As I stand three stories high, gazing out at the pristine landscape below, I begin to view LMU from a whole new angle. I can now see the campus from above. I’m invigorated with a feeling of power, looking down at the grounds that I have so frequently trodden, and realizing that I am walking these grounds as a college senior. There will no longer be undergraduate students above me in rank. I realize at this very moment in time that I have quite literally, ascended to the top.
I had this moment of contemplation the Sunday before my senior year of college began, while standing on the third-floor balcony of the brand new Life Sciences Building. I had gone to the bookstore to pick up the last of my school supplies and decided I had better peruse the awe-striking structure before the hustle and bustle of the new academic year sets in.
Even from the outside, the building is very impressive. I’ve never seen a building quite like it before. It has a modern and sophisticated look to it with appendages that make it aesthetically unique. From the moment I entered the doors of the building, it was abundantly clear to me that every single aspect of the design was precisely calibrated and purposeful. Right away, I was struck by the interior design. The vibrantly colored furniture gave the interior a warm, provocative feel – almost as if it was meant to heighten your senses upon entry.
I felt like a giddy child getting to explore a new playground for the first time (and I’m not even a science major!). I found myself peeking in the windows of all the lab rooms, sitting in the furniture as I walked by, touching nearly everything I was allowed to, fascinated by room after room of high-tech equipment. I was unable to tame my curiosity and the more I saw, the more impressed I became. The last place I discovered was the outdoor lounge area on the third floor. The view from up there was stunning to say the least (you can see the Hollywood sign on clear days) and as I looked out at the bustling city, I marveled at the ingenuity of the architects who designed the amazing structure.
I really did feel lucky that day to be able to attend LMU. For the first time in my life, I was slightly jealous of science majors. Even though I will probably never have class in there, I don’t think I’ll ever forget what it felt like to walk through those halls for the first time. I was completely overwhelmed with curiosity, wonder, and awe. After that, I couldn’t wait to begin my final year of college, eager to enjoy being at the top of the science building, top of the social hierarchy, and what felt like the top of the world.