I love the HBO series Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw, a well-known New York City columnist writes about relationships. Even though I’m a humble writer in Newport, I’d like to start this feature off in Bradshaw fashion.

As Valentine’s Day approaches and stores stock up on chocolate, stuffed animals and candy; I can’t help but wonder.

I put the latest mixed CD into the car. I turn the volume up as loud as I can. I remember the first time my parents drove me to Newport. The sun was blazing and I was a mix of insecurities. What would freshman year hold? How would my running go? Would I have friends? Even if I did, would they accept me?

How would I leave my twin? We spent 18 years together and now we would be apart for the first time.

“Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself.” ~Havelock Ellis

The aerobics room, everyone knows it. It’s hard to miss on your way to the gym. This room is the host to many activities.

One of the men in the audience turned around in his chair and looked at a woman surrounded by children, fidgeting in their chairs with cupfuls of chips.

“Look, he’s looking at his wife to see if he can bid,” auctioneer and Art Guild advisor Gerry Perrino said as he looked into the crowd of bidders.

Being so far from home in a new environment is one of the scariest things in life. You feel uncomfortable, like you don’t belong. You have no family or friends to turn to for advice and you feel alone. You know some people on campus but you’re not sure if you can quite trust them to be there for you yet.