While walking home yesterday, I passed Fondren and saw people reclining in chairs and against walls. In front of Dallas Hall, Frisbees were flying and dogs running. After a few chilly days, Dallas weather had returned; the sun was out and it was a perfect day for sunbathing. I’d just finished my second test in as many days and felt that warm, “Thank God that’s over” glow. That’s when it hit me: life is good.
We go to a remarkable university. For four years, we have the chance to study things we love, make new friends and rediscover old ones, try things we never had the chance to before, and every once in a while make a bad decision.
A former president just visited campus. Regular readers of my column know I’ve never been a huge fan of George W., but it’s a testament both to the national standing of our university and the generosity of its distinguished visitor that he stopped by to answer some questions.
Opportunities face us that our parents and their parents couldn’t have dreamed of. We have iPods and laptops and Wikipedia.
We’ve got some older diversions, too. I love going to Fondren, skimming musty books I’ll probably never read, and reminding myself that this is what people did before YouTube. When I pick up an old favorite like “The Once and Future King” and lose myself in T. H. White’s fantasy world, I think that long ago, pre-internet time must not have been so bad, either.
Most of us are blessed to not have to worry day-to-day what we’re going to eat or where we’re going to stay. For all my moaning, Umphrey Lee’s got some pretty good food. Through wonderful organizations, on campus and off, we have the opportunity to help those who aren’t so fortunate, too.
We live in a country where we can live free of fear from arbitrary arrest for our beliefs. America is a land of opportunity in which we strive toward that ideal of equality for all peoples and get closer every day.
Of course, we all have problems. We have mammoth tests we didn’t study enough for, relationship troubles, the occasional hangover. Substance abuse remains a serious issue on campus. Loved ones enter our lives and sometimes exit them much too soon. As the economy plummets, we worry for our friends and family. Life can be very hard.
But for the ten minutes it takes to walk home, just take a second to breathe in the coming springtime. Bask in the warmth of the sun and the support of those around you. The world may not be a perfect place, but it’s full of blessings. Don’t forget to appreciate all that life gives you.
Nathaniel French is a sophomore theater studies and math double major. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].
