One of the things I’ve noticed most about living on campus is that it has totally reinvigorated me. Not that I was lifeless before (I wasn’t at all), but in the past six months I’ve felt a increased sense of youthfulness and enhanced mindfulness in my living that is definitely noticeable. It is almost like you cannot help but become more energetic and enthusiastic about life when you’re surrounded by young people who are just absolutely thriving. The experience of living on campus is fully immersive; we are literally immersed in the lifeworld of hundreds of young adults just overflowing with energy and enthusiasm. It is contagious.
On Saturday night Braydon and I went to an A Capella Invitational on campus (while the bambinos stayed home with a babysitter). We both have always loved college a cappella groups. There is something about a college a cappella group performance that makes it just impossible for me to not grin ear-to-ear the entire time I’m watching/listening. I know that in reality these kids’ lives are complex, confusing, and often very troubled (believe me, I know that now more than ever). But watching them on the stage, with nothing but a microphone and themselves and each other, just belting it out, usually with huge smiles on their faces… well, I’m just a sucker for that. It just seems like the best version of them. I can’t help but love it.
So, Braydon and I loved every second of that concert. When it was over my face hurt from smiling so hard. They did a grand finale where all four of Lehigh’s competitive a cappella groups got together for one big song. The song, and the entire scene of those kids all singing it together, has been stuck in my head and heart ever since. It was captivating. How can this sort of energy not be contagious?! This is one of the reasons that we just love living on campus!
I love college a cappella but unfortunately never sang well enough to be in one! Thanks for sharing the video. Also I’ve loved reading about your transition to campus. I think it would be a really neat way to grow up and has a lot of positives. And it sounds like it was the right choice for you guys.
Wonderful!! How can you watch this and not have a smile on your face?
Question: What do your faculty peers ask you about, Heather? What do they think of your living arrangements?
Idea: When you talk about this lively living environment, all within walking distance, full of opportunity to see arts and sports teams, makes me think college campuses would be such a great environment for retirees to take advantage of these connections!
Gave me goosebumps. Acapella was one of the most magical things about college for me!