Paradise has an address, for $8,493.73!

Orientation week should really be called the week of partying. Through out the week we had a Ross student as an orientation leader and our personal taxi driver. Monday the cafeteria on campus fed us while we got ID's, bank accounts, and set up our cable and internet.

Tuesday we were again fed breakfast, had an introduction to living off campus, and were fed hotdogs and such. I was also able to pick up 4 of the 7 books I ordered, all quite heavy.

Wednesday one of the professors, Jane S., made muffins and a dozen other amazing breakfast delights. We filed off to the auditorium to listen to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and a 7th semester student welcome us to Ross. Then a Kittitian businessman gave us the history of the island. Later we learned the four rules of the computer lab: don't give out your password, no porn, the bandwidth cannot support a small personal business, and something else important which I have forgotten. Our security talk included the proper pronunciation of Lynell (Lynn-nell) Nolan's name, head of security, and that Ross security is better than 911. Amusingly, this is something we have discovered this week! Wednesday's lunch was Chinese.

Thursday was the "day to tie up loose ends" and my roommate slept ‘til noon, making me miss the beach! She wanted to get the lease signed and get the electric switched over to our name, neither of which were accomplished. I did go on the island tour with my group, led by our knowledgeable taxi driver, Uncle Millie. The entire island is quite nice.

Friday we again had breakfast made by Dr. Jane S, then had our personalities examined and grouped by the school counselor. For lunch we hoped in out respective cabs and headed to Brimstone Hill (mountain!) for lunch at the fort.

Saturday was the catamaran trip, and it was great! Three catamarans for our class of 82 (8 of whom in vet prep) plus associated parents, spouses, and professors. While snorkeling we saw a turtle and tiny jellyfish. We had lunch on Nevis next to the Four Seasons Resort. They really spent a lot of money on each student this week getting us acquainted with the island.

Today we registered for classes. I owe $8,493.73 for this trimester… which excludes the $1000 I have already paid and the scholarship for 25% off tuition. The Kittitian businessman’s welcome from Tuesday still sticks in my mind, “Paradise has an address, it’s St. Kitts! Welcome!” –Denzil Crooke