I am writing this article between classes. My next class is at 5. It's now 4:15. Better leave in 10 minutes to make it to class on time :^)
1. Having to leave 30 minutes before your class starts just to make it on time.
Especially when it comes to morning classes, leaving earlier means getting up earlier too.
2. Feeling like you've wasted half your life waiting for the bus.
Checking the time every 2 minutes and trying to calculate how late you're going to be. I'm still waiting. A-line, wya???
3. Trying not to lose your balance while standing while riding.
Standing in a moving vehicle is a lot harder than you would expect. Gotta be prepared for the buses sharp turns and stops! Hang onto those hand rails! I've seen a girl swing a full 360 while hanging on to a hand rail once.
4. The moment of dread when you’re on an already packed bus and you see how many more people have to get on.
No, please don't get on... You think to yourself. It's not natural for so many people to be in such a tight space... (The busy times are generally 15 minutes before class starts.)
5. Listening to KUCI.
I've heard everything from social justice for children to Studio Ghibli music to how to care for household plants effectively.
6. Your favorite app.
I had refused to get the app for the longest time, however I recently downloaded it. It has made my life so much easier. Solid life changer. Everyone who takes the bus should get it. Zot zot.
7. Running to catch the bus.
When you see the bus just sitting there and can't tell if it's about to leave or not. Constantly muttering under your breath, "Wait for me!!!" And then you realize your main source of exercise comes from running to catch the bus after you make it on. The M-line is notorious for not waiting (from experience).
8. Spending 50% of your time wishing you didn't live so far away when you miss the bus and have to walk.
We walk a lonely road. Deciding whether to wait or walk, one of the biggest decisions you make everyday. I once had to run to my final because I missed the bus. Faster, legs! Not to mention showing up to class sweaty and out of breath. Why is it so hard to concentrate after physical activity??
9. Forgetting to pull the yellow cord and missing your stop.
One minute you're happily on your phone riding home, the next, you're taking a full tour of the entire bus route. #shouldhavebeenpayingattention #regrets
10. That moment when someone with a car offers to drive you home.
"What are you talking about? I'll just take the bus home. I love public transportation!" - Said no one ever. Bless those kind and generous souls with cars.
I have so many struggles when it comes to taking the bus. So much in fact, that I am definitely moving next year.
But, at the end of the day, I'm still grateful that despite living far from campus, I still have a way to get home that does not involve walking. Gotta love those buses.