Word on the Street? Groundhogs are in.

This semester, there’s been a lot of change in my life. I came back to Oberlin from an unpredictable summer, entered new classes and a new year, as well as some new organizations on campus and new jobs. Needless to say, social life can often be in flux at the beginning of a year as well. But throughout all of the pains and pleasures of adjusting to my home away from home, there has been one consistent thread of golden, brilliant joy in my life since returning to campus…groundhogs. 

To explain, this semester my roommate and I have made the move from our beloved former dorm on the center of campus, Dascomb, to the peaceful and elegant North Quad dorm, Burton. Burton is an old brick building overlooking a long green field that culminates in the glassy facade of the Science Center library (my favorite study spot). It does have a very unfortunate lack of AC, but otherwise, my roommate and I were quite happy with our placement (we will surely be even happier once it cools down a bit here). 

So picture this. It’s one of those weekday mornings where I wake up early to do a little homework before the day truly gets into the swing of things. I’m on my lofted bed, reading, when I look out of the window and to my surprise suddenly see a brown bulbous mass scurry behind a tree. I stare in shock for a few seconds before calling my roommate over and asking her to keep an eye out with me. Sure enough, when the bundle of mystery next moves, she turns to me and says, “oh, it’s a groundhog.”

I’d never seen a groundhog before.

Looking closer still, I saw there were two! One was blonde, and the other was a grayish brown. I became instantly attached. I may have taken many, many blurry photos of the little guys.

Since then, I’ve discovered that there are at least four separate groundhogs that lurk around the Burton courtyard in the morning! Three brown ones, who I call “the Brunos” and the blonde one, “Blondie.” One of the Brunos and Blondie are definitely in a relationship, by the way. Eating acorns that close to each other? Dead giveaway. 

Anyways, before I get way too deep into describing the social behaviors of these adorable rodents who I observe at least three or four times a week now, the point I want to make here is not actually about groundhogs, it’s about transition back into school life at Oberlin. 

Even though it’s definitely chaotic and sometimes overwhelming, it can also be really wonderful to connect with what makes this space special and feel grateful for being here. For me, that’s being around greenery and nature in my everyday life here in Ohio in a way that I can’t be at home. I love these little groundhogs because they allow me to do just that--take a step back, feel a little delight, and appreciate the particular joys of being right here, right now. 

If you’re going through a stressful, tumultuous time, I also encourage you to find presence and enjoyment in nature and the unique joys of your surroundings. Best of luck, and wishing everyone a little peace and relaxation this month!