Fresh Meat

So it's the back to school time of the year and I am getting settled in and back to my routine of Penn State life. It always amazes me how strong my affinity for this campus is- I never truly realize it until I've been gone for a long amount of time and then I come back.

There's a lot of adjustments for me this semester, however -- I've made a complete circle and after living in an apartment for two years, I am now living in a freshman dorm as a senior. Yes, I know. It seems completely bizarre. Trust me, if I had a penny for how many puzzled looks I get when I tell people where I am living and that no, I'm not an RA, I'd be millionaire.

But the way it works on Penn State's campus is that there are no sorority houses, so some sororities have suites located in the dorms (which consist of a small living area, kitchen, and bathroom) and in order to keep these suites, they must have a certain percentage of their members residing in the dorm on the sorority floor. So, as president of my chapter this year, here I am, back in a dorm room. It's actually not so bad -- I love being around my sorority sisters and being back on campus -- really, it's just the whole community showers thing. Taking a shower in the dark shadows while wearing shower shoes and trying not to touch the walls isn't exactly my favorite way to get clean.

But being in a freshman dorm as a senior has its interesting moments that allow me to observe, reflect, and yes, laugh. Tonight I saw all of these nervous girls, putting on the most low-cut shirt that they own and giggling with their friends as they head out for their first night as a college student. And, of course, coming back a few hours later teetering on their 4-inch heels with their hair in lopsided buns and makeup running down their faces. Pure comedy.

But I can remember what it felt like to be them, to want to fit in and find yourself and live the famed crazy college life. It's crazy how fast time flies. Just yesterday I was a freshman and now, it's time to start applying for jobs and heading into the real world. Which reminds me, I should pause from blogging -- I have a few applications to finish filling out...