Today is the first day back for students at the college where I work. Well, first day back for some - first day period for others. It is such a wonderful time of year. I really enjoy the energy, the confusion, and the sense of "beginning" that it brings.
The energy is in the volume of people in the hallways, and in the excitement they bring. The questions they ask and the acceptance of the answers. They are truly excited to be hear. Compared to a summer of traveling, or working, or that final summer of being lazy, this is a place of safety where they feel sheltered from the "work" world. I once called it the "real" world, but realized at some point in the past that for many this world runs parallel to another for which they spend their lives - it may be working, or parenting, or volunteering - but this existence is only a part of who they are. No matter - there is a sense of what could be, or what will be, that is new and not certain and this uncertainty contributes to the energy.
The confusion is partially fueled by the energy as adrenalin is seldom a "good" hormone. Maybe to lift that car off your special someone - but for most we face the same fate as Bruce Banner. Where is my first class? What does this room number mean? How to I read my timetable? Where do I go when I have all this open space in my day? What is the library loan policy? When does the campus lounge open? Where should I eat? What if I do not meet anyone who likes me? The questions are unlimited. Luckily the sense of beginning trumps both the energy and the confusion.
The sense of beginning is really the part I like. For the new student it is a completely new experience and such a different one from what they have ever experienced. Few things are as exciting as leaving high school behind and experiencing the freedom and personal accountability that comes with college. Many will make wrong decisions and will face tough consequences that are lessons in disguise. A good number will also make wrong decisions but remain on a path (although this will change both often and frequently - I object to Pirates as sons-in-law) that leads them to graduation (at least 3, often 4 or 5 years down the road). And a small minority will make the right decisions and live to tell about it.
For others this is year 2 (or 3, etc.) and for them also it is a new beginning. A chance to change or continue. A chance to make resolutions for a different year, an improved year, a better year. Pity the fool who peaked last year and is trying to "remain" or "maintain" or "hold on for dear life" to the successes they experienced. It is probably best that we never quite know when we have peaked in real-time. Only upon reflection later can we identify, "that really was the best of time". I hope that most never need to look back - may each year be an improvement, a constant process that continues for their entire life. That would be my wish for all - and that would work well with each year being a new beginning.
The energy is in the volume of people in the hallways, and in the excitement they bring. The questions they ask and the acceptance of the answers. They are truly excited to be hear. Compared to a summer of traveling, or working, or that final summer of being lazy, this is a place of safety where they feel sheltered from the "work" world. I once called it the "real" world, but realized at some point in the past that for many this world runs parallel to another for which they spend their lives - it may be working, or parenting, or volunteering - but this existence is only a part of who they are. No matter - there is a sense of what could be, or what will be, that is new and not certain and this uncertainty contributes to the energy.
The confusion is partially fueled by the energy as adrenalin is seldom a "good" hormone. Maybe to lift that car off your special someone - but for most we face the same fate as Bruce Banner. Where is my first class? What does this room number mean? How to I read my timetable? Where do I go when I have all this open space in my day? What is the library loan policy? When does the campus lounge open? Where should I eat? What if I do not meet anyone who likes me? The questions are unlimited. Luckily the sense of beginning trumps both the energy and the confusion.
The sense of beginning is really the part I like. For the new student it is a completely new experience and such a different one from what they have ever experienced. Few things are as exciting as leaving high school behind and experiencing the freedom and personal accountability that comes with college. Many will make wrong decisions and will face tough consequences that are lessons in disguise. A good number will also make wrong decisions but remain on a path (although this will change both often and frequently - I object to Pirates as sons-in-law) that leads them to graduation (at least 3, often 4 or 5 years down the road). And a small minority will make the right decisions and live to tell about it.
For others this is year 2 (or 3, etc.) and for them also it is a new beginning. A chance to change or continue. A chance to make resolutions for a different year, an improved year, a better year. Pity the fool who peaked last year and is trying to "remain" or "maintain" or "hold on for dear life" to the successes they experienced. It is probably best that we never quite know when we have peaked in real-time. Only upon reflection later can we identify, "that really was the best of time". I hope that most never need to look back - may each year be an improvement, a constant process that continues for their entire life. That would be my wish for all - and that would work well with each year being a new beginning.
1 comment:
I still rember vividly that time of year and think that's when Fall became my favorite season. Thanks for bringing me back.
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