Although its time of year lands on too many days within the zodiac sign of Aries, the one thing consistent about is Easter is that we celebrate it to commemorate Jesus's resurrection. However, having Easter at college is a lot more different than back home, because you're putting together a second family on campus, and some of them leave at this time to go spend time with their families. And being a transfer student trying to construct a second family among peers who have been friends a full year before I came along is even harder, but that's another story for another day. Even though I've outgrown Easter eggs and all of that stuff that was fun as a kid, Easter is still just as important a holiday as Christmas is.
Every year when my family celebrated Easter, I remember always anticipating the Easter egg hunt so much more than the Sunday service. Seriously, who wouldn't wanna get the most eggs instead of just wait an hour through worship that never really changes at all? In fact, the eggs are always better than just candy.
Above all, I want to thank the Easter Bunny for making me appreciate this holiday so much, although I know you're never going to be on the same level as Jesus for obvious reasons. With all of the drama and dysfunction going on in the world and around me, I still love how you represent pure generosity and empathy that's been sorely lacking for generations. If I see you next year, I'll make sure to give you a carrot!
Celebrating Easter at college? It's a total 180. Specifically speaking, I'm on my grind more than most of my fellow Gulls, because I want that internship and degree more than I want time with my family. That sounds a little crazy, but all the hard work pays off regardless. Yeah, I'm still religious, but only by a smidgen, because I know I can't always let God do all the dirty work in my life.
Not to mention, the college campus, while as beautiful as it always is, isn't any different than a ghost town at this time of year. So yeah, that lonely feeling is quick to creep into me, because Spring Break's already over and done with, but I'm always grateful for the people I've connected with, regardless of their interests or how comfortable they are with me. Although the best thing about Easter at college is that the dining hall keeps their menu like any other day!
While I've never had to give anything up for Lent (I was raised Methodist), Easter remains the only other holiday to look forward to that actually means something. Mixing it with the college experience is a bit of a letdown, but IDGAF. Even as I grow old and celebrate Easter with my future children and grandchildren, the warm and fuzzy feelings I get every year will always be the same.