This past Monday was no different from others. I woke up, showered, and went to my classes for the day. I had a sandwich for lunch and started my walk back to my dorm to do homework. I made a slight detour to my car to get something when I saw a lady aimlessly looking around behind Roberts Hall. I took out my earbuds in case she would ask me something, which she did. She asked where Tustin Hall was and I guided her in approximately the right direction. As I turned around, she asked me another question about how I like Bucknell as a school. I answered her truthfully and told her of the struggles I had my first year being far away from home. She said that her daughter, who was doing the “ Day in the Life” program that day was nervous about being far away from home too, seeing as they were from California. In what I thought was supposed to be a single question and answer turned into a full conversation about my thoughts on Bucknell and the experiences I’ve had. She ended up missing the program she was planning to attend, and I offered to give her a tour of the campus. She gleefully agreed, wanting to get a personalized tour of campus from my point of view. As we were walking through campus, we met up with her daughter, who joined us. The mother’s friend and her daughter, as well as a new friend they made that day, joined my impromptu tour as well. I guided them throughout the academic buildings, athletic facilities, and everything in between. The crowd seemed engaged in everything I had to say and asked lots of questions. I led them to the ELC where the rest of their program was starting and said my closing remarks and my goodbyes. My underqualified, unplanned, and very impulsive decision reopened my eyes to something I had long forgotten about.
As students progress through their time at Bucknell, we tend to forget about the small worries and questions we had as we gain traction towards our new lives. By accidentally giving a tour, I was able to give an unstructured, personalized experience for people who aren’t familiar with the University. I was reminded of the hardships I faced as a new Bucknellian and how I overcame them, as well as being able to share my fun experiences with people who helped me though such times. I realized afterwards that I had gotten so lost and focused in my life now that I forgot about how I got to this point in my life. The transition we make into college and adulthood isn’t something everyone takes lightly or can cope with easily. In my tour, I was refreshed in the excitement and fear both parents and new students face in coming to a new environment. This inspired me to think more holistically of everything around me, and to not forget the people who helped me get to the point where I am today. Lessons and experiences shape a person’s character. It’s easy to forget such encounters in the past when you’re focused on the “now,” and I’m glad that I could help the new college parents and students, but also that I have a better sense on the different thought processes that happen throughout time.
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