Less than two weeks...

The exams have begun, which officially means we can count the number of days that remain before we bid adieu to three years of college and familiar faces. Some will come back. Some won't. Some have left us permanently. But the memories will linger -happy, sad, tearful, bitter, nostalgic.

There have always been complaints of an unfulfilled college experience. Stories of co-education and a real college 'life' seem a vague memory now; they used to be the centre point of discussion before. Some may call it a 'life-changing' event. And they may be right. Perspectives have changed; beliefs shattered; risks taken; relationships forged - on what basis? The eager 17 year old has now metamorphosed into a young adult of 20.

Expectations remain the same; a new city awaits; a new life; a new beginning; a new society; a new place. But home remains the same. I'll deviate towards you forever.


Two more months and then everything changes. Lines will blur, faces will dim and strangers will emerge. Home turns to a haunt and what was a vacation might turn into a fixture. What was constant might become temporary. Isn't this what life is? Yes and no. What if I enjoy the pleasures of predictability and monotony? Would I be lying to myself? What if, suddenly, the prospects of leaving home make me want to cry like a new born baby? Would I be adjusting to second best? What if...? What if...?

All these shackles would be broken in less than two weeks. Life altering decisions would be concluded in less than two weeks. Exams end in less than two weeks. Friends will part in less than two weeks. Families bid adieu in less than two weeks. Girls mature into ladies in less than two weeks. Students become employees in less than two weeks -

But in the end, nothing matters, if, in less than two weeks, all I do is, miss everything...

So, you miss it too huh?

08/EC/06
Department of Economics.

An identity initially hated. A tag that was unwanted. A name that was not mine. A burden unasked for.

A person I hardly recognise. A string that let me pass. A name I'd call my own. A task I'd willingly do.

Hourly attendance. Gate pass. Sick leave. On-duty. Professors. Deans. Principal. 2000 strangers.

Free hours. Trickery. Mass bunking. Professors. Students' Union. Friends. 2000 people.

What will be, I don't know. Two and a half years, detachment. 365 days, routine. Summer vacation, vary. Start of term, when will it end?

What was, growing up. 365 days, expectant. Almost three years, friendships. Summer vacation, break. Start of term, last year!

Stella Maris College, 2008-2011