"It's time to stop studying solely to take exams, and start doing it to acquire knowledge. This is college, this is the time to do it, this is the time to learn who you really are."

And, just like that, my Constitutional Law professor, Adriano Pillatti, started his first class.

You have probably noticed I haven't been around during the past two weeks. Truth is, academia has been literally swallowing all my free time.

I may say at least half of it is spent reading and trying to understand the relation between power and liberty, what the Constitution is all about, what is good and bad about it, and, one of those ever-asked questions: what the heck the State is for, anyway?

All these questions lead back to Constitutional Law and my dear professor Pillatti.

I happen to have a serious problem with this man. The reason is pretty simple: he scares me, in a good and a bad way.

Basically, he's a sadist: I've seen it in his eyes when he first walked into the classroom and smirked in a way that clearly said he doesn't like students very much (and loathes those who don't really study or take an interest). Apparently his exams are extremely difficult, and he's very strict when correcting them. Plus, he sends us at least three rather big texts on every class he lectures, and always expects us to read them. Oh, and he's also the Head of the Department of Law. No big deal.

I'm pretty sure most of you know this piece of information about me, but I'll say it anyway: I am someone that really, really doesn't like to expect nothing less than, let's say, a nine, and always makes an exam aiming for a ten.

I really don't think I'll survive this man.

But, now comes the good part: he's fucking brilliant. His classes are fucking fantastic. Their immediate effect on me is the same sensation you get when someone takes your head and bangs it against a wall. It changes not only the way I view Brazilian society but every single bloody way the world works (and it's just been fours classes, do keep that in mind).

However, not only Pillatti is to be held responsible for this gigantic battle of principles in my head: my Criminal Law professor is a genius, and manages to show us a whole new perspective regarding the world of crime and all the processes related to it. He has a lifetime of experience on his side, an amazing rhetoric, and, God, he's passioned for he does.

My International Law teacher got into the classroom and, after introducing himself, said something like: "I am not a politically correct person. Those are the nazis. I sometimes call black people simply black, and fuck this whole "African-Brazilian" (portuguese: "afro-descendente") bullshit. I also like to say what I mean, and I abuse sarcasm. After all, we all know the United States president is a anti-war pacifist."

His classes are so brilliant. And, naturally, he loves to bash Bush as much as possible: the guy basically broke every rule of International Law. Needless to say I fell in love.

These other two professors are not only fantastic, though. They, like Pillatti, are strict, and I leave their classes with my head spinning, absolutely overwhelmed with the amount of information.

My other subjects are: Ancient History (practically vacations in the middle of it all, and an amazing subject -- we're seeing Greece this semester), Latin (I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS LANGUAGE), Christianity (seems like it'll be boring), Civil (also very, very interesting) and Introduction to Law II (crazy teacher, but really philosophical).

What is all comes down to is this:

a.1) Finally, I will have to study my ass off to get good grades (I believe I will feel much better about myself, if I do get them, than I did before, which will be good).

a.2) Good grades, of course, are not my only aim, and they never were (unless you're talking Biology here), but, more than ever, I will try to seize all opportunities to gain knowledge and experience during my time in University.

b) I may actually end up with almost no time at all for the internet, so please do forgive me, people.

c) I am may also be constantly stressed, but I'll do my best for you guys not to notice (or, at least, not take it out on you).

And, last but not least,

d) I am so totally in love with Law school.

Best. Decision. I. Ever. Made.





...I wonder if that will still be my opinion after I see my grades. But let's just... not think about it.