I find myself back in Athens – the land where it’s completely acceptable to bark at someone. It feels a little strange being back here having been back home for about 7 weeks. As strange as it seems though it’s also nice to be back and to see a few familiar faces. About a year ago I was attending my own orientation, learning the lay of the land, meeting new people, sweating from the heat, and having those first experiences that happen here during orientation. These experiences include the late night walk to the fountain where everyone jumps in together, the ringing of the bell, and going out for insomnia cookies. There’s so much excitement with the possibilities of the future, but also a little anxiety.
Here I am a year later, volunteering at orientation. I’m currently hanging out in my single room for the night, waiting to go to dinner with one of my friends who is also working orientation with me. The sound of Netflix fills the empty room. It’s crazy how a year ago at orientation the emptiness was unsettling to me. It didn’t feel like a place to stay for the night; it didn’t feel livable. I’m not sure why I don’t feel that way now. Perhaps it’s because I know what I’m doing later and who I’m doing it with. It could be because I put my clothes up for the night, and I’m laying on the made bed like I would be doing at home. Maybe it is even how the building is practically empty, and the hallway my room is on is rather lengthy. It reminds me of the scene from The Shining, and I took the opportunity to run down it as quickly as I could.
One thing is for sure though; I’m no longer a freshman here. That feeling is long gone. That time of my life is over. I know where I’m living next year, where I’m working, and where things are located. I’ve made some friends and even then it’s always nice to meet new people and try new things. How many new things I’ll get to be trying next year, I have no idea. My options will probably be limited since I have a full plate this upcoming year. Tonight I don’t have to worry about that though. I don’t have to worry about classes, grades, work, programs, or bulletin boards – even the unknown. Well at least I’ll do my best not to worry about any of those things.
Tonight all I really need to worry about is my car getting booted before we go to dinner because I’m too lazy to move it and use up one of my parking slips. More importantly I need to worry about how I have to be up early in the morning, and I’m probably going to look like a zombie while I try to convince the newbies to join my organization. Other than that I’m going to enjoy Netflix and the view I have of Myers quad from my window. It’s good to be back, if only for a few days. Athens, I love you.
Here I am a year later, volunteering at orientation. I’m currently hanging out in my single room for the night, waiting to go to dinner with one of my friends who is also working orientation with me. The sound of Netflix fills the empty room. It’s crazy how a year ago at orientation the emptiness was unsettling to me. It didn’t feel like a place to stay for the night; it didn’t feel livable. I’m not sure why I don’t feel that way now. Perhaps it’s because I know what I’m doing later and who I’m doing it with. It could be because I put my clothes up for the night, and I’m laying on the made bed like I would be doing at home. Maybe it is even how the building is practically empty, and the hallway my room is on is rather lengthy. It reminds me of the scene from The Shining, and I took the opportunity to run down it as quickly as I could.
One thing is for sure though; I’m no longer a freshman here. That feeling is long gone. That time of my life is over. I know where I’m living next year, where I’m working, and where things are located. I’ve made some friends and even then it’s always nice to meet new people and try new things. How many new things I’ll get to be trying next year, I have no idea. My options will probably be limited since I have a full plate this upcoming year. Tonight I don’t have to worry about that though. I don’t have to worry about classes, grades, work, programs, or bulletin boards – even the unknown. Well at least I’ll do my best not to worry about any of those things.
Tonight all I really need to worry about is my car getting booted before we go to dinner because I’m too lazy to move it and use up one of my parking slips. More importantly I need to worry about how I have to be up early in the morning, and I’m probably going to look like a zombie while I try to convince the newbies to join my organization. Other than that I’m going to enjoy Netflix and the view I have of Myers quad from my window. It’s good to be back, if only for a few days. Athens, I love you.