Blame It On Texas

Students and staff at Texas A&M- this one is for you.

Each fall we had new students arrive on campus. We would find upperclassmen to help the students transition into the university. A mentor, an orientation counselor, a peer instructor...it occurred to me today that this idea could be beneficial to life in general.

Today I headed to Eltham Leisure Center to participate in a group fitness class (Body Pump for those of you who go to Gold's Gym). I sat there outside of the classroom wondering where the equipment in the room was (I would later find out it was hidden in closets). I asked one of the ladies sitting if she could let me know where it all was. Straight forward. She answered. Not really a conversation.

I walked into the class and got all of my equipment out and set up in the back of the classroom. I watched others in the class chat and talk about life; many of them knew one another and seemed to have play dates set up afterwards with their children. It was the first time I felt extremely lonely and homesick. I was sad that I had not a single familiar face or a friend. And then the realization hit me of the fact that I really don't have friends here outside of those I have through Paul (which are mostly the family and who have been helpful). I missed my friends back in Texas who would understand my lingo and understand my desire to chat like a proud Texan. The people in the class seemed to look at me oddly, as though we were back in high school and I was not at the cool kids table. My Adidas gear certainly fit in, but my Texas A&M sweatshirt did not. Regardless, when the music started I knew what would happen next because the Body Pump classes are standard across the world. So, at that point in time I had a bit of familiarity. It did not stop me however from considering the fact that what I was going through is very similar to what our university students go through each fall when they arrive as new fish on the campus. Scared, lonely, unfamiliar with the lingo and worried to say much for fear of offending someone. But then they get into their classes and clubs and start learning and hopefully meet one person who will help them along. Perhaps those who are still working at the university will take what I say into consideration and remember what a difference a friendly hello (or howdy) can make and just what one simple statement of "I can help you" means. I can personally tell the students and staff at Texas A&M that I would certainly appreciate a mentor, orientation counselor, DG leader, peer instructor, or tutor to help, but that is not how life works. I wonder if you all back at Texas A&M will feel bad for me and think about how I perhaps helped you find your way at some point. Don't. That is not why I wrote this. I can take care of myself and will figure things out. But I wanted to take time and reflect on this so that you all will know that I understand just how much the fish will fully appreciate your help and guidance when the fall semester comes around.

And by the way- after class I drove home. My arms and legs were sore but I was determined to do something to make me feel in control of my situation. One day, I intend to find a way to help others moving to this area become familiar with their surroundings.

Now- to those who will understand me when I say this:

Blame it on Texas.
Don't blame it on me.
I am what I am, and that's who I'm gonna be.
You can say what you want to say, about my insanity.
Blame it on Texas.
Don't blame it on me.
-Mark Chestnutt