5 Years…It’s not that long, right?
Wrong! Well, at least in my case when you return to your Alma Mater after 5 years.
Elon University: The land of Biscuttville, never being in a rush, perfectly manicured lawns, an extremely high squirrel population and of course where I spent the best 4 years of my life.
I have to admit, I was on the fence about returning for Homecoming to the place I called home after being away for so long. I was worried it would have changed too much and the southern charm that I loved would not be there. My mind was made up and I booked my ticket when I found out a few friends were going that I had not seen since graduation.
I went from JFK (loud and pushy) to Raleigh-Durham (calm and sweet) in a short one hour and ten minute flight. I quickly remembered why I love North Carolina so much. I met up with friends and we decided to take a car ride down memory lane. This is when I found out how much can change in 5 years.
Gone was my freshman and sophomore year dormitory that were old and had no air-conditioning, but at the time seemed wonderful since my parents weren’t there. Gone was our favorite restaurant that served the legendary “killer cookie”. Gone was the bookstore, 4 rows of select Elon merchandise and a few books. I don’t want to forget to mention that the highlight of my junior year was the Target that opened a mile away. Five years later – two new malls!
Let’s talk about the bookstore – now a two story Barnes and Noble with all the Elon gear you never thought could exist. This mega store boasts the only escalator in the County! That’s right, we also took a video riding this illustrious escalator. They have also replaced my old “charming” dorms with fancy brick buildings that probably have air-conditioning and maybe even washer and dryers. Lucky kids!
Please don’t think I am complaining. Yes, I may be a little bitter that the current students get the new and improved Elon but I’m sure when they come back in 5 years they will have the same reaction. In the end, I am proud to say that I graduated from such an up and coming school and that it’s only getting better. I did notice two significant things that have not changed. They are the southern charm and the wonderful friendships I made. I’m pretty sure those things will never change no matter how many years go by.
Here’s a link to Elon's website that outlines some of the changes I saw (and the many more to come).
