Last first day of school, Spring 2013

I'll always remember that on the last first day of college- it snowed. It didn't stick around long, but on January 15, 2013 I put on my warm snow boots that I never get to wear and my white marshmallow jacket and with the furry hood over my head....that in my head I looked like a wintry skiing super model.... and in reality I look like the Michelin man..... and I walked across campus to find my first class. All of the sudden as I got off the bus on campus for the last first time, my senses are heightened and I'm absorbing more than usual. I started to think how familiar everything on campus had become... the sights, the smells, the sounds. Whether things were cool or weird to me freshman year, it has all settled into a routine of sorts. As I walked into the Union, I immediately smelled the Einstein Brothers coffee that already had a line out the door. Such a familiar smell, I had walked through the Union at least 2 times a week for the last 4 years.... but today I took a moment to take it in and then became sad that in 6 months, I would never walk through the UNT Union ever again. Walking past people with obscure piercings and blue hair and inappropriate clothing choices....I think about how I'll probably never interact with a more misfit crew than what you can find on UNT's campus. I won't miss having to add 30 minutes to every task in order to factor in the bus or walking factor. I won't miss the printing factor in any way shape or form. I won't miss waiting in line at the financial aid office for an hour. I won't miss getting up at 6:30 on class registration day, stressing and praying that I get in the classes I want. I won't miss the project/homework/study time that consumed my every waking thought. But I'll miss the beautiful rec center where I worked out my frustration with a cast of characters that I don't even know their names but I've been working out beside them for 4 years. I'll miss the art building- even though it isn't pretty..... I basically lived there and grew up there. I'll miss seeing the BSM building, because that's where I met my dearest friends and the love of my life and I'm eternally grateful for that. I'll miss my familiar 3 mile running path around campus that has helped me with my first 5k, 2 break-ups, 2 portfolio reviews, a triathlon, lose 10 lbs, and a half-marathon. Besides learning about a field that I'm completely in love with, UNT also taught me about myself. It has raised me to become the woman I am going to be for the rest of my life.