Returning Once Again
For those of us that keep up with our Astrological Calendars the official last day of summer was September 21. Not that this summer gave us many record breaking days of cloudless skies and scorching suns. Indeed, it was the opposite, relentless grey marauding clouds and intermittent rain caused many of us to reschedule our summer activities and our daily outings. However, I am quite sure it was a stellar summer for those purveyors that were in the business of selling umbrellas and other rain paraphernalia.
As I walked through the SAIT Campus in mid-September I noticed a realignment of some of the old shrubbery (not before time) and that some of our pathways have been re paved. Good timing or coincidence, one may ask as we prepare for the SAIT 100 Years Centennial celebration? Nevertheless, ongoing maintenance of our Institution is always a good thing, both for morale and aesthetic purposes. As I maneuver along my path towards the Burns building, trampling over the early fallen leaves I am promptly brought back to reality that school has begun. Several young students, females, chatting endlessly, voices increasing with each bit of news dispatched, oblivious to anyone or thing in their vicinity, pass me unconcerned. Dressed in their black leggings, and summer sandals, carrying a back pack that has not been quite filled as yet, their excitement is intoxicating. Ascending in the opposite direction was a young man, sporting a pair of camouflage cut offs, a pair of Old Navy flip flops and a Bass Brothers baseball cap and a rather overly large backpack, he shuffles past me like a man on a mission. Hands in his pockets he proceeded unperturbed to the last bastion of Canadian supremacy…Tim Hortons…no doubt for a large double-double and something adorned with cheese.
As I enter the mezzanine in the Burns building I am in awe at the sea of bodies scurrying in different directions. Line ups are ten people deep waiting at the Tim Hortons take out, eyes dissecting the menu board, heads bobbing back and forth impatiently. Conversation varying from -confusing class schedules, unacquainted Instructors, course acronyms and unaccustomed classrooms. Young male eyes explore the terrain, their antennas inconspicuously sensitive to the slightest female look that may come their way. The hallways are peppered with students from various schools, all outfitted in the required uniforms, various groups in blue and black scrubs and several in the EMS uniform. Strutting with much pride through the crowds are the young Chefs from the School of Hospitality and Tourism, proudly displaying their white crisp uniforms and their much envied “chapeaus”. Instructors fill their stainless steel carafes with that much need morning caffeine beverage, extend a gracious smile to colleagues and students alike and ascend toward the elevators and their appropriate floor. Tables are besieged with students, some inhaling the remnants of their breakfasts, others reorganizing their binders, and many displaying their lap-tops and tablets, sharing the latest “vibes “or chuckling at some You-Tube video gone viral. The SAITSA Seconds book store busy servicing student with some last minute materials.
As the clock moves steadily forward to eight o’clock, the mezzanine begins to empty out. Elevators are in full load mode, bodies jammed in like a set of dominos. Many people exit to the stair wells, balancing lap-tops, bags and coffee in their hands. Soon all that is left is the smiling faces of the Tim Horton staff…breathing a sigh of relief that one rush over, but yet there will be more to come. So as I survey the almost empty entresol I remind myself that there is no other entity that I know of that can provide the thrill and the contentment year after year than that of the effervescent halls of SAIT Polytechnic. …welcome back.
James McWilliams
SAFA President