Davis — a boring, beautiful, brilliant place
By NOAH HARRIS — features@theaggie.org
I’ve been looking at a blank google document for long enough, so I should probably start writing some words on this paper. The words below might be a tad overdramatic for this year’s Senior Issue.
I chose to come to UC Davis in large part, because it was flat. I am not joking. That was at least 25% of the reason I am at this university.
It’s been a good four years here. I’ve had some good moments, and a decent amount of not-so-good moments. For the most part, it’s been a pattern of monotony. Davis is a small place, and it didn’t take long until I’d explored everywhere I wanted to in Davis. Starting in my second year, I stopped exploring. For a long time, monotony took over. My day-to-day life wouldn’t change much, and I stopped getting excited about Davis. I hope that others can escape the monotony faster than I did.
I’ve made some stupid decisions since I started first-year orientation in 2021. However, the stupidest one is often forgetting to realize the beauty in this small, boring, beautiful university town. I’ve spent most of my time at Davis not noticing how wonderful it is. When I do notice, it always astounds me. We live in such a beautiful place. For the last few months, I’ve tried to take a breath and appreciate this campus and city. Some thoughts on what I’ve noticed:
The Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and the fact that few people visit is an absolute shame. Also, there should be more restrooms at the Arboretum, but that’s irrelevant in the context of this writing.
Downtown is gorgeous. I didn’t realize how lucky I was to go to a university that was connected to downtown.
When my parents visit Davis, I’m able to gain a new perspective and appreciation for the place I live in.
The California Aggie has been a wonderful part of my life this year, and I unofficially nominate Zoey Mortazavi for the head of The Aggie next year, because she’s brilliant. It’s quite fun writing without the need for journalistic integrity for once, but I don’t think we need opinion writers at The Aggie.
I’m not sure how I’ll feel when I leave. There will be some people I will never see again, which is sad — but it’s also life.
It’s been a pleasure to call UC Davis home for the last four years. I know that when I leave, some tiny part of me will stay behind, stuck in the past, and that I will never be the same, for better or worse.
I shed a tear when I was accepted to this school. Perhaps I’ll shed one when I leave.
Written by: Noah Harris — features@theaggie.org
