Summer was great and all, but as the school year nears I am forced to remember all of those things at Wheaton that I miss when I am not there even if sometimes some of them can get a little annoying. From the dining hall and its food to the academic and athletic buildings there are things we all miss when we are not residing within the perimeter of the 60187 zip code and following are a list of just a few that I'm pretty sure will ring true with you too.
The Prarie Path is definitely something I missed this summer. Running and cycling is so much better when you pass families with little kids riding bikes and people walking their dogs. It also is great to be able to do these activities with others and finding those people to join you becomes so much easier upon your arrival back at Wheaton. There are few jaunts along the prairie path that end without you running into at least one person from one of your classes and its a great feeling to get to encourage each other! Its also an added bonus that the paths are so much better on your legs.
The peanut butter bars in SAGA are amazing! You cannot deny it. The peanut butter bars are the best dessert SAGA offers! Even though I must admit that it is nice to have homemade meals while you are home for the summer, you are craving a SAGA peanut butter bar even if you do not want to admit it.
Chapel Shoutouts are something that sometimes take a little while to get used to. Even though sometimes they are excessively shouted and can get a little annoying you have to admit you are actually starting to miss the, “That’s my roommate” shoutouts. They definitely at least liven up the day and help you understand the social dynamics of both the people that speak during and sit around you in chapel. Also, the shoutouts do get pretty creative which is also a plus from the entertainment aspect at least!
Two years down and I still cannot get used to the door situation at the buildings around campus. Going from building to building and try to open the door for the person behind you and mistakenly opening the wrong door, because the unlocked door is different depending on which building you are entering does get a little frustrating. But if you are like me remembering which side of the door is unlocked at each building is just too much. However, it always adds something to laugh about to your day, which is always a plus.
Reciting Chaplain Blackmon's benediction is something that you probably got really used to. You have to admit you miss reciting this uplifting statement with the rest of the Wheaton College community that could fit it into their schedule to make it to chapel that day. It’s just not the same to hear this benediction when you’re not sitting in your chapel seat.
So even though you still may be in shock that the first day of classes is sneaking up more quickly than you thought it would, hopefully these things will remind you of some of the great things we get to experience once we’re back at school. Though the studying and lack of sleep are things we would love to not experience as Wheaton students, some of the amazing things we do get to experience should make up for it! I hope you have an awesome year!
