So Glad I Met You

Aloha–

So it’s midnight. I’m in the study lounge again and I’ve decided that my favorite part of the internship right now is interviewing.  Tours and the big project my team is working on comes to a close second.  So far I have met some incredible students.  I have one question though. What’s this obsession with running about? I’ve heard about everything from Cross Country to casual jogging to yeah you already know the big whammies, MARATHONS. I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing to hear about kids running 26 miles for charitable organizations globally, but running has never been my cup of tea. I played volleyball and recreational soccer in high school and I would call myself somewhat athletic. I can recall dreading having to do those few laps before soccer games before the fun began. Yet, after listening to the stories about how running has changed students’  lives, helped to raise money for things like diabetes and breast cancer research, I am compelled to give it a try. It is my hope that as I begin to jog, I will find the joy that some of these students have found and ultimately become a healthier individual all-around. The campus has great “jogability,”  and there are many, many routes I can take. Let’s see, there’s the nature trail to the Wren Building to the Capital, maybe I’ll jog pass the new Mason School of Business.  The sky’sthe limit!

The students have motivated me to do more, become better and expand my world view. I have heard about exotic animals and zoo-keeping. My new hobby is learning about Sugar gliders, Lemmings, Giant Red Flying Squirrels, Asian Leopard Cats, Woodchucks and a multitude of other fascinating creatures. My interviewees have also catapulted me into a state of nostalgia, back to a time when I was enthralled in the myth of the Loch Ness Monster. When I pass Lake Matoaka, I often reminisce about the enchantment of Loch Ness and my early obsessions with solving the mystery. It is this early enamoration with marine life that has helped me find a unique connection with promising prospective students. I have met future marine biologists and genuine animal lovers. I am totally convinced that the Loch Ness is real and it’s my dream to go to Scotland in the very, very near future. Legend has it that the Loch Ness is a pre-historic water horse or an aquatic dinosaur that has been haunting the Loch Ness Lake since approximately 600 AD…I digress.

Recently I visited the small zoo at Busch Gardens and saw wolves and eagles up close and personal! I had a new zeal for animal watching thanks to my wonderful interviewees. I now want to adopt a puppy once I graduate and start “real life.” I may even get a rabbit or two. Sorry guys, no Giant Red Flying Squirrels for me, there’s enough exotic squirrels here at W&M already. I guess next post I will tell you all about this exciting publications project we’re working on….