Now that I’ve been back home in America for almost two weeks, I feel like I’m finally starting to settle back into a routine. My flight out of Heathrow on Saturday, May 11, was delayed due to thunderstorms in Washington, DC, but I was home and cuddling my dog in Bridgewater by 9pm that night. I was jet-lagged for almost a week, being unable to sleep past 8am and wanting to go to bed at 9pm. I spent a few days at home, then headed down to Hollins for the end of Senior Week and Commencement.
happily reunited with my dog after a long 3 months
It felt so amazing to be back at Hollins. The campus is especially beautiful this time of year, and the warm temperatures, green mountains, and leafy trees were a welcome contrast to London, where the long winter meant that leaves were just starting to come out when I left. Coming back to Hollins truly felt like I was coming home, and I felt like a weight lifted off of my shoulders as I drove around the Loop again. It was of course wonderful to see all of my friends again, and I was kept quite busy trying to see everyone! I was able to stay in my old apartment, and I had a great time with my roommates cleaning before graduation and just hanging out. I baked some yummy treats with my fellow political science major and baker. My two best friends and I went to our favorite places to eat in Roanoke for my friend’s birthday: Bubblecake (a cupcake shop) and Wonju Korean Restaurant.
the beauty that is Bubblecake
I was honored to marshal for Commencement, which meant that I helped ensure that the ceremony went smoothly by directing the seniors to their places. I also helped them get in the correct order before the procession. The day of Commencement was cold and rainy, and I think it was the only time anyone has been grateful to be wearing long polyester robes because they kept the rain off! However, the speaker, Johnnetta Cole, was very engaging and had some great things to say about our generation’s responsibility to address the pressing concerns of our society. While I am incredibly sad to see the seniors go and I will miss them dearly, I know that they are all going out to do fantastic things in the world. I just can’t believe that I am now a senior!
the seniors lined up on Back Quad in a drizzle
with one of my fellow abroaders after graduation
I’m home now for two weeks, then I’m moving back to Hollins for the summer because I have a job in the offices of academic services and academic affairs. I’m excited to be on campus this summer because it is a change; while I love being at home, I wanted to do something different this year. I will also get to ride over the summer, which is perfect because I need to be ready for IHSA season in September but I haven’t ridden in three months! Right now, I’m lounging at home, taking advantage of my vacation and reading lots of trashy novels and playing with my dog.
