Before class even starts familiar sites, memories, grudges, education, college life and signs of a bright, busy semester stress me to the breaking point of insomnia on the eve of the first day of school.

Driving down St. Charles Avenue on the way back to Loyola seemed so bittersweet this semester. As I passed a streetcar, excitement stirred in anticipation of friends’ Christmas break stories.

As the Communication/ Music Complex came into view, I got excited for a schedule of new and diverse classes. The building reminded me of my radio show, my piano and the Maroon when I looked at it, and my brain raced with goals; but I also thought of what I’m trying to push out of my life with an overloaded schedule.

I breathed in as I passed the park, and I remembered my morning runs before class; the site made me restless with ideas of unpacking my running shoes.

As I drove up to my dorm, I thought of a good friend (and new roommate) who I hadn’t seen in over a month, as well as the friends who won’t be returning this semester.
Slowly over the next couple of days, friends started to arrive, and I settled into college life once again.

Going out for drinks, bad food, listening to music with friends and late nights brought me back to a life with fellow scholars.

 A great conversation with friends at dinner about politics reminded me why I attend Loyola, but simple annoyances with various friends reminded me of the frustrations I will acceptingly continue to deal with.

A party, a trip to Maple Street and a couple of trips to Frenchmen Street, all in the past couple of days with people who got to town hours earlier, started new memories.
As I sit here, contemplating the whirlwind that I am in right now, I try to understand it all. I am here with my peers, I am ready to start a busy semester and I am excited to spend time with old friends, as well as making new friends. I have made resolutions to change things and focus more, but the hardest thing is to ignore unfortunate memories and to continue to kick bad habits.

I see a lot of writing, focusing on school and progressing more in music, but I am honestly walking into the unknown with everyone else.