People say Disney World is the happiest place on Earth, and while I have no intention of offending Mickey Mouse, those people are plain wrong. Any Bobcat, past or present, will tell you it’s right here on these bricks. Ohio University in Athens is truly the “happiest place on Earth.”
Last weekend, I was out with my friends, and we discussed this notion with an alumnus after he graciously bought us a round of drinks at our favorite bar, C.I. Even though we had never met before, we talked about how OU is, hands down, the best place to be.
Missing this place will never leave a Bobcat.
Even though I had my heart set on another school, the smiles and joy I found while walking along Court Street during my prospective student tour solidified my decision. Everyone was genuinely happy here. OU felt like home the moment I set foot on this campus – the foothills were welcoming me to where my heart has always rested.
My freshman year, I joined the Post, and my senior year self can’t thank the journalists surrounding me enough for giving me, an education major with a passion for writing, a chance to sit at your table. It has been a privilege to learn and work alongside such talented people.
In my sophomore year, I joined the C.A.R.E. program (with an all-female cohort), and through long days and carpools, I found my passion for education and became part of the Athens community beyond campus. I was welcomed into Federal Hocking with open arms and found mentors and lifelong role models that I will never forget.
This year, I got to spend every day with my seventh graders. To my students, it has truly been a gift to teach you, and I will hold every single one of you in my heart. You will always be my first class of students. I hope I never forget your infectious laughs and genuine care. You have made even the hard days fun and lifted my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. I will brag about you forever and miss you greatly.
Don’t get me wrong, these bricks are not always happy – I have been miserable and drained (ask my sophomore year version of myself), and the impending doom of senior year ending has been a topic since the first day I arrived.
It’s one I’ve been stressed about, cried and worried about a great deal. In fact, we lovingly refer to it as the g-word in my house. Mainly, I’ve avoided the thought of graduating because how are you supposed to leave the happiest place on Earth?
The path between Jefferson and the end of East Green by Tiffin Hall, seeing Caamp at Casa Nueva with my best friends, nights spent drowned in laughter in my RiverPark living room: I hope I never forget the pure joy of walking anywhere on this campus, seeing college life unfold and knowing that nothing will ever be as carefree as being a college student in Athens, Ohio.
Luckily for me, I have been blessed to cross paths with not only experiences, but amazing people, too. To my partner in crime, Daphne, thank you. Your energy is contagious, and I am so glad you chose me to be your Assistant Editor and friend. Thank you, Ann. I will miss teaching with you every second. You are truly the best role model a girl could ask for. And to Rowan, thank you for being the truest of friends and the kind of teacher I strive to become; you are a gift.
To Kristin Distel, Joseph McLaughlin, Linda Rice, Elizabeth Hendrickson and Bill Elasky, thank you for showing me what it means to be a good educator and a good person. You have made my academic spaces feel like home and inspired me greatly. I love you all.
To Jill, Kirsten and Lauren, my Mill girls, thank you for becoming my family and my roommates for the past three years. My biggest and best memories are with you, and I can’t fathom leaving you three. To Ali, Suzie, Raina and Ashley, thank you for the endless laughter and memories I wish I could freeze in time. It wouldn’t have been hOUme without you. I hope I have you all by my side for life.
And to my family for supporting me every step of the way. Specifically, my mom for every word of encouragement and good morning text.
I’m notoriously awful at goodbyes and wish so badly I could rewind the clock and do it all again. I don’t want to leave, not now, not ever, but I will leave knowing that Athens will always be home, and the “Happiest place on Earth” to me.
OU, I will sing your praises forever, and I can’t wait to be the alumnus who never stops talking about how Athens changed my life. Thank you for the best four years.
Clara is a senior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Clara about their column? Email them at cl125221@ohio.edu.
