Ready or not, here comes the fall

Today was the last peaceful day I’ll have at work for awhile. Not that my job will change much, but everything surrounding me will. I walked campus, already noticing a slight increase in traffic. Tomorrow is the day the students come back. I’ll be surrounded by all sorts of people: bored returning students looking for a welcome back party, fresh-faced kids leaving home for the first time, harried parents dropping off their pride and joy, and even more harried professors typing up a syllabus at the last minute. I always enjoy the quietness and solitude of the summer months. It’s nice to wander through campus in full bloom. It’s almost like sleeping – there’s a dormancy happening, and we’re taking a rest. Then fall comes in with a rush of energy. There’s always something happening. The sidewalks are full of students rushing off to somewhere. It’s time to get back to the business of teaching and learning.