Dear D-hall,
Since the moment I stepped foot on this campus, you welcomed me with open arms. Your blueberry muffins and chocolate chip pancakes immediately reminded me of home. Your indistinguishable and ambiguous scent is reminiscent of my high school cafeteria, where I spent many hours. Yet, your best quality is the people. Many of my friendships have been made and fostered within the walls of Elrod Commons.
Each morning of first semester, I met my dear friend Palmer to prepare for our dreaded Econ 101 class. There, we would review our notes in anticipation of weekly quizzes and bond over our shared hatred. And, although my stomach literally did somersaults at the thought of marginal cost curves, the yogurt parfaits and Cinnamon Toast Crunch often calmed me down.
And each afternoon, I join Lilly for lunch where we debrief about the day’s interactions, complaining about homework and rejoicing in the upcoming weekend festivities. Here, I get a moment to relax with a friend who feels like family before I have to rush to the next meeting, office hours, or class. I treasure these lunches because no matter how hard a day was, it always gives me something to look forward to.
The best times D-hall has to offer, however, are Saturday mornings. The key is to show up in old sweats, or even better, your comfiest pajamas. Make sure to snag a table in the back, best for people watching. Then, enjoy the endless options offered during D-hall brunch and the even more endless laughs while recounting the previous night. Fresh omelets and fluffy crepes. Hushed conversations in the booths, smiling and saying hello to each face you pass. I’m only a sophomore, but I have a feeling these mornings are what I’m going to miss most following graduation, where time stays still and everything is perfectly imperfect.
This is not a goodbye, but rather a see you later. We are becoming a long-distance couple now, which brings its own set of challenges. Yes, you will be farther and we won’t have the privilege of late-night dates at Co-op. But, knowing us, we can make it through anything (even your heartbreaking move to Evans Hall).
I’ll call often, and who knows, maybe even write more love letters. Until then, I hope you know how much of an impact you’ve had on my experience at Washington and Lee thus far. Tour guides may ignore you and students may quickly pass you by, but I know you are the backbone of this university. Without you, we would all have to face the fate of microwave ramen and pizza bites. Who wants that?! Not me for sure, which is why I will always stick by your side, no matter what.
Till we meet again,
Georgia