Here’s a list of some of the things I’ll miss most (and a few I won’t) as I -temporarily- peace out
My Favorite Fellow Riverhawks
No college experience is complete without a squad of besties to help you through the highs and lows of another semester, and boy, am I going to miss my support group. I’m going to miss our weekend wine nights, struggling to assemble decent meals out of a variety of questionable caf options, and the hours spent moaning and groaning over homework as we continue to procrastinate in the library’s study rooms. I promise I’ll be there in spirit this semester, or over video chat, because who are we kidding?
Charlie’s Apple Pie Chai
Autumn is my favorite season and this beverage perfectly captures this time of year in flavor. I didn’t realize I needed an upgraded apple cider until I became hooked on these. I recommend pairing this hot drink with a crisp October night, sitting in the lawn chairs outside Lower Deg, and stargazing (or stressing out) with friends.
My APO Family
Last semester, I became a brother of the Xi Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national co-ed service fraternity. My big and twin really do feel like family to me, and I’m sad I won’t be there to participate in events, service projects, and late-night banner painting. Shout out to the Penguin Family for being so welcoming, funny, and all-around awesome. By the way, this is me trying to NOT be sappy. And to my twin – if you’re reading this – try not to let our big lose his phone/keys/wallet every 20 minutes.
Classes, Can You Believe It?
Sophomore year, I fell into a great academic rhythm. I began putting more and more effort into my classes, finding ways to combine socializing and studying, and slowly improving on my procrastination habits. With a few semesters under my belt, I know generally what to expect from the professors and courses within my major’s academic departments. I have an on-campus internship, an off-campus work-study job, and I work for a professor as their research assistant.
Now, that rhythm is being completely disrupted as I head off to a new country, to study at a new university with an entirely different educational structure. Y’all, they call classes modules in Scotland. There are once-a-week lectures, but I also have to sign up for separate seminars, and possibly reading groups as well? I’m hella confused and I haven’t even left the US yet. It’s gonna be wild. So yeah, I’m definitely going to miss the familiarity of SU and the confidence that comes with it.
SU’s Campus
You know those few weeks during the fall when the weather is gorgeous, the leaves are turning, and there isn’t a constant 4-inch blanket of snow on the ground? Susky is a beautiful background for melodramatic mid-semester breakdowns and selfies at sunset. I’m sure Scotland will be pretty too, but it just won’t be the same.
I’m also going to miss being able to roll out of bed 10 minutes before class, and still get there with minutes to spare. When I imagine what it will be like walking to class in Scotland, I envision snowshoes, a frozen lake, skis or maybe a dogsled team? All of which I’m sure would require leaving earlier than 10 minutes prior.
In all seriousness, I’m super excited to embark on this adventure of a lifetime. Leaving Susquehanna and all that I love about it is bittersweet, but I will return for the Spring Semester with stories, souvenirs, and a huge smile.