dear 'cuse

As I told my friends this past weekend, sometimes, when the weather is beginning to warm up, the sun is shining, and our campus really comes to life... I want to hug the word "college." They laughed, but I couldn't have put it any other way.

Seriously though, my best friend from home is finally visiting and I am so excited to show her my home away from home after all these four glorious years. Last night we took a rainy driving tour, but it was nothing compared to today, the beginning of another springtime in Syracuse.

We woke up early to my favorite breakfast: a bowl of oats cooked in almond milk and topped with banana, strawberries, and almond butter. I also introduced her to my sisters. I cannot believe that I was once embarrassed to join a sorority, it was one of the best choices I could've ever made.

Then I brought her downtown to Armory Square. It wasn't nearly as sunny as it looks in this photo but it was adorable all the same. It truly has "finest shopping, dining and nightlife experience" in all of Syracuse ;). 'Twas there that we got coffee at Freedom of Espresso and caught up on work.

Afterwards, we returned to the beautiful house of Alpha Chi Omega for a quick lunch before I began my school part of the day. There was a guest speaker in Communications Law. Have I mentioned that I love that class? Prof. Rubin may be the best teacher I've ever had and I've suddenly found myself thinking of the power of the first amendment multiple times a day. Second round was French Business, and with this professor in a great mood, it was quite enjoyable, too.

Now came time for the SU tour. We walked through the quad, by the monuments, and into the most important of buildings. If there were to be a stereotypical campus, it would be ours, and that is yet another wonderful thing to be proud of... and show off!

Once we got back there were treats. Not of these kinds, per se, (frosted brownies came earlier in the week), but there were some un-photographed oatmeal raisin cookies. They were delicious :) and I suppose as healthy as they could be. For better or for worse, our cook is quite calorie-conscious.

Next, we took a walk down to South Campus and to the apartment home of my sophomore year. Along the way, I was able to provide Chrissie with a scenic and relaxing taste of residential life all while enjoying a bit of exercise. It was nice to re-live such "old" memories.

And after our excursion down memory lane, we took the bus back to main and strolled back to AXO. (I plan to run the same route tomorrow.)

We were just in time for dinner, a delicious meal that was quite unique from our stir-fry options or fish and vegetable combination in the days before... 

Tonight's plate featured tortellini pasta, green beans, eggplant, and zucchini. Sauce options included marinara, alfredo, and/or pesto sauce. I tried two, marinara and pesto, and I must say, they were mighty good choices.

I also had an shy salad which reminded me of the crudité bowls I used to eat at each meal freshman year in an attempt to be healthy. To be deep for a moment, the ways in which I have grown and evolved as a human being since then, simply amaze me. Complete study abroad experience included, as it should be :).

And finally, around eleven this evening, Chris, K, and I went out for a night on the orange and blue town. To be with such wonderful friends of mine was more than I could of asked for, and to add to that, we bar-hopped, danced the night away, briefly cookie-tasted, and, tried a variety of beers.

K and I's Beer and Wine Appreciation professor would've been proud :). More importantly, I felt a tug at my heart when I thought of all that I had become because of each and every one of these experiences. The weather will only get warmer, the sun, brighter, and my future? Looking more appealing each and every day. Thanks for everything Syracuse University. With love, Danielle.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?... Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Marianne Williamson

Q: What does college (/has it) mean to you?