Even though I've graduated from Colgate nearly a year ago, there's
still something about that place that draws me back. Maybe its the
picture-perfect campus, a personable student body, its small yet close
community, or all the memories and experiences I fondly look back on
when I'm there. It's really all those things.
While I only spent a mere 28 hours on campus, I made the most of it--
saw college friends, had dinner with Professor Kaimal and her family,
went to John Knecht's Video Arts II class, toured around campus and saw
the new science center, stopped by the Admissions Office, hung out at
Theta Chi, did work at The Barge, had lunch at Parkside, and made it to
Nichols and The Bacon.
Having the chance to see the Dalai Lama was truly an exciting and
unforgettable experience. His speech was, quite simply, on the topic
of Happiness. There was no mention of the current issues between China
and Tibet, and I found myself smiling during most of his speech. He
was lighthearted, and exuded an amazing presence and calm. Sanford
Field House was packed with people, and I was lucky to be near the
front, only a few rows away from him. His Holiness sat cross-legged in
an over-sized cushioned chair as he spoke, and had a translator help
him when he needed clarification on a question or for saying the right
word.
While His Holiness answered previously submitted questions by Colgate
faculty and students, President Chopp offered him a Colgate hat. The
audience erupted in cheers. Mark my word, the next edition of the
Colgate Scene and 2008-2009 Calendar will have pictures of him sporting
that cap.
I rode down to NYC with classmates Andy Potter and Brianna Ringwood and
caught a 6 AM flight back to San Francisco Wednesday morning. I was
lucky enough to have an entire row of seats to myself and managed to
sleep most of the flight (that never happens).
I'm glad its Friday, and I hope that everyone back at 'Gate has a
really fun Spring Party Weekend. I'm sorry I won't be there for the
festivities, but I'm glad I made it to Colgate and New York, and I
look forward to my next trip out, whenever that will be.