Joy in the mundane

When my alarm went off at 6 a.m. on Monday, my first thought wasn’t one suitable for print.

Reluctantly, I rolled out of bed and made my way toward the bathroom. As I fumbled around in the dark, I stubbed my toe on the door frame and so began the fourth week of the semester.

Week four may not sound like much to an eager beaver freshman, but for a tired, old senior like me, week four symbolizes the start of the real grind. The first big tests and papers of the semester are knocking at the door, and syllabus week is but a distant memory.

Sunday night always finds me dreading Monday morning, and this week was no exception. I was torn between wanting summer back and longing for graduation. Would it be better to rewind the clock to July or fast-forward to May?

I could have spent the next four weeks internally debating my imaginary options, but in the end, I’ll still be stuck in the here and now. So, rather than wasting any more of my life contemplating time travel, I decided to not simply accept my reality, but completely embrace it.

With my pinky toe still throbbing, I decided to cherish every moment I have left in Big Rapids because my days at Ferris are numbered. When the time comes to toss my cap in the air, I know I’ll be asking myself how four years flew by.

From here on out, I vow to appreciate Ferris for everything it is. What does that mean exactly? Well, I’m going to relish homework, savor meals at the Rock and treasure sweaty Saturday nights on the dance floor at Shooter’s.

In week four, these things might seem mundane, but the truth is, I only have a little more than seven months left of calling myself a Ferris student.