A Stroll Through the Past
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A few weeks ago I visited my old alma mater, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. I have to say, it was a surprisingly profound experience; far more so than I would have expected. In fact, it so moved me that it’s taken a while to assimilate the experience.
I started my college education at this university back in 1972, although I’ve always regreted not completing my degrees there. (There’s a little more about that story in my post, The Pain and the Prize.) As a student, I was a proud member of the 300-strong Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, which at that time meant I was by default also in the Corps of Cadets, a semi-military ROTC organization (it stands for Reserve Officers Training Corps – many ROTC graduates signed up as officers in the military Reserves upon graduation).
Now, at Texas A&M, all members of the Corps live in remarkably ugly four-story dormitories located in an area called the Quad. During my visit, the most remarkable thing to me is how little the Quad has changed. In 35 years, the only obvious difference is the trees are bigger.
But the strangest part of my stroll through the Quad came when I took a moment to stop and lean against one of the beautiful (and now much larger) oak trees that lined the sidewalks. It was extremely quiet – even the street noises faded away, and there was literally no one in sight.
After a few moments, it seemed as if time itself had slowed to a halt, like I was suddenly in that old movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still. And here’s where it got weird. As I stood there reminiscing about the folks I knew back then and the times I had spent near this very spot – for a few moments, I could almost see them walking by.
For that brief time, it felt like I was actually there, in the past. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. Very, very strange, it was.
To be honest, I still haven’t figured it out. I mean, what’s the take-away, the lesson here? I can’t help but feel like there’s something, but I can’t quite get a grasp on it. So today I’m going to do something a bit different; I’d like to ask you for your thoughts.
Imagine we’re visiting over a cup of coffee. What would you say?
Yes, I’m aware that every person will likely read this story differently, and that’s OK; different viewpoints are just what I need. So if you have any advice or thoughts, I would love to hear them. Hey, how often do you get a chance to play analyst?
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11 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
“I wish we were visiting over a beer.”
Actually, I’d probably say something along the lines of: “we learn from a very early age that time is linear, and some of us unlearn it as the years go by.” Not that I’m doing much time traveling, but I’ve seen the future at times (because I wrote down stuff that made no sense at the time, but made complete sense some months later). That’s about all the philosophizing I’ve got in me today. See, I told you we should have had a beer.
Cheers,
Mike
Well, I don’t drink, Mike, but I certainly appreciate the sentiment. Thanks!
Perhaps a sasparilla then! That’s a good Texas tradition! Or Blue Bell Ice Cream. I hear the ‘little creamery in Brenham’ has about 2 million sq ft under roof these days.
Hey, Mike, NOW yer talkin’! There ain’t nothin’ like a root beer float with Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream!
I tell you, I’ve travelled all over, and still haven’t found a better ice cream anywhere!
I’d say, “Whoop! I didn’t know you were an Aggie!” Class of ‘97, sir. I lived in Fowler near northgate and made the pilgrimmage last Spring with my kids. Good times.
Howdy, Mark - yeah, there were some good times there. I can’t believe how much the ol’ campus has grown, though. Back when I was a student, Kyle Field was still just a dinky stadium. It’s humongous now. Oh, and Whoop! back at ya’!
Sweet post, this one, Robert.
I’ve had similar experiences, of a sort.
And I think part of the deal here is just to sit with it and not force the meaning out of it… it will come.
There are experiences (profound ones) that I had back in 93/94 that I am still digging the meaning out of… and well, 14 or so years later I’m getting clarity.
I don’t mean to over-profundify (!) my point, except to say that you can’t for these kinds of revelations.
Strange how the human spirit works, isn’t it?!
-Alister
Hey, welcome, Alistair! Yes, I think I know what you mean. In fact, it gave me a great post idea.
There are times when trying to ‘force’ meaning out of something before it’s time is a mistake. I think this might be one of those times.
Thanks for the input! Y’all come back, y’hear!
Hmmm, Robert, I d say or ask…is this where the bonfire goes?
Ok, I am from the UPPER Midwest, although I was stationed in Wichita Falls one time. Ugh.
~best, GL HOFFMAN, Jobdig, Minneapolis
http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds
what would dad say
(this time he doesnt have much original to say–sorry!)
Howdy, GL! The UPPER Midwest, eh? Brrrr! But I’ve been to Wichita Falls, too, and I agree with your assessment…
No, the bonfire
iswas on the southern side of campus in a large open area that is now a parking lot. *sigh*[...] few weeks ago I wrote about a visit to my old Alma Mater, Texas A&M University. There were two things that amazed me the most. First was how much the [...]