The College Experience

The time finally came to go to the school bookstore and get all of my books for the semester. I put it off longer than originally planned, and I think it's because I just felt weird. It's been 10 years since I had a class on this campus, and I just *knew* that the second I went back I'd feel like the old lady... surrounded by 18 year olds. That was me once, fresh out of high school and fully aware that there were plenty of non-traditional students in my classes, but still a little taken aback when I saw one of them sitting in the same seats as myself. I don't want those reactions.

Lucky for me, most people think I'm a little younger than I actually am. I definitely don't pass for 18, but I'm frequently told I look 25 or 26. One person even guessed 23. I'm none of the above, but any of those are better than the reality of the terrible number I actually bear. I'll try to look extra young tomorrow, since it's the first day and all.

Anyway, back to the books. As I walked toward the building with the bookstore, I passed quite a few people who were also buying books. Most of them were older than me, which immediately put me at ease. I saw them for a reason; they were put there to make me shut up about the old lady thing. I was greeted at the bookstore door by a bunch of young work study students who just wanted me to "get my shit and get out", but I didn't mind. The girl took my schedule and quickly ran around pointing at the books I'd need. Glad she was there.

After all that, I wandered on my own. As I looked at all of the backpacks and supplies and SFCC clothing, it all came rushing back....
Suddenly I wanted a sweatshirt with the dorky college name sprawled across it, a pair of sweatpants (because who doesn't show up to class in those some days?), a lanyard for my keys, and a new backpack. I didn't get most of those (only the backpack because I really, really needed one) but it made me realize that I was fully immersing myself in the experience. This was the stuff I completely ignored the last time I was here because I was too angry at the school to enjoy it.
I checked out and freaked out a little on the inside when my THREE BOOKS rang up to $400!!! Ugh, well, just put it on the tab. I'll get around to paying that in a few years...

While I was on campus, I thought a little tour and class-finding was appropriate. I've only got 2 classes on campus, and they happen to be in buildings right next to each other. This would be easy. As I walked down the hallways, I was passed by MORE people older than me who were also familiarizing themselves with their schedule. As I realized that I start my day with math (ew, bleh), I was still comforted by the idea that I'd be back home by 1, ready to sit down and take care of my online class. At least I'm not spending my entire day at the school like I used to. Not this semester, at least.

After all that, I thought long and hard about my next move. The school gym is open to students, but only during hours when they don't have weightlifting classes. I haven't had a gym membership in a couple years, and I'm pretty antsy to get back in a workout routine. I knew that somewhere in that big building, there was a piece of paper telling me when I could go to the gym... but I was kinda scared to go in and find it. I thought, "Oh, I'll just worry about it later..." but the truth is, I would've put it off until it didn't apply anymore. And dangit, if I'm gonna do this... by golly I'm gonna do it RIGHT. So I put on my big girl panties and started wandering around the Multipurpose Center. I quickly found an office with a nice lady sitting at a desk... I started blabbering about times and the gym, and she just smiled and said they had JUST gotten the schedule in. There were a stack of papers in front of me... I grabbed one and went about my way.

I am GOING to take full advantage of this experience. It's silly, but I feel young again. I'm going to go to classes, come home and do homework, go back to campus to work out... go to the bookstore and grab some stuff every now and then. Hit up a few vending machines, or even go to the library to study Heck, maybe I'll join a sorority....
...ok, those don't exist at this school, and I'm too old. But you get the idea.

I'm just kinda making up for the last time I went, I guess. And, the reality is that MWF, I'll go to work and be the usual adult that I always am. But for a few hours a week, I can escape into the college student role... it's kinda fun. :)