Before arriving to Michigan Tech University my assumptions of this place were very narrow minded and construed. My thoughts of this distant land were off by a long-shot; I though this city would be stuck in the 80’s, where everybody knows everybody, people driving huge station-wagons, with one barber shop in town that has the red, white and blue twirling pole outside.

I thought that since this school was soooo far away from civilization that I would be in the perfect place to study.I pictured a school with no problems and plenty of time to myself to relax enjoy life, and maintain a 3.89 GPA. What could one possibly do here I was sure there weren’t any good places to party, no skating rinks, or clubs. Plus I was new so that limited my chances of getting out and exploring all the excitement Houghton had to offer.

When I arrived I was blessed to have a research job to step into, a paid linear algebra, and a wonderful program director that made sure that I had everything I needed. There wasn’t too much more I could ask for, until I found out there was no air conditioning in any of the buildings what so ever. With temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 90’s, and all the fans sold out at the local stores I found myself living in the computer labs to beat the heat.

However after one week here I found myself in the middle of a party like none I’d ever experienced. First of all I was in the basement of some Frat House, secondly there was only one-way and one-way out, and finally they were serving free “beer” this is not common where I’m from. I also found it awkward to have dogs walking around in the party with people dancing to the rhythm of the next song, not to mention the fact that everyone had a cup in their hand. This was not an experience that I grew fond of. I later found out that skating rinks did exist in the Keweenaw, however they were ice-skating rinks a sport that I have viewed many times from the comfort of my room.

Another assumption that I made before arriving was that everyone has at least met a black person prior to meeting me.I had no idea of what was in store, some of the questions I’ve been asked were plum dumb. For example, why does you hair curl like that…or why do you have to brush your hair…and what does ashy mean? For those of you who may not know the term “ashy” refers to having dry skin, it looks like ash on skin with greater pigmentation.