Don’t get me wrong: I’m enjoying college life as much as the next girl. It’s great being surrounded by people, 24/7, who are as immature as I am. When else can you have spontaneous dance parties at 3 a.m. or stay up late reading Cosmo sex tips aloud to your giggling girlfriends? However, there comes a point in a female college student’s life when she yearns for something beyond the 18 through 22-age demography, a little variety. She wants contact with children, animals — heck, even old people, just for a change of pace.
So if you, like me, want to break up the constant presence of your peers with some much missed outside-world contact, try some of these places and opportunities where you can find some kiddies, some puppies or the elderly.
Volunteer
The Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) and Evanston Animal Shelter are always looking for volunteers to work the shelter and facilitate pet adoptions. If you miss your dog or kitty, this is a great way to get back in touch with some non-human companionship in Evanston, because, well, the squirrels here don’t quite cut it. Even if you don’t have the time to volunteer, drop by just to visit, but beware those beseeching puppy eyes that plead “Take me home!” I doubt your CA would appreciate a dog, no matter how cute, running around your floor.
If you’d rather be around people, the McGaw YMCA offers a range of volunteer programs that involve assisting people of all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens. The programs include tutoring, dancing, swimming and other sports and fitness activities. Similarly, the North Suburban Area Project (a branch of the Chicago Area Project) is looking for volunteers to tutor at this non-profit organization that offers free homework and study help to anyone (fifth grade through high school, that is) who needs it.
And finally, the Senior Connections program organized by Reba Place Church “pairs isolated seniors with community volunteers for companionship and activities.” If you’re looking for an ongoing, friendly relationship with someone who has more to talk about than parties and studying, this could be your source.
Go to the park
While it’s great to commiserate with fellow college student cynics, sometimes it’s just necessary to get away and bask in the vitality of youth. Being around children brings you back to those early and innocent carefree years spent frolicking through life — the good ol’ days. And, they are just so damn cute. For a reminder of the simplicity of life, take your homework to the park. The ambient sound of children playing and laughing will be, I’m sure, a welcome change.
There are several parks within walking distance of campus that feature children’s playgrounds. Try Leahy Park on Lincoln and Ridge, Philbrick Park on Sherman and Gaffield, Lawson Park on Sheridan and Clinton, Raymond Park on Lake and Chicago, or Tallmadge Park, which is east of Ridge and west of the CTA station between Noyes and Colfax. Bring some reading, soak up the happiness and, perhaps, even join in on the fun.
Whether it’s through community service, a visit to the animal shelter or studying (the kids) at the playground, there are ways to escape the world of underage drinking and adolescent shenanigans that comes with college life. Don’t forget about the universe outside our little bubble.