AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I take twenty minutes to find my next class. Despite being another journalism elective, it’s located clear across campus in an almost identical yet slightly smaller version of the brick building my first class was in. Even acknowledging the confusion of navigating the winding walkways that connect the academic buildings, there’s a smile on my face the whole time.
The atmosphere on campus is electric.
I pass other students discussing deep-sea trenches and stage lighting. Professors discussing exam formats and comparing lecture halls. Athletes dribbling basketballs or clutching racquets.
I’ve always loved school. Loved the thrill of discovering new things about the world. The satisfaction of understanding a concept. The positive reinforcement of seeing a red A at the top of a page.
This is the first time I’ve been somewhere that compulsion feels tangible. I wasn’t the only student at Landry High who worked hard. But everyone else was using it as a means to an end.
Tothisend.
There were other students at Richardson Community College who took their studies seriously, but not many. Most of them were taking classes to end up in a slightly better career, not for the love of learning. That mentality is a simple reality for many people. Was for me, until now. And I don’t regret my time at RCC. It’s made me more appreciative of Clarkson now.
My Multimedia Journalism class is less entertaining than History of American Journalism was, but just as engaging. Once again, I scribble notes as fast as I can to keep up with the professor’s words.
I luck out with another friendly seatmate, this time a girl named Anna who explains to me all the journalism classes with a media component are held in this building, while written journalism shares a building with the English department.
“See you next class, Lennon!” Anna says before she rushes off.
She already extensively explained the badminton class she has in ten minutes. The sports center is eight minutes away. I wish her luck before she sprints off.
When I emerge outside, campus is even busier than it was before my last class. It’s just before noon, which must be when lots of classes let out. I allow myself to be swept up in the movement, heading in the direction of the campus center but unsure where I’m actually going.
This is only my third day on campus. Not only am I still trying to find my way around, I’m adjusting to setting my own schedule. It’s always been set for me. By the Landry educational system. By the horses. By Alex at theLandry Gazette.
For the first time, my only obligations are the classes I selected myself. It’s freeing. It’s also set me adrift. I have two hours until my final class of the day, and absolutely no idea what to do for them.
I pull my phone out to text Caleb, only to discover he’s already sent me one.
Caleb:Lunch?
Lennon:Yes!
Lennon:Where?
He responds a few seconds later.
Caleb:Peterson.
I roll my eyes.
Lennon:One of the brick buildings??
My phone vibrates in my hand.
“This is only my third day on campus.”
Caleb laughs. “Peterson is the massive circular building in the middle of campus. I didn’t think you could miss it, Matthews.”
I can see students heading straight toward a building with a rounded glass atrium in front.
“My floormates brought me to a different dining hall last night,” I grumble.
“Are you sure it was a different one? Youaredirectionally challenged.”
“Shut up.”
“You had better comebacks when you got us lost in Landry High.”
