Here is what I wrote about my experience: (the assignment is to be in rain for over an hour, make note of where the water goes, and connect thoughts to my major - go Maia for creating amazing assignments!)
Without having the intention to do so, I sat in the rain for
over an hour sitting listening to live music and talking to friends. My
attention was not focusing on the water coming from the sky or where it was
going but I was very aware of the beauty of so many people sitting listening to music in the rain. As the rain hardened some people
started to pack up to leave but they waited until the end of the song to leave; many
stayed. Some folks had umbrellas while other folks sat with nothing
between them and the rain. In this scenario I was noticing the people – I study
people, I am amazed by people, I am astounded by people. This was a good
experience that reminded me that people are good, patient, dedicated to what
they like, and how supportive community can be.
I started sitting in the (wet) grass with Molly as it was
drizzling. I did not notice how much it was raining until I looked down and saw dots on my shorts from all the spots rain had hit. We had talked about it, but we
were loving it not at all bashing it. I was aware of different reactions and ‘solutions’
to the rain (I am wondering now if that is why not many Guilford students were
there, or if the reason was because it is the first Saturday on campus.) I
found a good group of people. We sat in the rain listening to music and dancing
in our spots in the wet grass until the band stopped then we sat in a circle in
the grass and talked for another hour or so. Just as the band was ending the
sun came out and the rain stopped. The band narrator thanked everyone for
withstanding ‘the elements’ and sticking around to support them. This pushed a
little button in me – while a speaker would say something if it was really hot,
a presenter probably wouldn't think to mention ‘the elements’ unless it was
raining, snowing or very sunny. I think that is strange how people categorize things
like that. It reminded me of my friend (who is director of the semester program
I did in California before college, Tom is in his 50s) whenever he knows rain
is on the way he jokingly says ‘weather is coming!’ I love hearing different
approaches to weather – what is good? What is bad? Etc.
That is what I typed without much thought (and then one quick read through late at night,) but I am pretty proud if it and glad I connected the dots.
Rachel, Lucas, Eli,
Justin, and I hung out (hopefully the first of many nights!) It started when I saw Lucas sitting alone and told him
where I was sitting if he wanted to join – I ended up joining him when ‘my
people’ left. Rachel joined. The music continued then ended. We stayed sitting
in the grass in a circle talking for over an hour and ended up exploring the
woods (being aware of spider webs) and heading to the meadows to scope out a
spot to sleep. We stayed together visiting till just before midnight, exchanged
phone numbers, and decided to sleep outside tomorrow together in the meadows J
Life is good.
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