November 21, 2004

The Big Game and Beyond

Considering that this year's Bonfire Rally and Big Game would be my last as an undergraduate at Cal, I had been weary in the weeks past about getting uncharacteristically emotional and depressed after the excitement had worn off. This may seem silly to some, for whom football was never particularly important, but for me, Cal football and our tremendous turn around from the awful 1-10 season freshman year to the nearly undefeated run this year really represents a heavily ingrained part of my college experience - one which I will probably remember long after the lingering memories of classes, professors, and education have subsided.

I had joked with friends that I would be crying at the Bonfire and that someone should bring tissues. Not surprisingly, I did not actually end up crying, but what was surprising was that I was not even really sad. Towards the end, when the band played Hail to California, our Alma Mater, I simply felt strangely contented. Even as we rushed the field after our not-so-amazing victory over Stanfurd (yes, Stanfurd, not Stanford), I did not feel sad or nostalgic or depressed - I was just happy to have ended on a good note.

I suppose my past fears of being emotional after the Big Game stem from my impending graduation and the dramatic change in my life that awaits, but as the time of transition nears, I think I've begun to accept it more. Sure, it won't be the same next year after four years of crying for every loss and cheering for every win, jumping and yelling until my voice is hoarse in the Cal student section, but that does not necessarily mean it is something to be sad about. Perhaps I have had my last game at Memorial Stadium as an undergraduate, but in the coming months, I'll have a lot of lasts as an undergraduate and realistically, it's not worth it to be sad about all of them. College has been a unfathomably awesome experience, and rather than wallow in it's passing, I have decided to revel in its promise. It is an change of attitude that surprises even me, but I guess that's why it is called optimistic cynicism, right?

Plus, there's still basketball season left and maybe the Rose Bowl. I can't wait! In the mean time, check out pictures from the incredibly fun Big Game Pre and Post parties with CalSO.