Returning to 35229

In my mind, college wasn't that long ago.  As if it were yesterday, I can remember starting college at Samford University.  I was a young, happy freshman ready to embark on four of the best years of my life.  I was excited about new friends & experiences, ready for many adventures.

However, the truth is that it wasn't yesterday.  In fact, I began college eleven years ago.  How did I get to be so old?!

Well, this week I started at Samford again.  I'm beginning a program for a Masters in Gifted Education. Even though I may still look like an undergrad, a lot has changed.  Here are a few random observations I've made:

• When I was a freshman, I had a standard desk-top computer that stayed in my dorm room.  This week, I brought my laptop to class with me.
• Health Services has moved (should you need to update your immunization form and not be late for your appointment).
• Cell phones are drastically different than they were in 2001.  Film cameras are rarely in use anymore either.
• Current Samford students need to appreciate the Pete Hanna Center (especially the work-out center) and O'Henry's Coffee because I sure would have loved to have them in my day.  *I am taking full advantage of having a student ID again though and have already worked out there twice.

I've also noticed that there are some things that haven't changed:

• The campus is still beautiful.
• The bathrooms on the main floor of OBB are still an awful orange that doesn't go with the tile.
• I STILL have class in Room 233, even though there are only 6 people in my class instead of 45.
• There's nothing like a trip to the Food Court and Chick-fil-A during a break from class. 
• Everyone, from professors to students, is still genuinely nice and friendly.

So even though I may not be as excited as I was the first time around, I'm thankful for the opportunity to study at 800 Lakeshore Drive again, and I'm thankful to be a part of a community that seeks to live out its motto "...for God, for learning, forever."