The end of 2023 draws to a close as we welcome the unknown of 2024. Take a moment to applaud yourself because, despite it all, you made it. You invested countless hours, and what do you have to show for it? Well, this article is a souvenir to carry into the new year. As VALLEY reflects on the time spent in Happy Valley, remember that these accumulated hours transform into joyous experiences.
Campus Wrapped
This semester has been a whirlwind, particularly if you endured 50 hours of being told by your advisor that you won’t graduate on time. You might see the light at the end of the tunnel if you cram in 30 more credits! Amidst these trials, the tears couldn’t be held in as you strolled past the Willard Preacher 32,000 times! Somehow he never loses his charm in that red hoodie.
Navigating the 8,000 acres of Penn State’s campus leads many to opt for the bus. And that’s what you did. You waited 1,500 minutes full of anticipation for the White Loop, missing it each time. Did you have a campus highlight this year? Did you find yourself queuing for hours post-football ticket disappointment or perhaps relying on your friend’s attendance code after oversleeping for that 9 a.m. class? Maybe the pinnacle of your campus experience was standing strong for 46 hours at THON or eagerly counting down to VALLEY ’32.
Weekend Wrapped
With the stress that campus life brings, we can find joy in downtown living. You most likely found yourself stuck in the line chaos of Doggie, grappling with the dilemma of whether shots or LineLeap will be the downfall of your bank account. Flash forward to tallying a tremendous 25 hours waiting in line, your mind inevitably drifts back to your situationship.
Your friends remind you that you’ve spent 11,000 minutes this year dedicated to convincing them to go to Pman’s to “run into” your situationship. Don’t worry, everyone’s been there!
When nights wind down, the late-night munchies strike and lo and behold, you find yourself indulging in a $150 feast at El Jefe’s. And for the 800th time, you have no regrets! Just as you sink into the cloud-like comfort of your bed, the morning jolts you awake for a game day.
Amidst the wardrobe crisis, you make it out of the apartment in time to rally. This year, the quest for your friend’s parent’s tailgate has become a familiar cycle. After 250 hours and swearing it’s located in Lot 12, your friend group makes it against the odds.
Relationship Wrapped
Navigating love in your college years is a fickle thing. You told yourself this would be the year you escaped the situationship phase. You spent 26,000 minutes on Tinder only to be met with the worst pickup lines. You might start thinking that your ex wasn’t so bad. On top of that, you dedicated a whooping 9,000 minutes searching for a formal date! Your final contestants were your roommate or the guy who texts you to come over at 2 a.m.
Time slips away
Were these hours wasted? Absolutely not. Another year embraced is a stepping stone to the person you are becoming. With growth comes change, and with change comes growth. Despite the lingering thought that you are accomplishing too little, you might be oblivious to the truth that you are doing well. As 2023 ends, relish the joy of the hours spent and cherish the company you spent it with. Whether you are embarking on the journey of post-grad or staying for another year, VALLEY hopes you can look back at the pivotal hours that shaped your life.
What does your 2023 “wrapped” encompass? Let us know by tweeting us @VALLEYmag on X!
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