First week of college

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:49 pm

Hi girls,

I just finished my first week of college. As you might image, I was "en femme" since I don't really wear men's clothes any longer, and haven't for quite a while.

I must admit I had a great deal of trepidation about going to a place with 12,000 people between the ages of 17 and 24, for the most part, the most homophobic demographic age group. I mean, most people do assume we are gay. Also, even though I live in a blue state that is very liberal, I live in a place that is extremely conservative and in fact our representitives to both the House of Representatives and the State House and the State Senate are all Republicans.

I was cautioned by many people that I may be making a mistake. That not only can students make my life miserable, but the professors can give me lower grades or just kick me out of thier class if they choose. Many beleived it was a grave error to put my education and indeed my future in such peril, that all could be avoided if I were to just wear men's clothes.

I am happy to report that the first week has been great. I have been treated kindly and with respect. On campus, no one really notices me at all. Either I am more passable than I think, or no one really cares. I have gotton absolutely no bad vibes. No one gaulking at me, or laughing at passing, no one being rude to me. In fact many have been very nice to me.

It's like I am the Huge Pink Elephant in the middle of the room that no one can mention because of Political Correctness. The professors have given me no indication they have any problem with it at all. In fact, my history professor put me in with a group of girls she had last semester who all got an "A", after I told her that I was going to hang back and find out who the smart people were, because I did not want to get grouped with people who were not looking to get an "A".

It was almost embarassing, as soon as class started, everyone sitting there waiting for her to talk, and she says "Rudy, let me introduce you to the girls I was talking about, you can work with them." She then directed me to get up and move over to where they were. They had thier desks in a circle. one of them got up, pushed the desks apart, pushed one more desk into the circle and invited me to join them. We then did our assignment together.

Anyway, I had been very worried that school would just be a series of harrassments and bad vibes, and instead it has been really cool. I feel very comfortable at school and I am really happy to be working towards something again.

I am taking a full schedule and intend to go 4.0. In fact I have wagered with all my children about who will get the best GPA. With my oldest son it is $10 per .1 of the GPA difference in our grade. With my two younger children it is $1 per .1 of the GPA. My 14 year old son did not want to bet. I had to force him. He said "you are going to get a 4.0, so the best I can do is break even, why would I want to make a bet like that?". Laff, I made him anyway. I told him the best he could do is not lose his allowance, and he should keep that in mind. Then I said "How do you know I am going to get a 4.0, anyway?" He then said "Because you're dad!!!!!"

Anyway, it has been a great week, my trepidation has vanished and I am really looking forward to working toward getting a degree and being the first person in my family to do so.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Jadeanne · Post by **Jadeanne** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 7:55 pm

Elizabeth,

I'm glad your college experience is getting off to a great start.

Here's hoping that you all tie at 4.0!

Jadeanne

Stephanie H · Post by **Stephanie H** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:03 pm

Elizabeth:
Best wishes on your endeavor. May you successes be as fruitful as the effort you are about to expend.
Go for the 4.0

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:12 pm

Elizabeth--
I really admire you going back to school. Even without dealing with transgender issues, it is a big step to go back in your 40s or 50s. I am glad to hear that no one is making an issue of your dressing preference. It took some courage to go ahead with that at school, and I'm applauding for you, from 400-some miles away.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:16 pm

Elizabeth, honey you are someone that anyone would be proud to have in their group - we are!!!!!! I think you are also finding that the "younger generation" coming up now is much more tolerant of the many variables in the human condition! May God continue to shed HER blessing on you and your family - study hard girl or you may get taken to the wood shed more than I am! WE are so proud of you Elizabeth!!!!
Love ya,
Virginia

Post by **DonnaT** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:19 pm

That's great Elizabeth, and so cool how your kids respect your intelligence.

SilverLady(SO) · Post by **SilverLady(SO)** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:26 pm

Elizabeth!

You have by far more courage than I to attempt going (back) to college at our age! Congratulations on a great first week, and many, many more!

- SL

Absaroka · Post by **Absaroka** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:33 pm

I'm glad it went well. COngratulations also just on going back to college. It can be quite intimidating.

I remember college as a curious mix of juvenile intolerance and open mindedness. I think it really depends on who you choose to associate yourself with. College was my first exposure to what was then called gay lib. I remember going with my girlfriend to some of their dances and being surprised at how welcoming they were of straights. That was also where I met someone publicly crossdressed for the first time outside of a halloween party.

Absaroka

CJ · Post by CJ » Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:24 am

Elizabeth:

You go!

Love,
CJ

Carolynn · Post by **Carolynn** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 3:28 pm

GO ELIZABETH, GO!!!!

Love, Carolynn

Lorna · Post by **Lorna** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 6:07 pm

Gongratulations, Elizabeth! Good luck to you!!

Marlena Dahlstrom · Post by **Marlena Dahlstrom** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:38 pm

You go girl!

Maria · Post by **Maria** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 5:15 pm

Congratulations to you and your successful beginnings in college!

Maria

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 7:50 pm

Hi girls,

I just wanted to thank everyone for this tremendous outpouring of support. Thankyou all so very much!!!!!!!!

Love always,
Elizabeth

SilverLady(SO) · Post by **SilverLady(SO)** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 8:47 pm

Elizabeth -

You deserve the support, girl - not only are you continuing your education by going to college, you are also being an educator - an ambassador, if you will - to the public about CD's!

- SL