Sep 30 2007
Autumn
For now, it feels like I’m still at camp. After five years abroad, we’ve moved back to the US, have ravaged craigslist for all it is worth, and are slowly putting a “home” back together. Perhaps, in a few months time, I’ll be more settled in, and I’ll start to miss England in ernest. For now, everything is still new, and just a bit overwhelming at times. But the move was the right one at the right time, and as fast a move as it was, it does feel good.
Part of what has made this move so excellent for me are the people I’ve met at Olin. I don’t know what kinds of stories people have heard or told about the school, but I find that many of the things I loved about Kenyon I have found here. The students are engaged and going somewhere—and sometimes they’re doubling back to try another path, but that’s just fine. Likewise, the faculty are shaping the school with and through their students, helping to make it an exciting and energizing place to be. The staff, like any great institution, provide a foundation for both the students and the faculty that has been nothing but excellent in my experience so far.
The Academic and Campus Center, from the Olin Center
Wednesdays are the longest day in my schedule: independent study meetings, class, faculty meetings, and touching base with the SCOPE team all fell on that day. Carrie and I decided it would be easier/faster if she picked me up instead of my walking home, so I had a few minutes to enjoy the warm, autumn air before she arrived. On my way out the door, I decided to grab my camera, and shoot a few pictures of the campus.
The Olin Center, from the quad
Despite the busy schedule, it was a good day. I think that says something about a place, that you can be busy and engaged all day long, and come out… if not refreshed, at least feeling good about the day. And coming out to a warm, autumn night, where the air is full of the intoxicating smells of the changing of seasons, it really was marvelous. The pictures don’t capture this at all, nor do these words—it was just so relaxing, to just stand there and enjoy the moment.
See, now I’m just super jealous. Did you see that Olin got a profile in the NYT Magazine this week?
I’m crossing my fingers for Teena’s job hunt.
Re: feeling like you’re still at summer camp — the exact sentiment I recall from my freshman year of college, actually. I think it took most of that year to sink in.
Also, I’m jealous of your changing seasons! Though it *has* been hoodie weather here of late … 60’s & sunny, instead of 70’s & sunny.