Okay, okay, so being abroad is perfect and wonderful in every way, but sometimes a girl just misses the comforts of home. In this case, I'm talking about my home on hawk hill. In the past few months, I've come to realize that what you miss the most when you leave the country is the little things, the everyday stuff that you never even thought about while you were there. But suddenly it's gone, and everything is different.
Of course, it's not really "gone," at least not forever. It's only taking a break, like me. But the thing about missing something is that it makes the reunion that much sweeter. So here's to you SJU, and all the little things you have to offer. I'll see you in December bae.
1. Einstein’s Bagels
Did you know that bagels aren't really even a thing in Italy? I certainly didn't. What I do know is that there is nothing better in the world than getting a bagel and a coffee from Einstein's on your way to class. And the fact that you can start your day with an egg bagel, continue later with a bagel sandwich, then finish off with some fantastic bagel-based desert item? Flawless.
2. Club Lib
Right, so who actually misses a library? Well, maybe it's not the studying that I miss so much as the experience. Sure, I've reached some of my lows in that building, but I've always come out alive, at least mostly. Maybe it's not exactly love, but there is some sort of mutual respect relationship there. Plus, I know all the special, super secret study locations, and the comfiest chairs. It's like home, just with more books, and a whole lot more crying.
3. Free Period
Ah free period, the one block of time that you are guaranteed to never actually be free. Whatever you end up doing though, you can't deny that there is always something going down during this time. I miss the predictable unpredictability, the world of possibilities filled with people running around to whatever various club meeting they have that day. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 just aren't the same.
4. The Dunkin/ Starbucks Sweet Spot
Okay, so this one cuts deep. Let me just tell you that there are no Starbucks OR Dunkin Doughnuts in Rome. What I wouldn't give to have that impossible choice between an iced coffee at Dunkin or a frappachino at Starbucks after class, only to realize that it doesn't really matter anyway because you can always just get the other drink the next day. Because they are right next to each other. Seriously kids, appreciate this while you have it. We truly are living in a golden age.
5. Philadelphia
This one might not technically be an SJU exclusive, but I do think that it is an important part of any true hawk experience. From the good parts to the bad, Philly has an energy like no other. I miss the skyscrapers and the cheesesteaks. Good god, I even miss Septa. There are some beautiful cities across Europe, but none of them move in the exact same way as Philly does. Plus, none of them even try to offer free Dunkin after an Eagles win. Most likely because they don't have any Dunkin. Yes, I'm still upset about the Dunkin.
6. Hawk wraps
So a lot of this list is food, but honestly it makes sense because I think about American food all the damn time. And hawk wraps? What a shining example of American food. From the chicken to the wrap, all the way to the pure heaven that is hawk sauce, these babies are as close to perfection as we are ever going to get. Seriously, go have one right now. Do it for me.
7. Campion
I end this list with one of the most crucial parts of any college experience, the dining hall. Yes, campion has its issues, but it also has omelets. Sure it's loud and crowded, but some of my best memories are from being a part of that noise. From the fishbowl to the pasta line and beyond, everything that the light touches is our kingdom. It might not be much, but it's our place. That, and it has Wawa coffee. So go grab your friends and raise a glass of that weirdly good orange juice for me. Remember, you're in a great place.
