If you’ve ever walked across campus on a particularly busy day, with a head full of assignments and deadlines to meet, only to spot a squirrel dramatically leaping between the trees on campus, or maybe even stealing someone’s food, you’ll most likely understand the unexpected joy these little creatures bring. As overwhelming as college can be, I’ve found that both me, and my camera roll, benefit greatly from the presence of wildlife on campus.Â
There’s something oddly comforting about seeing the same familiar squirrels scurrying around everyday. I’ve actually found some squirrels are quite territorial to certain spots on campus. For example — The Dwinelle Squirrel, as I like to call him. This squirrel can actually be found quite easily, as it will most likely be roaming around the outside benches by Dwinelle Hall, waiting for its next innocent victim whose food will be stolen with a tiny, but mighty force. The Dwinelle Squirrel also happens to be missing a back toe, which is how I’m able to identify it so easily. At times, I’ll see him darting around trees before a stressful midterm, and I usually like to acknowledge his presence as a good luck sign. (Funnily enough, every time I’ve seen the Dwinelle squirrel before a midterm, I end up getting quite a good score).
However, the positive emotions I feel whenever I see a squirrel on campus aren’t necessarily reserved to the Dwinelle Squirrel. I don’t know what it is about them — perhaps their tiny paws, fluffy tails, or their dramatic Old-West style duels between each other. Either way, their confidence is an amazing way to remind myself that no matter how stressful it can be to be a student at times, we all must embody the squirrel within us.
More than this, squirrels always give me a sense of familiarity. When everything feels like it’s spinning constantly– new classes, people, challenges– campus squirrels remain the same. They’ll continue to be there, doing their squirrel duties, and reminding students to not take life so seriously all the time.
So, next time you see a squirrel darting around on campus, take a moment to appreciate the more simple things in life. Who knew our unofficial campus mascots could be our best stress-busting allies?