Coffeehouse Realizations

As a semester abroad approaches, a junior reflects on the nature of change.

By Mia Huerta '25
Date

I write this in Wiggin Street Coffee on the cusp of finals week with little stress in my mind, for once. This is my first semester where I’m nearly done with all my finals before the hectic week even begins, and I’m relishing the calm chaos that surrounds me. There is a certain pleasure that comes from enjoying the Christmas music that softly plays in the coffeehouse rather than rushing to put on chunky headphones to drown out the noise. I’ve finally been feeling settled at Kenyon in the last month– a realization that was both comforting and frustrating.

Only a couple of weeks ago I was sitting at home with my parents, days before Thanksgiving, grumbling about how I felt my fall had been going. I had just gotten used to my fall semester at Kenyon. Finally, I felt adjusted, settled, and happy with my daily life only to see the end of it so close in sight. While some of my friends were irked to come back to campus at all after break, I was scared of the reality of leaving for the next one. 

“Someone very wise once told me that if you’re feeling overly comfortable doing one thing or in one place, that usually means that change is the best thing coming your way.”

Mia Huerta '25

In my last article, I admit to my unease with change, but months later I didn’t think I’d be confessing to this all over again. Even looking back on my fall semester, things feel different, from how I walk to class to how I now hold myself in those classes. More than anything, I’ve realized that fall in Gambier held less of its transformative power than usual this year. While I still revel in the autumnal glow of Middle Path foliage in the early October mornings, something was missing. The touch of early college excitement hadn’t exactly fizzled away, but it was building towards something unnameable. Something new. I’d complained about the impending changes in my routines without realizing my need for them.

Someone very wise once told me that if you’re feeling overly comfortable doing one thing or in one place, that usually means that change is the best thing coming your way. And last Saturday as I sat in Wiggins with my friends, I had a small moment of this realization. I was finally taking a breath after working on a thirteen page English paper for the whole week and while surrounded by hanging red and green ornaments with a peppermint mocha in hand, had my first (of many I’m sure) mini freak-out over the fact that I’m leaving the country. For once, since the summer, I felt completely devoid of fear, instead filled with warm jitters and a thrill for the future.

I see great change on my horizon, and I’m proud to leave Kenyon momentarily to run straight at it. It’ll be a sad goodbye, but I know I can count on my return next fall to be as comforting and full of growth as I’ve known my falls on the hill to be. I think when I get to Bath I’ll just have to find a new staple cozy coffeehouse. Until then, see you soon Kenyon…