Those Old Campus Days!
I am yet to graduate, however because of the current situation, I feel like college was a 'long time ago' thing. Read along!
Remember those days when you could sit in the college canteen with your friends? Okay, leave the canteen. All the teaching that was once done in the off-line classrooms. The fun that we use to have on the college ground? All these things are nothing but a blurry memory in our minds right now. It has been almost two months since the lockdown began. Being a final year student, I would say I am holding up pretty well. But then again, there is a plethora of thoughts that cross my mind.
Going to the college, attending classes, interacting with teachers, chit-chatting with our fellow mates; how granted did we use to take all these things? Just be very honest with yourself, how much did you use to execrate waking up early in the morning, taking a shower, and running off to the college? Missing the beginning of the first class, scheduled at 9 AM, and coming up with a new excuse (for some it might be a reason) every single time. Such were the repercussions of this trend that even the teachers used to be lenient if they had a morning class.
From “I wasn’t well” to “I slept late”, we have heard every possible reason for being late to the first class!
Sometimes with a little change in tone, or sometimes with just a quick laugh, we all made it somehow. In addition, there is something more difficult than coming to class on time; keeping our hands off each other’s lunch boxes. Now you know the deal about millennials. We do not really believe in the concept of breakfast. Therefore, no single lunch box used to survive until the actual lunch break. We use to eat it all in a ten minutes margin between two classes.
Someone – “Hey listen, the lunch box is all empty. You want to go to the canteen or shall we order something?”
For some people, this is like a daily story. The canteen person in our building, Mr. Vijay Chauhan had all happy customers. He has always been polite to us. And please do not tell this to anyone, but he never says no to food loan! Those who did not want to eat; they just went to the most famous tea stall. “Gulab Bhaiya” always welcomed everyone with a smile. I am not a tea person myself, but he also offered coffee. It was good too!
“Hey we have only two classes left do you really want to go back to the class?”
The above text is written in italics but the way someone says it, you would offer everything you have. Seriously, the courage it takes, to attend classes after lunch. Especially on days when the full day was occupied. We really use to plead to the teacher to leave us early, just so we had some time to spend with our friends.
“Look at the sunset! It is so beautiful.”
My college has this huge football ground towards the west side of the campus. Every day, at around half past five in the summers and around five o’clock in winters, one can rest their eyes on this beautiful sight. After seeing the students run around the campus, some happy faces, and some in dilemma, the sun sets in all its glory. On days when there are clouds in the sky, it is just mesmerizing. One can sit there and forget all the tantrums of life.
My college life so far has been like a dream come true. I love the place and the people there. My friends whom I met in college are just awesome. Always ready to help. And the best part is, everyone is good at something or the other, and whenever we work together, we give our best. We complement each other. The faculties have a personal connection with their students. They really understand and guide us.
However, with this Corona pandemic around and lockdown continuing, the million-dollar question is – “How soon will we be back to the campus”? And if yes, will it be the same atmosphere? As of now, standard health protocols are already being enforced. Sanitization of the campus blocks, temperature checks of staff. Visitors are avoided and students are asked to take care of themselves. Will we be able to resume, with the “six feet distance between two students” rule and will there be rotational online and offline classes?
Now the thing is, I miss that place a lot. Even I use to curb all the time, waking up early in the morning and getting ready. However, the situation around the globe is not so good; I now realize what it means. It is not only a place that we go to daily; it can make our dreams come true. I just wish this pandemic ends soon, and we all get a chance to sit in the canteen again, with our friends. I promise I will pay this time!