Kate Peifer (The Beacon)
By Kate Peifer, Staff Commentary
Come winter break, every student was eager to sell his or her books back and prepare for a long relaxing break away from The Bluff. Everyone that is except myself. Not that I wasn't ready for surplus down time and Christmas cheer, but it was bittersweet.
I had a hard time saying goodbye to friends I look forward to seeing everyday. And, this time around, I said goodbye to several friends for several months, as they embarked on foreign journeys.
Also, being the geek I am, I thoroughly enjoy a planned schedule of learning, working and weekend shenanigans. But alas, I sold my books back and hopped on a plane to prepare for a long break ... and I'm glad I did.
The merriest Christmas of all was spent with family in California, where the beach was my go-to destination. On my way to Capitola, I waited in line behind a man and a woman I assumed was his girlfriend, to pay for parking. When he turned around, I recognized the UP student and smiled at this serendipitous occurrence. For the remainder of the day, I ran into my fellow Pilot, acting as a perfect gentleman towards his date. Might I say, it was UP class at its finest.
Next, I headed back to the Pacific Northwest to stay with a friend in the San Juan Islands. On our way to Portland, we made a quick stop at the Seattle mall. It was there I came across yet another UP student hard at work on the day before New Years Eve.
Although swamped with fitting room requests and clothing exchanges, she took the time to stop and chat with me about my break and share about hers as well. The hectic chaos surrounding us didn't distract her from speaking with me and wishing me a Happy New Years. What a first rate Pilot!
Then finally, my ears perked up as I heard a broadcaster on the Today Show introduce UP alum, Tarra McCurdy. She inquired about internship opportunities on live television, showing the initiative Pilots take in their success.
If I were to travel to a far away country, odds are I'd run into another, if not multiple, UP students and alumni and strike conversation about the marvelous sights, sounds and tastes of our foreign experiences.
So next time I see you on campus, in your hometown, on television or traveling the world, let your purple flag wave proudly because odds are, it has something to do with the cultivated individual you are today.
