,”While writing a research paper on public transportation over break, a long overdue realization hit me like one of the modernized, eco-friendly buses I was studying: My girlfriend is studying abroad in Madrid next semester, and I will not see her in person for nearly six months.
Of course, I had known this for quite some time, even before we started dating 15 months ago. It's not as though I ignored her impending departure; in fact, we talk about it often. But after Google Earth clocked the distance from Madrid to my apartment at 4,158.7 miles, the needling what-ifs and oh-nos finally penetrated the rose-tinted glasses through which I typically view the world.
Until then, I understood her approaching departure the way a child understands he or she has to visit the dentist next week — not something I was looking forward to, but something I could easily chase from my thoughts with distractions. Now with only a few weeks left, my stomach has sunk to somewhere near my ankles.
I'm not alone. Around 550 students will graduate Dec. 14, according to the Office of Special Events; 161 students will study abroad next semester, according to the Office of International Education; surely they'll all be missed by many more. Many of us gripe about finals and look with tired but hopeful eyes to a relaxing Christmas break. But for some, handing in their last Scantron sheet or blue book is the beginning of a long farewell.
As a result, I'm getting over how lame New Year's resolutions are and listing some goals for self-enrichment to lift my spirits. They're more ambitious than those of my youth, which included forgoing diet pop (which I hate anyway) and resisting the urge to mooch off my friends to use their video game systems. Next year, I vow to:
Write letters (the paper-and-pen kind)
It's time I explore my artistic roots and do some old school writing exercises. Maybe one day my grandkids will look in the attic and scamper down the stairs to ask about how their grandparents kept it together while they were apart. And who says it has to be just mushy words? I plan to send photo collages of myself and all the lame or embarrassing things I do to occupy myself while I'm stuck here in Milwaukee.
Upload a YouTube video
In today's thriving world of new media, I've been a spectator for too long. Now when I write papers (or columns) and need a breather, I'll waste time viewing my own handiwork instead of that guy who puts things in blenders.
Build snowmen
Milwaukee winters are rough, but I'll be master of my surroundings by taking what Jack Frost throws at me and shaping it into my own creations. Perhaps I can be entrepreneurial and sell advertising space on them.
Find a theme song
When my roommate's girlfriend studied abroad, he chose Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." I'm not such a fan of the '80s hair band rock ballads. I want to be identified with something tougher, or at the very least, ridiculous. So far, top contenders are Fort Minor's "Remember the Name," "Fergalicious" and Raffi's "Bananaphone."
To all of you who will not be on campus next semester, Be the Difference wherever you are and in whatever you do. (You're welcome, P.R. department.) Happy holidays, Campus.
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