Running to Class

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14
Six weeks ago, we sat in rows wearing matching shirts and bright gold beanies awaiting the official start of college classes and life away from home, high school, and all things that were once familiar. Now the class of 2014 has dispersed throughout the campus joining clubs, playing sports, going to classes, meeting people, and just trying to figure out college life…

One of the reasons I came to Elmira College was because of the beautiful small campus, but judging how much time it takes to get to class from my dorm room is tricky. The first few weeks of class, I was the first one in the classroom, but, as time passed, I began to test how late I could leave and, but still arrive on time.

I do not suggest this.

My last midterm before break was late Friday morning, so I gave myself five minutes to cross campus and get to class. A groundkeeping cart, a group of professors, and two flights of stairs later, I slid into class with less than 30 seconds to spare.

From now on, I will be early to class like I used to be.

This is just one of the many daily situations I have learned to figure out. Now, laundry is no longer a fear inducing task put off until the last possible moment. The dining hall pattern makes relative sense now (but even the experienced student drops a tray once in a while). Ordering off the grill does not require the moral support of three friends. And my mail box can be opened without having the instructions written out on paper. This is because I am not alone. I have made friends; one who has only done laundry twice and some who have broken more than a few dishes in the dining hall, but, through it all, we laughed.

For anyone who isn’t in my classes, my dorm, or my clubs, or hasn’t seen met me around campus here is just a little bit about me. I knew since I was in third grade that I wanted to study art and become an artist. Listening to music and going to theatrical performances is a weakness of mine (which means, yes, I do actually enjoy Encore). I believe that board games and a musical on DVD make for a fun Saturday night. Lastly, I know that I should wrap this up for today to enjoy the rest of midterm break, even though for me that means working on the dreaded Freshman Writing 20 page paper.