Random Scrap:
The flexibility in setting up your own schedule was one of the main differences between a college or a university in Poland and America. I loved the system - it gave me the feeling of being in charge and for many students ability to fit school into their working lives. The slight downside was that every class consisted of different students. Most people were friendly so I would chat with some familiar faces but there was never much time to develop deeper connections. Now, with Akira not being in my life all the time it was time for me to make some new friends. Being an international student automatically gave you some sort of identity (a 'legal alien' was the official term). College of the Desert was not the most popular destination for foreign students but that turned out to be its advantage. The International Office, with Carolyn at the front desk always smiling and ready to listen to your problems, really seemed to care about you. I joined an International Student Club and it was nice to see that it brought together not only students from abroad but also locals who wanted to learn something about other countries.