Back at USC

I love the feel of campus in the fall- even though fall in South Carolina means hot, humid and just a little too sticky for late August almost September weather. But I feel already more enlightened just joining the throngs of students traversing campus from one class to another. I never realized how much at home I feel in the humidity and green and brick trails between buildings. I walked onto the horseshoe yesterday and just smiled at the familiar sights of Rutladge Chapel, green grass over which fly a few frisbees; the sounds of scattered conversations,heels hitting the cobblestone and the chapel bell tolling; the smells of the flowers in full bloom and the saturated grass.
I pass Russell House and all the freshman girls in their sun dresses and sandals desperately trying to look attractive and desirable for the upperclass sorority girls scruitnizing every one of them. On the way to buy books at the bookstore I pass the 'sweet' southern boy- and I know he is southern because he is wearing a polo and slacks and a trucker's hat. Only southern boys can pull that off, and even some of the more talented ones can manage to fit in a bow tie on special occasions. The heavy backpacks, stuffed bags and school ID's swinging from lanyards all scream out FALL AT SOUTH CAROLINA to me, and I love it. The random lost freshman, the scarce familiar faces, the annoying construction blocking the main walkway to the highy traffiked academic buildings, the afternoon showers, the gym full of people who are on their first of 3 very dedicated gym weeks, the energize professors and excited students: the entire atmosphere of being in the right place at the most perfect of times surrounds me and fills me with peaceful satisfaction. I love USC in the fall.