Today we had a break from the frozen tundra we’ve been living in. The weather graciously decided to rise above -32, and the sun was out, which always helps. I was content to go about my day clothed with a light coat and scarf to keep me warm, without being bogged down with my usual 5 layers of sweaters, thermals, hats, scarves, gloves, and galoshes. It also smelled like spring, so that didn’t hurt either. I was very happy with the weather, and I had just eaten a very satisfying sandwich for lunch, so I didn’t particularly mind being rather hopelessly lost looking for Kyle’s office.
I had meandered up and down South Allen Street for a good 10 minutes looking for 242 S Allen before realizing that the building I was actually looking for was 224 (I had accounted for getting lost time when I left for the appointment because I get lost an embarrassingly lot, so I still managed to get there on time). My mistake. I had 242 plugged into my GPS and that took me to the Verizon Building. So I did do a few laps around it looking for an entrance- I can only imagine what the people inside were thinking about me. I tried every door on that god forsaken building. Well, all two of them. Thankfully they were both locked because it would have been mad embarrassing to explain that I was looking for my English professor. Heh.
After realizing my mistake, I re-routed myself and quickly found the right building (The huge and bold printed English Department sign on the door was a nice tip-off. Whoops.) I Walked right by it on my way. So apparently I am both unobservant and incompetent.
Anyways, to get to the point. Sometimes it’s actually nice to get lost somewhere, anywhere. I’m not talking about driving alone at night and happening on some sketchy back road kind of lost, but when you’re walking around in nice weather, and there are plenty of people out and about to make sure you don’t get kidnapped or run into an axe-murderer, it can be pretty nice. I’m never really roundabouts South Allen, so it was interesting to get a chance to explore it, especially because it was warm out for a change. I found out that there’s a public library right up the road, and I finally found the alleged municipal building that houses the farmers market every Friday when it’s too cold to have it outside.
State College is our home for the next three years or so. (side note: it’s weird to think that we’re nearly finished with our freshman year. It’s also exciting, but it’s gone by entirely too fast for my liking) We should be familiar with our surroundings, if only to direct some lost and visiting parent to the Allen Street Grill. So now and again, take the opportunity to wander State College for a little while. Take it in while you can, because we won’t be here forever, and you might regret it if you don’t. Get to know the place you live in, visit the local stores and cafes. Get a taste of what it’s like to be a true Penn Stater, and be glad that you did. Hopefully you can do this on your own initiative and not by mistake like I did, but sometimes mistakes lead to good things.
Or look at it this way: Be like Where’s Waldo. Just make sure you don’t get too lost.