Temple University Athletics
Travis Manger Blog: May 9
5.9.08 | Football
Senior Travis Manger (Newtown, Pa.) is concluding his academic career at Temple University. Over the next two weeks, the tight end will share his thoughts twice each week about classes ending, final exams, and graduation. His blog will appear each Tuesday and Friday.
May 9, 2008
Study days. What an interesting concept these days are. At least to me. Study days are such a great opportunity to measure up how mature you think you are. They're kind of like final exams in time management. Will you go out and party all night and then sleep all day? Or will you bear down and get all your work and all your studying done? When I was a freshman and study days were new to me, I looked at these days as a chance to go wild, and I did. Fortunately, as I've grown during my college days I've learned to handle my time much more efficiently.
I got lucky this semester in that my finals aren't until Monday and Wednesday, which gives me more study time. I had the option to take one of them this morning, but I didn't feel prepared enough for it, and there's no way I'd go in unprepared. In a couple of days I'm sure I'll be ready. These two finals are all that stand between me and the graduation ceremony; a very good feeling if not for the fact that my last final is in my least favorite class-- a second level science class no less. Let's just say I'm no scientist. It's a general stereotype that journalists don't do math or science well. I help to augment that belief, despite the fact that my Grandpa has a Ph.D. in mathematics.
Besides studying, these past two days have been extremely busy for me for other reasons. I've been running around tying up loose ends and making sure all of my schoolwork and final papers are turned in.
I've also been making sure all of my university paperwork is handed in and any holds on my account are taken care of. Not surprisingly, there's quite a bit of exit meetings and forms to take care of. And I can't forget to take my books back to compliance, either. That would be very detrimental if I didn't!
I've also begun to move things out of my off-campus house. It's always a sad time to be moving out, especially for good. I feel like all I've done in the past year is move in and move out; I've lived in three different places in the past 12 months, not to mention all the people I've helped move, too! This current move out will by far be the toughest due to the sheer volume of stuff my roommates and I have to get rid of. I live with the football equipment managers, and our house has been occupied by the managers for three years now, so it will indeed be a sad day in a couple of weeks. It's affectionately been known as the "Mansion" for a couple of years now. As I'm writing this, I'm concurrently cleaning up in preparation for a little going away party we'll be throwing tonight; just a nice way to say goodbye. The funny thing about it is that not all of my roommates are even attending. My one roommate, Dan, has opted to go home to umpire a little league baseball game instead of attending his own houses's farewell party.
At this point I'm also beginning to look to the future. I spent yesterday printing and filling out adoption forms from a couple German shepherd rescue organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. One or two dogs? I haven't decided yet. But definitely soon. I've grown up with a dog and a cat. It is with deep regret that I tell you that my cat's name is Nittany and that's what I get for being raised in a Penn State family. Ah, I still love her and my parents, even though they went to school there! My parents grew up with multiple dogs and cats, and so have I. I can't wait to have a couple dogs of my own.
Speaking of parents, this coming Sunday is Mother's Day. Hope you all bought your gifts and flowers already! These types of holidays are always frustrating to me. Being a broke college student, buying a nice gift is something I'd like to do, but like I said, I'm broke. One day things will be different, I swear.
Yesterday, I also sat down with my insurance company to look at quotes for a car. My last car's transmission decided to die on me on I-676 during rush hour a couple of years ago, and it would be nice not to repeat that this time around. I'm looking at either a Nissan Xterra or a Jeep Wrangler. Considering a Wrangler is my dream car, and its insurance is $100 less than an Xterra's, I'd say that answers which car I'll be getting. My Dad had one a couple of years ago, and it was the most fun I've ever had driving...until it got totaled.
I got a chance to go home last night. It's so weird for me to go home now. Living in the city for a few years now, that is what I'm accustomed to. I'm used to the bright lights of Geasey Field and the dozens of lights all around campus lighting up my life at all hours of the day and night. Seriously, it was weird to see nothing but pitch blackness outside of my window at home. Let's not even get started on the noise levels either. The only things out and about at night in Newtown are the crickets and foxes. I'll be honest, I'm dreading moving back home like thousands of other college graduates.
On Saturday, I'm heading out to Lancaster to see some of my close friends graduate from Millersville University. I did spend my freshman year there, and I met some incredible people in my time in Lancaster. I feel bad that I haven't seen them in awhile, and it will be great to celebrate with them. After that, I'll be headed back here to Temple to study all day Sunday and through until my finals.
Before I conclude I just want to say one thing, and I urge all of you to say it as well, to my good friend, Adam DiMichele:
Have a great weekend, Owl fans! Until next time: Fight Fight Fight for the Cherry and the White!!!
