Back at Princeton… Again!

Right now, I am sitting on the floor in the train station in Trenton, New Jersey after visiting Princeton earlier today for the Project 55 Orientation. Although I was only in Princeton, and on campus, for a few hours (from 7:00 pm to 4:00 pm), I had a blast! In fact, it was probably one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in regards to returning to campus as alum! Now how could I say this when I’ve been back for Lawnparties featuring Gym Class Heroes and participated in Quad 2^nd round pickups? Well, for starters, this time was much better than the last (and I won’t go into that situation), but more importantly…

It was nice and simple.

This time around, there were no lunches or dinners to arrange; no MegaBus or SEPTA to take to Philadelphia; no down-time, no shows to attend (although I’ve enjoyed supporting my friends)… this time just me, Project 55 Orientation, and a really meaningful conversation with two people who really understand me and I care about.

First off, I took a 3:15 am train from DC to Trenton (so early). When I arrived in Trenton at 5:43 am, I caught the 606 bus into Princeton just 10 minutes later. At close to 7:00 am, I came onto campus via Fitz-Randolph Gates and walked down to the Wawa for 24 ounces of caffeine. Afterwards, I met S and she let me into a common room where I had the chance to do some PCW work our upcoming event with FBI Director Mueller and a June tour of Italian artwork at the National Gallery of Art.

At 9:45 am, my Princeton Project 55 Fellowship orientation took place in the Friend Center (essentially an engineering related building). In many ways, it felt like a dream; if you told me back in November or even the beginning of March (when we had the #DoOrDieMarch – remember that?) that not only I would be a PP55 Fellow, but I would also be working in April in a position that I enjoy and find challenging - there is no way I would have believed you.  Yet a few hours ago, that’s where I was.

Before the orientation began, I had the opportunity to thank the PP55 and Alumnicorps staff for everything that they’ve done for me as well as catch up with some old friends who are also current/future PP55 Fellows. The orientation itself was great in that it was fast paced and contained a lot of information. I found myself getting along well with the other DC PP55 Fellows and cannot wait to interact with them later in the summer.

Although there were very insightful presentations on health care/taxes, networking, and the “Fellowship experience” given at the orientation, none of them compared to the best part of the orientation: reconnecting with my friend PN.

PN is one of the most compassionate and hardest working folks I know. I learned a lot from him when we were officers together in Sustained Dialogue. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one another, but I we hugged and chatted for a good five minutes or so.  The reason PN was at the PP55 orientation is that he is now one of the key staff on the Alumnicorps team and I’ll be interacting with him on a regular basis during my internship. I’m very happy for my friend because he deserves it, really cares for others, and I cannot think of anyone better to take the post. Also, I’m glad PN is in the fold because if there’s anyone who can relate to my experience over the past year, it’s him.

After the orientation, I headed straight to Quad. The first thing that happens when I walk into the door is that I get big smiles and hugs from KK and CC – quick side note: I hope they don’t mind me saying this, but KK and CC are both absolute sweethearts and wonderful people – it was great to see them! This type of welcome/greeting is something that means a lot to me because it’s nice, simple, and warm. Next, I went upstairs and met up with SO. With the help of some cushions (because the surface was SO warm), we chatted outside on the roof of Quad. Quad has a lot of nice views, but the view from the roof is the best… really beautiful.  Whenever I speak one-on-one with SO, it’s really nice because she’s someone who has known me for a while; I can be myself around her and just relax. And it’s the same way with MR, whom we chatted with on the patio of Quad as she came.

SO, MR, and I spent a good 40 minutes or so on the patio just talking. We chatted about a variety of things, but all-in-all it was great to see them. Without going into details, the three of us caught up and had a thoughtful conversation about life, friendship, and relationships. Regarding the last topic, relationships, it’s interesting to think about how the three of us have evolved and changed our perspectives via different experiences. The events of the past year or so have greatly changed my outlook on relationships, but that’s another story (or blog entry). It was great spending time with SO and MR on a beautiful day outside.  I am so glad that MR is going to be in DC for a while beginning in the summer; I’m envisioning a lot of great summer nights of me, her, and AM just chatting and relaxing on the weekend and after work.

There’s one more really nice thing that happened at Quad: I was able to see and congratulate BC in person on his law school admission – awesome stuff!

(I’m now writing this entry at 3:25 on Sunday morning)

I left Princeton at 4:00 pm and was hungry. Since the last time I visited the Trenton Transit Center a McDonald’s was added. Since I was moderately hungry (needed a little more than a snack, but not a meal), I ordered a McNuggets Mighty Kids Meal at McDonald’s (it’s like a Happy Meal, but for bigger kids). Of course, I only wanted to eat the food and did not need the toy (besides, I have a lot toys already lol – just kidding). I looked around and there was a woman eating a burger with two little boys. I went up to them and asked “excuse me, would one of you like my Happy Meal toy?” The bigger boy just took it J The woman thanked me twice (once then and again when they left). When I was a little kid, one of the most profound memoires I have is of this one time my father and I at a McDonald’s outside of Baltimore. When I got my Happy Meal, the McDonald’s ran out of toys and I was visibly upset. This guy saw me, came over to where we were sitting, and gave me his happy meal toy; this one seemingly small thing made such a big impression upon me. It’s kind of funny how those things happen…

Another funny thing that happened was seeing my friend B (from Princeton and the DC area) waiting for the train back to DC from Trenton. It was excellent fortune that we saw each other and were able to sit together for the duration of the two hour train ride. Hanging out with B on the train was a classic example of the idea that time passes quickly when you’re with good folk or good company. Once again, without going into too much detail, we had the type of nice conversation that you couldn’t have unless you were riding on a train. It was nice to spend time with B and have a great talk.

Just looking back on my day, it was awesome and special in an ordinary way. I didn’t have any big plans, but there were just nice moments spread throughout. I reconnect with old friends and gained some wonderful insights into my PP55 Fellowship.

Anyhow, I need to get some sleep; besides, I have a job now :)