a cat that I miss all the time when I’m away at school. 

   -I also have one older brother and four younger step-siblings ranging in age from 13 to 19.  Whenever I go home, I feel like I’ve accidently entered an ABC Family teen drama.   

   -My New Year’s resolution was to write more.  I think this is a step in the right direction. 

And I think that’s about it.  Sorry if this introduction was long and all over the place.  I’ve loved reading everyone’s posts so far and can’t wait to see where this project goes!  Farewell for now and DFTBA!