UConn Huskies, it’s that beautiful time of year in Storrs again. You open the door to leave for your 8 a.m. and a brisk chill hits your face instead of dry and heavy heat. The flannels and sweatshirts start emerging from the back of our already limited closets, and for some reason I’m hearing a lot more jazz. It is autumn, a time for somber reflection and new beginnings. And in this time of contemplation, as I admire the complexities of the leaves hanging from the trees, I am reminded how much of a joy it is to simply meander, and how the art of walking around campus is not appreciated nearly enough.
Here at UConn, it is ever too easy to show our animosity towards the holier-than-thou scooter kids. They whip past us common folk on sidewalks (which they very illegally ride on) and show no remorse. As I pleasantly crunch these fragile oak leaves beneath the sole of my shoe, I can only feel pity towards the crowd whose only goal is to get to their destination early.
I’m not ignorant, the UConn Storrs campus is pretty large; it’s easy to fall behind schedule if you don’t know where you’re going. But if your need to get to class is blinding you from the intrinsic beauty of the land, I do not pity you. Here on campus, I’ve seen some of the most beautiful sunrises only because I choose to slow my roll and look up for a little while. We’re so incredibly fortunate to live in beautiful New England, a land of lakes, streams and forests. Take advantage of our environment! If slowing down on the way to class means I can stop to appreciate the church bells in the morning and the falling maple leaves twisting in the breeze, then I hope to never be on time.
Dare I further suggest that walking out of the way, perhaps on a less convenient path, is one of the most rewarding things one can do during the day. Routine is inevitable and sometimes necessary for success. Deviation from your routine, however, is paramount to growth. What a blessing it is to get lost here at UConn! Taking new paths is perhaps the loveliest aspect of walking, and something those flying around on scooters fail to understand. What a shame it would have been if I didn’t mistake Jorgensen for the Union during WOW Week and not end up at the greenhouse. What a charming little space on campus!
Here at UConn, there is a new club to enjoy, a new person to meet and new activities to explore around every corner. Fall in line with an unwavering routine or blind yourself with getting to a location on time and you’ve effectively ignored every opportunity available. And at a college with an undergraduate body of 21,000 students there are literally thousands of opportunities waiting to be unlocked. Horsebarn Hill may be a mile-long trek out of the way of anything, but if you find some time to hike out with some friends, bring a picnic blanket, and enjoy the setting sun, I’m more than positive you’ll unlock a core memory.
My lamenting, furthermore, is extended to those who feel the need to bump music as loud as possible in noise-cancelling headphones while walking to and from class. Wanting to feel like the main character for a 15-minute walk is an acceptable excuse for music, but the possibilities that we miss when we are solely focused on ourselves and our music while walking is simply sad. How much of life do you miss out on when you fail to listen to others? I recall a walk home not long ago, in which the stars were bright, and the air was crisp. On my journey, three strangers walked by and discussed how overhyped the film “La La Land” was. Of course, I had to join in on this fine discussion! It was only because I was not locked into my phone or listening to music that I engaged in a conversation, made three new friends, exchanged Instagrams and formulated a wonderful memory. This enforced my thoughts that college is an incredible place to make friends. Walking alone can be a time for somber and peaceful contemplation, but walking with a partner can be one of the most splendid times of the day. It is always lovely to have someone to understand, laugh with and enjoy the presence of. It makes these shorter fall days a little more joyful.
To end another article with a song lyric, Billy Joel said it best: “Slow down, you crazy child / You’re so ambitious for a juvenile.” There’s a simple beauty to living life slowly, so enjoy the walk. Whether you’re a ride-or-die scooter kid or a walker just like me, I implore you to look up for a little, lose track of time and enjoy a stroll around cow town. Who knows what you’ll find?