Purpose of Blog

Howdy!

My name is Amanda Flores and I am a graduate student at the University of Vermont, but most importantly I hail from the great state of Texas. I finished my bachelor's degree in English Literature and minors in Music and Business from Texas A&M University where I was actively involved in Student Life, Greek Life, Aggie Access, and the Concert Bands. I am now pursuing a master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Thanks to all my mentors, advisors, and family who have supported me through this journey.

This blog is intented for family and friends where they can keep updated with my everyday, or every week happenings included but not limited to class discussions, programs, life, etc. My purpose is not to create conflict with this blog but more towards moral conversation. Coming from Texas A&M, a highly conservative and predominantly white university, to the University of Vermont, a highly liberal and predominantly white university, BUT cultured environment has been an eye-opening experience.

My first days here I was quickly thrown into the culture. First, there are no light bulb sockets in my apartment what so ever, and second there is no air conditioner. I understand it's a cold state, but when the weather gets to 90 degrees with at least 50% humidity, being a Texas girl, I need my A/C. Needless to say this "heat wave" only lasted a week, whew! That was the biggest shock of the all so far. After that it has just been a sense of acclimating to the different lifestyle.

I am from Texas, so I passionately miss my steak, my tortillas, my SPICES!!!, and my avocadoes! I have tried immersing myself in the culture by attending the Farmer's Market. That was a treat, to my eyes at least. I bought a peach tart, that was the best tart I have ever had. My friends and I also had "tamales", sadly, but not surprisingly, they were not close at all towards our mama and guela's tamales. I have also been to downtown. It is a nice landscaped area, but the stores are a bit too pricy for me, but it's a nice place for a walk during a nice day. I have also been to Boston! My friends and I rented a vehicle and took our liberated butts to Boston! We were able to go to Ikea and the mall, and above all New York and Company. There is no New York and Company here, no Target, no "Super" walmart, etc. There is hardly any fast food resturant chains, which is alright, but also, there are no big chain resturants like Wings and More, McAllister's, PEI WEI, etc. It's been tough finding those key places that will help me remind me of home, however I have found a tight knit family with in my cohort.

Thanks to my cohort, we have all been able to vent to each other and support each other, even though its just been three weeks into school. The faculty in the program as well as those involved with HESA altogether have also been a great support. We have have two faculty invite us to their house for dinner and breakfast.

With that said, ya'lls Aggie has been slowly acclimating to the Vermont way of living, but I will for sure never forget where I come from. Once an Aggie always an Aggie ;)

Please enjoy and comment on anything, you do not have to agree or disagree to any of the posts, we can all agree to disagree. I hope this will turn into a learning experience for some of you.

Thanks and gig'em,
Amanda Flores