As I’ve puttered my way through the last semester of my senior year, I’ve found that every distraction has heightened and my motivation is lacking.
There’s the occasional burst of energy, sparking a few hours of study and administrative genius, but it’s generally caffeine related and short-lived. Nearly everything this year has seemed monotonous and really just a means to an end, but as winter turns into spring and the weather hits high sixties and seventies, I’ve suddenly felt my blood pumping.
Each year when everyone gets excited for fall and football, I begin to cringe, knowing that football and autumn leaves are just the calm before the storm. Football always ends, leading to a generally disappointing basketball season and inexplicably cold, wet and generally dreary winter days.
Only when the skies clear and the sun beams down on the amphitheater do I begin to feel the buildup of winter stress melting off my shoulders. I feel the call of the outdoors, and what better way to enjoy them than by enjoying the many sports that accompany the season?
As sports editor, I find it unbelievable that I get paid to do something I love. When weather.com reads 65 degrees in Knoxville, planting in me an instant craving for softball, tennis, baseball and even the occasional rowing or golf outing, I don’t stop to think. I drop by the Beacon, pick up my credentials and head to the nearest athletic event. It’s a win-win situation.
Sitting in Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Sherri Parker Lee Stadium or Barksdale Stadium and taking in a day of sports couldn’t be more refreshing. The games, the fans, the competition, the athletes and the venues could not create a more refreshing environment. There are days when my soul just screams for the outdoors, to just get away from the books and the computer and the office and enjoy a break, some time to get away and enjoy the simple things.
Thankfully, I have an outlet for these cravings.
But these activities aren’t limited to me.
Pull out your VolCard and take a break. There’s plenty for all of us and there’s no denying we need a break. Just walk through Hodges Library. Students sitting at desks, craning their necks, building tension and working to crank out whatever paper, project or speech they have to have in by Friday.
Imagine the beauty of taking the night off, eating some Cracker Jacks and enjoying some of America’s favorite pastimes. Who knows, it might even help clear your mind to figure out that last math assignment.
— Lauren Kittrell is a senior in journalism and electronic media. She can be reached at [email protected].
