As you might have already figured out, I’m a sucker for fall in New England. I’m also a sucker for reunions. Well, it just so happens that this past weekend, I was lucky enough to have both! I made the trip from DC to Boston for my alma mater’s homecoming and alumnae softball game (aka old lady game). I have to admit I still get those back-to-school jitters when I head back for homecoming. The thought of seeing old friends. The feeling that I should be buying new school supplies. Putting together cute fall outfits. It’s almost feels like Christmas morning to me.
The weekend got off to a rocky start with a five hour delay at the airport. It got rough a few hours into the delay. I ended up laying across three seats, using my bag as a pillow, and creating a makeshift bed for myself. Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of this creation. Needless to say it necessary.
Note: This is not me, and I am not Tom Hanks.
Despite arriving in Boston around midnight, I managed to wake up at a reasonable hour the next day and eagerly headed over to Wellesley. Coffee probably helped. The brisk fall air certainly woke me up as well. Although, I don’t think I was fully prepared for just how windy that day would be. I wore a dress that blew up Marilyn Monroe style at the slightest gust. I may have given some people a free show. I’m over it. It happens.
Travel and wardrobe issues aside, my favorite part of the weekend was getting back on the softball field with my teammates; just like the good ol’ days. It seems like only yesterday we were all running around that field. I’ve noticed as I get older that I really value the time I get to spend with old friends. I mean we don’t all live down the hall from each other anymore. We’ve all moved on and are travelling down our own paths. A lot has happened since then. The funny thing is that when we step on that field, it doesn’t matter where we’ve been or how long it has been since we’ve seen each other. We pick up right where we left off; like no time has passed.
I think there’s something about Wellesley that has made me love traditions. Not just the ones you experience while you’re there, but the ones that will be with you forever. I heard another alum say that once you’re a Wellesley woman, you’re a Wellesley woman for life. It’s a comforting thought to know that no matter where we are, a single weekend can bring us all together again. For me, homecoming isn’t just another visit to campus, it’s about coming home.
