Part 1: I remember: BC

It was as if things never changed... Things felt the way it did when I first arrived in Logan Airport; the fresh smell of the air, untainted by massive pollution, the rushed movements of Bostonians, hurrying to be punctual for appointments in their hectic schedule, Massachusetts drivers honking and being honked at by the 'T' drivers.

That feeling of awe that I felt when I first stepped into Boston College- amazed and captivated by the falling leaves during winter, trees and flowers which had lost their vibrant colors and leaves and petals, yet, maintained such a serene beauty amidst those dead branches. It was quiet. Students weren't rushing around yet because it was still winter break. And I walked through the main gate, past Corcoran Commons (before I knew that it was called 'Lower'), past Maloney (before I knew that the old name was Campanella Way), and stood in front of that beautiful grey-tiled staircase that seemed to go on forever. I remember feeling excited, but apprehensive; I imagine that that's how Lucy would've felt when she found Narnia in her cupboard. I remember walking up that unending staircase, taking in the smooth texture of the brass railings as I let my hands glide up the railing as I climbed the steps that lead to Middle Campus.

I remember feeling breathless when I reached the top. I remember thinking how unfit I was, panting, and wondering if I had to use this torturous staircase everyday to get to class.
I remember breathing a sigh of relief, as I found out that I could use the elevators in Maloney to get to Middle Campus. 
I remember walking around Middle Campus, soaking in the unpolished beauty of the Gothic architecture of Gasson and Devlin, reading the Biblical inscriptions on those buildings- "And the Truth will set you free". Time seemed to have stood still when the bells of Gasson rang, reminding everyone on campus of its majestic presence. And I remember how I loved hearing the sound of those bells ringing.
6 months later, and I still feel the same way I did when I first came here.  
It was as if things never changed...
That same feeling of awe, amazement, and the captivation by the beauty of Boston College. But, things did change. Those feelings are now accompanied with a sense of familiarity, love, pride and joy. They are now accompanied with a sense of belonging, of what it means to be an Eagle- a BC student. I still stand in front of Gasson, and I still love the sound of the bells ringing, but I stand here now with fond memories of BC. Memories of pulling all-nighters, memories of having Family Group in Gasson 201. Memories of having Communication Research Methods in Gasson 303. 
It was as if things never changed, but I now make a clear distinction between BU and BC. I laugh and poke fun at BU (no hard feelings!), and am proud of our strong rivalry. I'm proud of our Ice Hockey team who won National Champions, 3 times in 5 years. I've even managed to instill BC pride in some of my visiting friends, even friends who come from other colleges. And they start dissing BU as well, jokingly. Haha. 
It was as if things never changed...but they did. School ended a few weeks ago, and BC is once again empty, just like when I first arrived. But it's summer now, and the trees and flowers which were once dead now bloom with beautiful leaves and petals, showing a different kind of beauty to BC than when I first arrived. I now stand in front of Gasson with an Eagle's knowledge of BC grounds. Campanella, Lower, McElroy, Eagle's Nest, Devlin, McGuinn, Carney, Upper, Bapst, the Million Dollar Staircase, ONeil. And I stand tall, I stand proud. Proud because I've had the amazing privilege of being a part of BC. Proud because I love what being a BC student means. Proud because BC is part of my Alma Mater. Proud because I've had so much love from everyone around me, here at BC.
BC will forever hold a special place in my heart. And the people I've met here at BC will always have a special place in my heart too. 
Go Eagles! :')