I think we all wanted to be Rory Gilmore at some point in our lives. But alas, try as I might, I will never be that Yale-educated, fast-talking coffee addict from a small town in Connecticut created by a television writer. However, I have experienced the same heartache that she has, almost to a tee. The heartache, the betrayal, the love — Rory and I are one in the same; the only difference is that my love story takes place at UMass Amherst.
Worcester DC “The perfect first boyfriend”
My first love, I will never forget you. Worcester, like Dean, was my first time (experiencing UMass Dining). You never forget your first time. Worcester was good to me; the perfect first dining experience. Meeting at NSO, I was so excited to be there. But then, as it happens over time, I found myself growing, craving new experiences and ultimately outgrowing my first love. Time and time again, I might come back to revisit, but it’s not the same. Seriously, it’s not the same. I’m pretty sure UMass tore it down last month.
Hampshire DC “It is what it is, you, me”
Jess Mariano: the definition of right person, wrong time. Waking up at 11 a.m., realizing you missed breakfast. Doing homework until 10 p.m., realizing you haven’t eaten dinner yet, but Hamp’s closed so you have to go to Berk Late Night. Berk’s not that healthy for you, but it’s too late for you and Hamp. Hamp, you will always have a place in my heart, but I’m not good enough for you. When I was ready for you, you weren’t for me. Maybe in another life, another semester, maybe when I become the kind of person that’s better at timing. But for now, my love, “I think…I think I may have loved you, but I have to let that go. So that’s it, I guess.”
Berkshire DC “You jump, I jump, Jack”
We had some good memories, didn’t we? I think fondly of our Late Nights and adventures, but you aren’t healthy for me. With all of your junk food and soda machines, I thought that this was what I wanted. But alas, after the initial semester of excitement, I realized that I wanted something different than what you could give me. So goodbye for now, Berk, because I know we’ll meet again in the future. And there’s no doubt that we’ll be just as toxic.
Franklin DC “Paul? My Paul?”
Oh, I forgot about Frank. Like Paul, Rory’s unremarkable boyfriend in the show’s revival, Frank is often forgotten by me. That is, until I’m in the area and it’s literally right in front of me. Oh right! Frank! Might as well grab some Grab N Go while I’m here, I guess?
I really miss UMass Dining.