After a notable winter break of almost a month, I am reporting back from Amherst on my blog (hope you missed me). Although the comforts of home were pleasant and much needed, it feels good to be back, and enjoy some of the things I longed for while away. The following list of nine things I have missed follows no ranking system, although it’s safe to assume that I missed my friends more than food.
1. Val
Yes, I did miss my friends more, but it’s unexpected to miss a dinning hall, when all this month I just ate my mom’s food! I appreciate the diverse choices, and really missed the bagels and the donuts! Maybe missing Val translates better into missing “American Food”, as unfortunately bagels are not something I can just buy in my local supermarket. Also, Val just added a Burger Bar this week! (yum, vegetarian options included)
2. My friends
Being greeted by one of my best friends after a long flight feels really awesome, especially since she thoughtfully saved me some dinner. At home I only saw a handful of my friends, also because the bulk of my life is now here, at Amherst. Giving and receiving gifts and cards is particularly pleasant, and catching up over meals put me in better shape for the first week of classes
3. My residents
I got back earlier than most students because of Residential Life Student Staff training, but enough of my old (and new) residents were already back. Seeing familiar faces made me realize how much I know and care about my residents. And two new exchange students moved in on my floor, who are just starting their Amherst adventure. Also a big shout-out to my Area Director: she is an amazing woman, who inspires me to give my best in my RC job.
4. All this gorgeous beauty
Look at it! So much snow! At home, no snow stayed on the ground for more than seconds! Going to school in New England means winters get white… at some point. I mean, all December I was complaining about the lack of snow, and now a whole blizzard came upon us.
Beautiful winter view
5. Walking around campus at night
Seriously though, our campus is so beautiful! I enjoy walking around and admiring all the funny squirrels and the colorful sky. Sunsets here are my favorites, as multiple hues of pink, violet, blue, red and orange mix and fade while my Iphone battery is slowly dying when I’m taking a gazillion of pictures. Since the campus is fairly small, I get to my dorm quickly and safely at night, and the cold is no big problem for me, even in the winter.
6. Going to the gym
Since New Year was only a mere three weeks ago, many people are trying to keep up with their resolutions and still go to the gym. I, on the other hand, made no resolutions, and haven’t run since a month ago, therefore hitting the gym is a pure body joy. Blasting music in my headphones and feeling that adrenaline rush… yes, this is what I want this week, as soon as I get my classes sorted out.
7. Frost Library
This one is a bit of a bummer, as I am an avid lover of McGuire Science Library (otherwise known as Merrill Library, or just Merrill), and rarely go to Frost. However, the vast collection of over 1.5 million books got me excited: I can return books and borrow new ones? Deal! My picks so far have been some manga novels and a lot of books on film studies: maybe reading can both make me a smarter person and a better sleeper? We will see.
8. Those tea times
TEA TIMES WERE NOT A THING AT HOME! Sure, I had snacks, and ate pizza out with friends, but nothing compares to the joy of munching on cookies and ice-cream as a homework break. I’m not fond of that homework part, but tea-times are great for socializing on my floor, and, as you know already, I love to hang out with my residents! I also brought a lot of chocolate from home, so I’m sure attendance will be high.
9. Having my own room
I’ve shared my room with my sister for practically almost all my life. Since I’m studying abroad, I’ve been lucky to have singles quite often, and I find that having my personal space makes be more organized. That being said, I love snuggling her as we fall asleep, but having my own desk and bed and closet… is quite fulfilling. The best part is that now I can invite my friends in my room… and no one will complain about that!
Mammoth pride
I can’t believe the semester has already started, I feel like I need some more time to get my life together! However, as I walk around looking for my new classes, I think how reassuring it is to be back, among so many familiar things.