What a gorgeous day to pack up the family and head over to College Park for Maryland Day. Every year on the last Saturday in April, the University holds a mega open house with tons of booths, activities, performances, etc. We try to go each year.
I have a special fondness for College Park and for the University. I was clueless when I arrived at UM in the fall of 1985. I was a small town girl from Aberdeen, Maryland (although Aberdeen has grown to be a Baltimore suburb over the past 25 years). I had never eaten a bagel or Chinese food. My fashion sense was a mess. I was socially awkward. And I thought I was a Republican.
I am a smart gal but you would never know it by looking at my undergrad transcripts. I was a mediocre student at UM. During my time at Maryland, I felt like the world opened up. I spent a lot of time breaking out of my shell. I met people from other countries and a wide array of religious beliefs. I was exposed to college radio, frat boys, sorority rush, socials, the Vous, Spring Break, art, sports, alternative lifestyles, alternative thoughts, political debate, booze, drugs, love, betrayal, happy hours, late nights, great friends. It was an expensive place to learn lessons but the payoff was confidence, leadership skills, networking abilities, an open mind to opposing views. I also did end up with a degree in English Language and Literature.
I count the time spent at UM as some of the best in my life. I have a cadre of friends I am still close to. I fell in love for the first time. I got my heart broken. I met my husband. I learned to think, feel, and understand.
So today, I took myself on a trip down memory lane. It was grand.
Peace - and GO Terps!
Tee
1 comment:
I got my M.Ed. there (not nearly as fun an experience as getting an undergrad degree, although it was worth it), and I was a townie for 7 years! We lived in College Park when our kids were little, right off Route 1 and Greenbelt Road. The best thing about living there was great take-out, and the fireworks on July 4th. The students were really only a problem if there was a game - then they'd riot, win or lose. Plus there was a fair amount of crime there - our house was robbed. But overall, I have fond memories of CP, as well. :)
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