Okay, I admit it. I’ve never taken a bus to school before.
That is, of course, until I came to Boston College and was placed on Newton Campus. The whole move-in process was a blur and before I knew it, the BC Shuttle system, Transloc, and Stuart Dining Hall were all my new best friends. Newton Campus is becoming my home more and more as each day passes, however the first few weeks have also been filled with difficulties that my floor mates and I like to refer to as “Newton Girl Problems.”
Where do I even start? The time we ate dinner in Stuart in the dark because of a power outage? Or maybe when we ran to the bus stop in wedges after Convocation, only to have it speed right by? Or maybe even that awkward, sad face that appears on people’s faces once I say, “I live on Newton”? Or perhaps the fact that my friends and I are already planning our attempt to sneak into the Law Library, because Newton doesn’t have its own?
I could go on and on. Maybe I could start with the fact that when we hear about a party on Upper, we don’t want to go because it’s so far? Or how I’m stranded on Main campus all day because it’s not worth going back to Newton? Or how the 2 am weekend bus always manages to have the most… interesting people doing the most… interesting things? Or even how the only printing station on campus is in the farthest dorm and is only open from 8-11 at night? Or how when my friend injured herself one Saturday night, we quickly learned that there is no infirmary or health center on Newton?
These are just a few of the “Newton Girl Problems” and it’s only been a month! To say so far that’s it has been an experience would be the definition of an understatement. However, after reminiscing on these moments, I rather call these “Newton Girl Memories” because they have shaped my time here and have produced so many laughs.
Whenever one of these things happens, it only reminds me of how lucky I feel to live on Newton Campus. In only a few short weeks, I have met friends who bring out the best in me, have made memories that will last me my lifetime, and have already felt the “home” quality of living on Newton. The feeling of “we’re in this together” is so present here, and there is a true, genuine connection to those around you. I love living on Newton because it is away from the hustle-bustle of main campus and it is never difficult to spot a familiar face.
So even though the Upper kids may pity us, we, in return, pity them. They are unable to enjoy Stuart’s delicious meals, or to ride the Newton bus to class, or to sprawl out on all the green space in front of their dorm, or to have HOOT meetings (Hang Out On Tuesday) with their RA, or even to go to breakfast in their pajamas (the Law students don’t even mind!). The Upper kids may think they have it all (they certainly can show off their toned calves from walking all those stairs), but to me, the Newton kids will have the last laugh as we drive by on our Newton Bus.
Photo Sources:
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