In the sleepy west of the woody east
is a valley full, full o’ pioneer
we’re not just kids, to say the least
we got ideas to us that’s dear
like capitalist, like communist
like lots of things you’ve heard about
and redneckers they get us pissed
and stupid stuff it makes us shout
— “UMass,” The Pixies
On Sunday, May 25, 1997 I graduated Cum Laude from UMass with a B.A. in Journalism (one or two classes short of a B.A. in Economics as well, incidentally). It poured rain for the first time in 20 years and and the ceremony was cut short. Mike Barnicle spoke. We drank champagne. We laughed. We cheered. We got soaking wet. It was amazing. It is probably one of the 5 best days of my life.
Today I am so filled with bittersweet nostalgia. I loved UMass. I still do. Ten years. Wow.
Here’s a photo of me from graduation day with my partner-in-crime, KP (I know you’re reading!!!), who graduated one year after me. I don’t think my time at UMass would have been anywhere near as great if it hadn’t been for her. She was always there to make me laugh (and God, how much laughing did we do? I swear I had such great abs back then because laughing gave them such a great workout). She was always there when I needed to cry (even if it was 3 in the morning). We totally rocked Orchard Hill! Thanks for all the great memories, KP. Even though I am not the greatest about keeping in touch, I still don’t know what I’d do without you.
It’s unreal to think about how much has changed since then, and also how much as stayed the same, and even some things that have come full circle. Life’s crazy. And I love it.
That’s *really* sweet what you said about K.P. That’s the way that I feel ~ so many memories, good times, laughs, craziness. Cool pictures!