I'm inspired by Ry-Bear to recount some of my college years. I can't say there were many crazy capers or exciting shananigans, and many great moments are shadowed by unfortunate alliances, but there are still some really fun moments there. Some of the things I remember about my years at Biola are colored by it just being the 90's, and about the changes I've seen in the school and the area since then.
Among many things, I simply just loved that I went to college during the grunge years. Wake up, put on flannel and ripped jeans, go to class. Or huge sweatshirt. Or huge t-shirt. With the sleeves rolled up. =) I loved the turn music was taking, and how raw but interesting some of the grunge stuff was. "Coffee houses" were new, and I remember going a few times to listen to some acoustic stuff in the night air with a mocha. I felt so cool.
My favorite moments, however often took place away from Biola. I was in Chorale, which was my little family. Two of my four Biola years began with a retreat up in Yosemite for a weekend. Gorgeous, gorgeous Yosemite with all your friends--priceless! Then there were the tours! Seattle, San Fransisco and Napa, The Eastern Seaboard. One day we drove from Providence, Rhode Island all the way down to Deleware, and it was like watching Spring arrive in a time-lapse video. Chorale always did "Celebrate the Son," which was this amazing, quiet church service of "Lessons and Carols." Worshippers entered quietly to the readings of the Old Testament prophecies, and the concert began with a single soprano quietly singing "Once in Royal David's City" a capella, while the Chorale joined in with more strength verse by verse. It was the most in awe I've ever been of the incarnation of Christ.
I think I will only say a few short words about one of the most important times of my college years: my semester in Washington, D.C. I made two dear friends there who have continued to be important in my life (well, one was already a friend, but you know...) I lived a mile away from the Capitol Building during a time when you could just walk in at will. I worked in view of that building and watched the Christmas tree being put up on the lawn in front. I learned two of the most important lessons of my life there: 1.) You must be free in any relationship to walk away from it, or it is not a real relationship, and 2.) When your circumstances are unfavorable, you have the most control over your own reaction to it.
Okay, this is probably way more interesting to me than it would be to anyone else, so I'll give it a rest!
Oh, and the sweater was FIVE squares! I swear, I did complete my math requirements in college.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
It's not interesting only to you.
I understand and feel much of what you say, not only because I lived through Biola in the 90's too, the same awesome Chorale tours, etc. But also because you're a dear friend, and I can enjoy a big smile as some of those memories come back.
Hmmm...maybe I'll do a nostalgia post of my own soon. OOO! I have pictures! heh heh...
I want to see pictures of "Grunge Jen".
I remember that semester in DC very well! What a blessing it was to find you and K! I miss being able to see you on a daily basis!
Do you remember that trip to Santa Barbara we took when I cam to visit the first time. That was a fabulous day! I think back on it every once in a while. It makes me wish for the ocean again. (sigh)
Post a Comment