A Walk To Remember

Molly Cotjanle

A Walk To Remember

My favorite college memory serves as a great reminder of the simple things in life. My freshman year was tainted by the COVID-19 pandemic along with the rules and regulations implemented by my university. After staying on campus for the entirety of the year, meeting new people, creating memories, and learning new things each day, I was still lonely.

On the last night of my freshman year, my friend and I went on a walk to discuss our year. I truly could not believe that was it. I was left with the thought, “That’s all?” and felt as if much of what I had worked for had been for nothing. I was leaving the next day to go back home, apply for a summer job, and live a quiet and boring life–the opposite of what I was used to. I was disappointed. At this point, my friend and I were not too sure of our futures. We were not sure if our friendships would remain the same and questioned who would be in our lives going forward. After surviving a global pandemic, all while attending school and making the most of our time, we had beaten the odds. We had done the impossible, yet we were still consumed by the little things. We were still 19 years old and wondering “Do my friends like me?” The innocence of our conversation always reminds me of how resilient our class has become. Overnight we adapted and made the most of our time. Yet, in all our growth we were still young people trying to find our place in the world. Trying to fit in, while simultaneously trying to stay alive and keep those around us safe and healthy. I think back to this moment often not because it was the most impactful moment of my college experience, but rather because it was one of the more meaningless ones. It was a conversation filled with innocence amidst chaos and it was a night filled with disappointment rather than celebration. My friend and I have taken many walks since then, yet no conversation will explore such a simple and innocent concept during a time of total unrest.

Molly Cotjanle is from Hamden, Connecticut. She is a member of Fairfield University’s Class of 2024 and is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing and Business Analytics. Molly hopes to pursue a career centered around market research and to improve the conditions of consumers in whatever way that may be.

Writing and sharing stories are two of Molly’s favorite pastimes. She believes that when we share, we learn not only about ourselves but each other. Molly hopes others can relate to and find a part of themselves within what she has shared.