Today is July 31. The first day of class is only 27 days away. Let's put that into perspective a little more; the first class of the 2003 fall semester is less than 650 hours from now. Does that scare you?
If it doesn't, it should. It scares me worse than blue lights do a crack head. Back in the day, summers seemed to last forever, but it feels like just 20 minutes ago that I finished taking my last final, History of Jazz (way harder than it sounds). But don't worry; I'm here to tell you what we have to look forward to in the upcoming year.
Construction! Who here doesn't love all of those big red walls surrounding the entire Grounds?Who wants to look at Mr. Jefferson's beautiful architecture and take in a whiff of cool autumn air when we can look at cranes and dump trucks and breathe in their exhaust?Personally, my day wouldn't be complete without loud drilling interrupting classes. Although I've failed to see the benefits of this nonsense while walking to class, it will eventually be a good investment for the University's future.
Water! This fall we'll be able to shower without guilt or remorse at the water situation in Albemarle County. No five-minute showers or bottled water this semester. I'll take my shower, wash my car, fill up my pool and use my BRITA filter without a care in the world. We've had three times as much rain throughout the spring and summer that will make up for what we missed last year.
ARAMARK! More great food and service are close at hand from the wonderful people in the University's food industry. We all know how much we've missed that good dining hall food. If you're like me, you can't wait to see Dean's smiling face at O'Hill and help yourself to one of their delicious, nutritious meals. If the thought of the dining halls doesn't satisfy your taste buds, however, the Castle, Treehouse and Chic-Fil-A will finally be back to provide an actual edible meal.
Adults! Grounds have been crawling with munchkin campers this summer. Sure, it may be fun to play with the little rascals, but you can't help but be annoyed when you spend an hour in the sandwich line at Newcomb, simply because little Bobby can't figure out if he wants ham or turkey on his sandwich. Sure, we're not adults, per se, but I have to believe we're closer than the munchkins (although I won't argue that some student's habits of public urination somewhat ruins our standing).
Parties! We all know that the Charlottesville summer life has been pretty chill, but it can't quite live up to typical C'ville nightlife. Never fear, frat boys are here (dun da da da)!We can tap that keg and beat you at pong before you can say "Beast." The crusty smell of clothes that have been worn for two months without wash and the hat that hasn't been white since tenth grade will be back in full effect. No semester would be quite the same without the party scene, but don't worry; the frats will be picking up the torch again very shortly.
Sports! If you're not big into the frat scene, there is one word about the upcoming semester that will put a twinkle in any Hoo's eye: football. Even though we have to wait one more year until Tech becomes an official member of the ACC and we have boasting rights that we beat them in conference play, football season is one of the major highlights of fall semester. The football team, led by Coach Al Groh and Heisman hopeful Matt Schaub, rose from out of nowhere last year to provide thrilling games. Even if the games were lopsided (cough cough Maryland), the Hoos always provided good reason for the crowd to go crazy and pound those thunder sticks until they broke. Even if you're not a big football fan, the games are quite the social event. And fellas, my next word is sundresses. I think that needs no explanation. But if basketball is more your style, we are going to have a season without Keith Jenifer, which means more of Derrick, Todd and Majestic. I'd take that trade any day.
First years! Having been around Grounds this summer for classes, I've taken quite a few glances at the incoming class and I would like to thank the Admissions office. I'm thoroughly impressed. You guys seem to get better every year at the picking of attractive females. On behalf of all the men of the University, we extend our deepest gratitude. These fresh faces are going to liven up Grounds, providing plenty of laughs when they get lost, especially in the maze that is now O'Hill.
But the main reason to look forward to the upcoming year is reuniting with friends. All the old friends are back, fresh off of a totally sweet summer, and are looking forward to another semester of good times. Even if your summer has been awesome, by the end of August, you'll be counting the minutes until you get to see your U.Va. crew again. So, as the summer winds down, don't be upset about the upcoming semester.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, let's raise a toast to the 2003-2004 school year. Enjoy the rest of your summer and let's make the next school year the best this University's ever seen. The countdown starts now: 649 hours, 59 minutes, 60 seconds.
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