They started arriving a week or two weeks back. I'm sure you're all familiar with how they read: "Hi everybody! I just finished finals and am heading home for the summer. See you soon." Of course they won't be seeing me for a while, since we aren't out of school for another three weeks.
A number of my friends finished their school year in early May and were kind enough to inform me of that fact as their worry-free minds headed for home. I initially longed for that same scholastic burden to be lifted from my shoulders, but since thinking it over, I have come to the conclusion that there's not much to look forward to at the end of school. Though I have spoken with some at Dartmouth who are anxious to get home, I am not included in their numbers. I am glad that I will be arriving home later than my friends for a number of reasons.
In the fall, I had an unceremonious departure. By that time, all of my friends had left, and I had been alone in town for three weeks or so. My town is boring enough with my friends around. Without my friends, it becomes a destination for those seeking zero excitement. No one was yet adjusted to college, so I couldn't very well visit anyone, and they were all busy with their new surroundings, so I really didn't get much of a chance to talk with them, either.
Now the tables are turned. They are soon going to be bored of being home, because even though they will all be home together, basically my town is pretty dull. I have already been fielding numerous requests to make the short two-hour trip to Dartmouth. I long ago adjusted to college and have made my own friends here; I've found my niche, so to speak. As a result, it is easy for me to have visitors, and even though I won't be seeing all my friends before I get home, I won't be entirely left out either.
Besides this, my arrival back will be much more anticipated than my departure was remorsed. While in the fall, no one was around to see me leave, now everyone will be around with nothing better to do than celebrate my glorious return. Also, the delay of my arrival from everyone else's will make my return somewhat singular. I know that three other people won't be coming back on that same day, making my return extra special.
It isn't like I won't be seeing friends until I get home, either. Though several will be visiting Dartmouth the weekend after Green Key, going home is not just about reuniting with hometown friends, it is also parting with the friends we have made here, and that is certainly something I am not looking forward to. I have to take advantage of these coming weeks, since they will be the last time for a while that my fellow 00s won't be subject to the whims and fancies of our bizarre D-plans. Sophomore summer is the next time that I will see all my friends up here, and between now and then I know that people will be off at different times.
Though I am looking forward to seeing the friends I've had since grade school, I am also going to miss the friends I have made here. I can wait the extra three weeks to get home. Besides, there's always a friend at Union whom I can give a good-bye blitz to when I head home for the summer. After all, we aren't the only school out there with a trimester system.
