Second semester allows for more exploration

A freshman once more

by Vivek Bharadwaj, Editor in Chief

On an unseasonably warm Thursday this month, sprawled on a couch in the journalism room, I watched students stroll back and forth through the heart of campus, hurrying to class. Splotches of sun spilled in through the windows, and I nearly dozed off. For the first time in three years, I felt relaxed, carefree and calm.

I felt like a freshman again.

On a superficial level: I am no longer an active member of any club, save for journalism. I’m taking physics. Dr. Douglas (who taught sections of English 1 until last year) is once again my teacher. The comparison was airtight.

I know I have less than three months to explore everything that should’ve been done in a span of three years.

When I mentioned these revelations to a real freshman, he had a different diagnosis: senioritis. Relaxed? Calm? Yeah, right. Between finishing The Odyssey and memorizing the exploits of ancient civilizations in World History, he said, he had plenty to worry about.

But after a long, painful semester under the shadow of the college application process, I’ve finally had a chance to slow down and explore. I’ve started taking yoga classes, playing ping pong in the gym, and taking long walks around campus. Two weeks ago, I spent an hour with a group of friends trying (and failing) to learn an obscure variant of Bridge.

I tried not to wax philosophical as I stared out the window, but the feeling was bittersweet. I know I have less than three months to explore everything that should’ve been done in a span of three years.

Maybe I should’ve taken that free period – or played quiz bowl –  or joined the linguistics club – or heeded Kerry and Mr. Irvine shouting in the Edge to participate in spirit events.

I finally have the time to start these activities, but not nearly enough to fully enjoy them.

To the real freshmen – the Class of 2020 – take chances and do what excites you. Enjoy the ability to explore without making commitments – you might not experience it again for another three years.

 

This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on Mar. 2, 2016.


 

Vivek Bharadwaj (12) is the Co-Editor-In-Chief for the Winged Post. His favorite subject in school is computer science, and he enjoys swimming and watching Seinfeld in his spare time. He loves the color orange.
Vivek Bharadwaj (12) is the Co-Editor-In-Chief for the Winged Post. His favorite subject in school is computer science, and he enjoys swimming and watching Seinfeld in his spare time. He loves the color orange.