Encircled by the Appalachian Mountains and girdled by the Hocking River these natural boundaries act like a moat that protects the land from outside intention. The landscape sets a tone for the “bubble” that is created here. Those who enter this land are immediately overwhelmed by a sense of calm and political moderation that can only be present in a swing state. Some reside for the beautiful nature, others for the picturesque Uptown, but most simply for the atmosphere. Drawn by its masonic structures, blooming cherry blossoms and promises of front page access (we’ve got a good journalism school), the young and able flock to the educational assemblage known as Ohio University. It was opening weekend and the cars were loaded. Caravans of both returning and prospective students were en-route southward bound with dreams of glory and debauchery. Immersed in the river of cars were the alumni. We are those who have studied and proven merit, cried and conquered, danced and fested and we were returning, returning to see the people and places that we missed dearly. Upon arrival I began to reminisce of my initial visit to this wonderful place. From my very first step onto those brick streets I knew I was in a place that would be part of my life forever. I could feel the echoes of those who had come before ripple through my core. The anticipation of making my own rumbles that would extend into the unforeseeable future. I did not know what my major would be (maybe business?), where the Alpha Epsilon Pi house was (Jewography search) or who my friends would be (everyone I knew was attending OSU), but it did not matter. All that I knew is that it felt right, it felt comfortable, and it felt like home. For those of you who are not informed about this mythical place, it has a few reputations, many true, and others simply incorrect. Some know it as the No. 1 party school in the nation, Dirty Hippy Disney World, Harvard on the Hocking, or “The place that has a crazy Halloween celebration.” To some, those terms can be offensive and I have heard many alumni (mostly older) discuss how the reputation damages the degrees that they have earned. However, I see it differently. Athens is a place for radicals. Those who love to love and must experience all to its highest degree. I lived a bipolar lifestyle that included massive mud-wrestling-enthused music events as well as late-night team meetings and presentation preparation. I worked restlessly and woke up contemptuously. When all projects were done and we had presented our Powerpoint, we celebrated the way we did everything else, with vigor. In the Athens fashion, I wandered the streets that I had come to know so well. I ventured into old stomping grounds and was welcomed by 50-cent cheese sticks and smiling faces. I had fallen into the rhythm of Athens.
I caught up with old friends, and at night boogied in that OU, Oh Yeah way. I watched flocks of freshmen frolic into the fraternal fray.
I saw an inebriated newbie get her Big Mama’s burrito stolen, by a horse, in a perfect Athens display.
I held those who I care for more every single day, and in the morning, it was sad, but by the end of the day, I had to be on my way. With some embraces I left my wolf pack OU, be ready for the next time “this guy” is back.
No matter where you are, there is always a time when one must leave and head toward larger things. One must not forget what helped make them who they are nor should they be restrained by that fact.
Jason Schuster is a 2013 OU alumnus who studied marketing and received his sales certificate.
