Everyone has been trickling away from the house. Person by person they’ve said their farewells and left – gone after four and a half months of friendship and living together. Every night was like a sleepover at a friends’ place. We had parties for Halloween, parties for peoples’ birthdays, parties for kicks, parties for footballs games.

Tonight we had a party for leaving. My leaving.

In another three days I will cancel my meal-plan, I will pack up my room and I will sign a termination letter. Then I will leave. It is a very real possibility that I will never be back to Berkeley, or see the people that made Berkeley such a great place, again. I contrast this to my experience of leaving for America that day – I can still remember everything. It was a sunny Tuesday - I practically skipped out of the barracks door and haven’t thought of it fondly since.

They gave me a gift, my house-mates. A blanket with the Golden Bear on it. It’s magnificent, and it’s without question the best thing I have ever been given by friends. I can’t imagine being half as pleased with something from the Massey Student store – Cal is something special, even for a temporary visitor.

Here in Berkeley is Westminster House, and here the others will be back, most of them. I won’t be, but I wish them every success. This was a sappy post, but hey – I won’t get another chance. Later I might be in New York, or San Diageo, or various places in between, but I’ll remember that I’m a Golden Bear, and that Golden Bears from Cal are the sweetest creatures on the planet.

Go Bears.

written by  Crosswood on December 15, 2007 from Berkeley, United States
from the travel blog: New Zealand Student, American University.
Send a Compliment

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I'm sorry that you couldn't stay at Berkeley for longer. It seemed like you found your spiritual and intellectual home.
Most of my best friends were made when I went to polytech many years ago and now all those people are scattered over the world, mostly in Sydney and even though we don't keep in constant contact, every now and then there are visits and phone calls or even emails and distance and time do not matter. A richness of experience and memories are never erased.

written by  Donna Cross on December 16, 2007

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I think we have proven that email keeps you in touch. Also that you belong in university. Also that you are very likable.

Also i am selfishly glad that i'm going to see you soon

written by  Rebecca Harris on December 16, 2007

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you know margie, I know I want you home (quite badly!) but i am very sorry you couldnt stay longer. Berkley was an awesome place for you, and if you think about it, your leaving while the partys still on! This means you will only really have good memories of the place (and for that you are obviously greatful). You will stay in touch with the people there if you want to. You can see that with andy and our family. Its been yeeears since he left but the friendship between our families has still lasted a heck of a long time. enjoy every second of your remaining time there-Im sure you will! :D xxx

written by  annabel harris on December 17, 2007

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So when do you actually get back and are you going to be around in Wellington for a while before heading back north?

Melanie

written by  Melanie on December 17, 2007

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Is it time for you to be leaving already? - hardly seems as if you have left NZ. I have admired how you have made the most of the opportunites that you have been presented with - what a great experience to launch into the next stage from
Lots of love

written by  Juliet on December 18, 2007

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