After 5 years of working here at my university, I know that each academic quarter has a unique character to it. I enjoy the diversity of experience, but I think I like spring the best. The weather is nice, students are in good moods, and everyone seems to have found their rhythm.
I am sitting here enjoying the beautiful weather and watching students play on the Oval, a big grassy area in the central part of campus. In my line of sight, I can see a group of 4 students practicing their juggling skills, possibly in preparation for the annual medieval and renaissance festival in a few weeks. I count at least 4 groups throwing frisbees, 4 more groups with footballs, 2 or 3 with baseballs. There are also sunbathing students, though it really is a bit chilly still for that activity. I see many cyclists, walkers, and runners as well.
Amazingly, some students are even studying. ;-) One young woman near me is spread out on a blanket, listening to an iPod, and it looks like she is drawing. Just a few moments ago, a student approached me to ask if she could take photographs of my hands for a social documentary photography class. Of course, I said yes, and she took 4 shots of my hands (2 each of palms facing up and down).
Earlier today, the Oval preacher was out and about after spending his winter elsewhere. He evangelizes in a loud voice to the students walking past. His style tends to be verbally aggressive, and it is interesting to see his wife sitting demurely on the side as he does his thing. Most of the time, when I see students interact with him, it is to mock him or confront him. I do neither, but neither do I stick around to listen to his message. I don't get him and I do not ascribe to his version of the Christian message.
With the good weather, we have a higher than average percentage of students who fail to show up for advising appointments. I keep jokingly advocating to start a new program called Oval Advising, where we go to the students and set up shop out here on the Oval. With the good wireless coverage here at the university, it is possible. I'm not sure that the students would actually be more likely to come talk to us, but us advisors want to be outside too. :-)
1 comment:
Thanks for the vivid picture via words. It reminds so much of my own college days. :-)
It's a gorgeous day here as well. Even though the doctor told me to lay off exercising until at least Wednesday, it just wasn't enough to stop me from going out and getting in a brief half mile walk at lunch just to enjoy the day.
WTG on your race yesterday!
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