Windbreakers, Leggings, and Birkenstocks

It’s October first and a chilly fall evening in Winona; the leaves are turning into the vibrant yellows and warm browns that bring one last splash of beauty before the city is painted in white. The day was damp, the kind of cold that chills you to the bone, with rain falling on and off across the pavement on campus. I’m ill prepared in my windbreaker, leggings, and Birkenstocks, and had to stay inside the heated buildings for as long as I possibly could before sprinting to my car that, by the grace of god, I managed to parallel park on the first try just a few blocks off campus.

 After sitting in my car silently praising the man who created seat heaters I spent a few hours mentoring at a local middle school. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I almost feel selfish because sometimes I feel the experience benefits me so much more than the student I’m mentoring. It teaches me patience and understanding, it shows me how to listen, it separates me from my busy schedule, and reminds me that every stage of life brings its joys and difficulties.  We often forget that in 7^th grade 7^th grade was difficult, that freshman year of high school was nerve wracking, and so on. Its important to be able to have empathy for the people going through those stages of life, because when you were there that’s what you expected from others too.

I finished the night off with hot orchard tea, and catching up with my other half, Greta. Its amazing to me how life can give you friends that replicate and compliment yourself in a way you didn’t think was possible. I am forever in debt to my Freshman Year Spanish class 5 semesters ago for introducing me to her because she is truly a blessing. Thank you for always being there with your peace signs, smiling face, and advice Greta! I love you for it J