That’s not my school!

“Hey, that’s not my school!” There’s no connection for me anymore!” We’re the statements as we drove around the campus early Sunday morning. During our 2022 Valentine’s Day road trip, Ursula and I decided to visit Prairie View A&M University, where we first met. It had been over 25 years, and this would be a time to reflect, reminisce, and remember fond memories we shared as college sweethearts. But as we approached the entrance, it became clear the campus we so remember was gone. Gone were the roads that ran through the school, gone were the buildings we studied in, gone were the dorms we occupied, and gone was the football field where I practiced and played. Don’t get me wrong; it was exciting and a privilege to see the change and transformation of the school we once attended. But for a moment, we wanted the past, the good, the bad, and the ugly of our old campus, the one we remembered, the one we walked on, the dorms we stayed in, and the field I played on. Looking back, I realize that the old campus still exists, the roads still run through, the dorms are still standing, and the old football field is still there. It’s through the memories and the stories that we share. Ursula, thanks for the stories and the memories! 😘😍🥰💋❤️- John (Panda) 🐼