Seeing the same squirrel every day and naming it.
SEEING THE SAME SQUIRREL EVERY DAY AND NAMING IT.
Follow for more shared reflections on our unique journey.
Remember those days? The endless lectures, the late-night study sessions fueled by questionable coffee, the pressure that felt like it could reshape mountains. Amidst that relentless pursuit of knowledge, our minds often clung to the smallest, most unexpected anchors. For many of us, it wasn't just the grand achievements or the intellectual breakthroughs that linger; it's the quiet, unscripted moments that truly define our university experience.
Think about your daily routines. The familiar paths you walked, the specific bench you'd always pass, the little quirks of campus life. For me, and I suspect for many of you, there was a particular local resident, a tiny creature with a bushy tail, that became an unwitting companion. Perhaps you saw it darting across the quad on your way to an 8 AM class, or patiently waiting by a specific oak tree during your lunch break. You probably gave it a name, didn't you? Mine was "Professor Nutsworth." A silly habit, perhaps, but that brief, consistent interaction offered a micro-moment of calm, a familiar face in an often overwhelming environment. It was a tiny, personal ritual amidst the academic storm.
These aren't the stories you tell at networking events, but they are the ones that quietly warm your heart. They are the texture of our lives during those formative years – the unexpected details that somehow became essential. Long after the degrees are framed and the careers established, these small, daily interactions become powerful vessels of nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times and the shared spirit of our exceptional institutions. They are the proof that even in the most demanding environments, it's often the simplest connections that leave the deepest imprint.
View More