Never would I have anticipated starting spring term of my junior year with the feeling of being lost. But as I searched for places to do homework in between classes, I found myself walking in circles, in and out of buildings and changing seats once I’d been settled — but let’s blame anxiety for that last one.
This is the first term I feel without a place at Drexel University. As a commuter, I try to stay on campus for long periods of time, forcing myself to be productive instead of traveling back home and falling under Netflix’s spell. Prior to this term, I would go to The Triangle office or even the Drexel Writing Center — both of which are in MacAlister Hall. (I’m sure all this time in MacAlister will result in poor health effects due to lack of sunlight per the writing center being in the basement and Chestnut Square obstructing the windows at The Triangle.)
Each day I would spend hours in The Triangle office, either doing work for the organization or working on my own studies. But last term I decided would be my last with The Triangle. As much as I love the organization and being involved with the newspaper, I accomplished all I could during my time there, and it was time to move on.
The same goes for the Drexel Writing Center where I worked as a peer reader. A heavy course load and another part-time job led to me taking the term off from working there, and having one less place to go.
The first week of spring term I found myself doing homework in Hagerty Library, the English and Philosophy department lounge, the MacAlister Hall lounge, Gerri Hall and the Library Learning Terrace — all places I’ve been, but very rarely with the intent of spending hours at a time there.
As I wandered around campus feeling lost, I realized that places like The Triangle and Drexel Writing Center had become more than just a place of work; they had become a home. I’m grateful for my time with both groups and could not be more thankful for the friendships and memories, but I’m also happy to be forced to “explore” campus. I will finally be utilizing the resources Drexel offers in exchange for the thousands of dollars I throw at them each year.
I started to question whether other students take the opportunity to force themselves out of routine and find what else Drexel has to offer, not just in places of study, but with student groups and the like. Now that I have removed myself from one student organization, I am looking at other groups I may want to get involved in.
And no, I’m not looking for a group to join in hopes of having a new study space; I’m looking for a group to join that will offer new insights into the world around me while getting involved with another community of people. It’s important we do this as a bit of a refresher every now and again.
Julia Casciato is an English major at Drexel University. She can be contacted at [email protected].