First Day of College - June 26, 2006

June 26, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Today was my first day back at school in over a year. It was interesting being a freshman again although this time I had my mom and dad to accompany me. We woke up early today to have a small procedure done at the urologists’ office in which they tested my bladder capacity. I have normal bladder capacity but we are going back to see the doctor on Wednesday to discuss other test results. After that interesting start to my day, we headed to BYU campus to begin my first class, American Heritage, with Professor Pope. It was a large lecture class with approximately 300 to 400 students that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays for two hours. On Friday, we have a lab with about 25 students where we discuss the material that was previously lectured on and also take quizzes. The teacher uses a slide show presentation and incorporates small, humorous segments of videos to illustrate his points. It is a unique way to learn and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I also decided to take a religion class by Brother Bott, “Sharing the Gospel”, as it was recommended to me by many former students including my brother, Tyler. A former mission president, Brother Bott has a very entertaining yet spiritual attitude. His class is very enthralling as it teaches about many different gospel principles. He has a lot of energy and a great love for the gospel.

My first day of college was awesome!

Since we last wrote, we have had lots of family come to see us. My Dad flew in on Thursday. Aunt Mona, Uncle Jeff and Ashlee’s boys, Peter and Andrew came to see us in Provo on Saturday. Granny and Grampa also drove here from Idaho to spend the weekend with us. We had a good visit with them and are all looking forward to the family reunion in July.

Whitney, Hayley, Callum, Isabelle and Tate drove from Denver to Provo on Sunday night. This apartment is really little but we managed to sleep eight people comfortably (relatively speaking) last night! Hayley and dad left for home today and Whitney and her kids will be with us until Friday when we all drive over to Sun Valley to pick up Kate.

We are starting to think of Provo as our home away from home now as mom gets her almost daily fix of hot dogs and banana creamies. I enjoy the kindness and sweet attitudes of the students and teachers here at BYU. People are very friendly and accepting of me and my situation. The campus grounds are beautiful and getting easier to navigate.

It’s late so I better get ready for bed.

Love to you all,

Ryan