Don't get me wrong, I am a strong supporter of the greyhound bus system, in fact if they had a loyalty reward system, I would be a gold card holder. As one of their most frequent riders for holidays or weekends, it is here where I spend my time, six hours each way to be specific, contemplating life and "people watching" from my window seat on this glorious vessel. Only being allowed to ride the bus home, instead of driving with other normal college students-- for safety reasons of course (shoutout mom & dad), instilled in me a surprising amount of confidence, humility, and patience. Although I will never admit to saying any of these sayings myself... I cannot say that it didn't happen...I will just never admit to it.

1. “Is this worth waking up at 7 a.m. on Saturday Morning?”

probably not.

2. “This can't be that bad…”

Six hours on a hot bus with thirty strangers, a built in bathroom with little ventilation, and the bus driver’s weird music selection on the loud speakers—talk about a party!!

3. “Do I look stupid hauling this overpacked suitcase down college hill to the most inconvenient bus station ever?”

Yes, of course I do...

4. “I hope someone I know is on this bus”

But I know I won’t because all the normal people DRIVE home with their FRIENDS. (*cough *cough, thanks, mom and dad)

5. “I go to a typically happy, outgoing, average-sized state school and yet I have never seen such a random and sad looking mix of people before.”

We are all just trying to make through these next six hours together

6.“I don’t really want to sit with anyone except for that one really cute boy who I have never seen before today.”

**Smiles and flirts from a distance wearing no makeup, an oversized designated travel sweatshirt, and unbrushed hair**

7. “…and then there’s that one weird kid you met at a party once and now she is throwing elbows trying to sit next to you”

Thanks but on second thought, I just want to listen to my music and sleep instead.

8. “I wonder if I could get my own seat.”

**Ends up sitting by the one kid that smells like fish**

9. “This kid just fell asleep on my shoulder…what do I do?”

Let him sleep, or kindly nudge him…oh… he’s starting to drool…ok cool.

10. “Good thing I charged my phone for this...”

But six hours on a bus with no service wont get ya much.

11. “This would be so much more fun is I drove home with friends like every other student does”

The Expectation:

My Reality:

12. “So what if I have to go to the bathroom? There is no way I am making that long walk down the aisle to the bathroom at the end of the bus.”

Whatever you do not make eye contact… we all know what you’re about to do in there. I wonder how long I can go breathing through my mouth.

13. Just keep thinking about the end goal… Home.

Shopping, a queen sized bed, home-cooked food, CABLE...we are treated like kings at here.

14. *pulling up to the bus stop at home* “Yes it's happening!! okay stay calm”

Hold it in. You can't let you mom know you missed her too much or you'll never hear the end of it.

15. "Oh god, I have to do this over again when the break is over (and probably for the rest of my life, until my parents finally realize I am 20)."

*sheds a single tear*