There's something magical happening on
campus at the University of Wisconsin: students returning back to
school. You can feel the enthusiasm, hear sorority girls' voices down
Langdon, smell the grilled hot dogs from the fraternity guys and watch
the sunset over lake Mendota. In high school back to school had a
negative connotation, it meant summer was over, new classes were
starting and life just became no fun. But in Madison, getting back to
school is the best and the most energetic time of the year because of
the student's enthusiasm about returning to the best college town in
America and ultimately the best university.
We aren't really "back to school." we
are back in Madison, and that's the magic. At the University of
Wisconsin, back to school means enjoying the last bit of summer before
winter kicks in. Because of the city's beauty and current good
weather, the only things Badgers want are a cold beer from the
terrace, tailgates, outdoor runs and the chance to enjoy the start of
the new semester with friends. Back to school means students sunning
on Bascom Hill, going out in shorts, playing basketball outside
Sellery and swimming at the Hub.
Last week I texted my parents a
photo. It was of me at my friend's apartment. The actual building is
very nice, but what was most impressive what that at 7:35 p.m. on a
Sunday night, I'm in shorts and a tee-shirt and I'm watching the
sunset from the apartment's rooftop. Sure doesn't sound like school
to me and it sure didn't look like school to my parents because
honestly it wasn't; it was back to school.
Back to school means enjoying
everything you can before you can't because students want to make the
most of their time before it runs out (and by time I also mean
weather because fall is coming and that means winter is just around
the corner). To me, back to school feels hopeful. I can start
something and explore new opportunities while continuing where I left
off last semester academically and socially. It all goes back to this
feeling of being at school but not in school. I'm physically here.
I'm moved in, I have my classes, I bought my books and school is
starting; in essence, it is the calm before the academic story and
it's my time to define a new routine and maybe rid myself of some bad
past habits. I have the back to school freedom of exploring and
deciding what I want out of this new semester. Coming back to Madison
is another chance to do it again but with more knowledge, lots of
friends and so much to look forward to.
Welcome home Badgers, this year is
going to be one amazing and wild ride. ON WISCONSIN!
