The city is at war. One-way streets become battle grounds for the inexperienced.
The cobblestone roads, pretty houses and student-spoiled dorms are nice enough to stop anyone in their tracks, but the truth of the matter is that this city takes some getting used to. The stacked highways and short stoplights might seem overwhelming at first, but think of it as a test from Tampa Bay itself: if you can handle this happy medium of a town, you could learn to fall in love over and over again.
Tampa, to me, is like a glorified banking district. But The University of Tampa, placed smack dab in the heart and soul of downtown, could be anyone’s ideal setting. Beyond the residence halls and minarets lies a world full of wonders. The little gems of Tampa give it a special place in my heart because Tampa caters to us all.
I (an extremely indecisive student) prefer used bookstores one day and obnoxious dance clubs the next. But my good friend prefers bar-hopping on inconvenient weekdays and sports events whenever they are available.The good thing about attending UT is not just its educational components, but its convenient placement.
One thing I adore, for example, is my study break options. I have local coffeehouses, the Rathskeller (right below Plant Hall), cafes, bookstores, shopping centers, arenas, bars, restaurants and theme parks all within a short distance from the school.
But one place in particular that I think a lot of students take for granted is Plant Park. It is a public park placed right in front of Plant Hall, right across from the Tampa Museum of Art and its notorious “art park.”
I consider such options as rewards for getting an “A” on a paper or for making it to class when my eyes refuse to open.
Like all normal stressed-out students, I often find the need to relax and unwind. Being cooped up in a classroom all day takes its toll on my body, so I love a good read beneath a Riverside tree. Call me a strange, but I believe that UT slowly changed me and became my new home.
During freshman year I was an out of control, barely motivated, overly excited girl overdosing on freedom. The realization that I was living life on my own terms was a temporary heaven. I, like many others, jumped into a taxi on day one with a handful of strangers and danced the night away from Thursday night to Sunday morning—leaving myself just enough time to recuperate in time for class on Monday.
I was awestruck by the bright lights of Ybor, fascinated with the strip on Howard, and got lost every other day when I drove.
Now as a senior, I spend my days in the Vaughn Courtyard socializing, taking power-naps between classes and studying my nights away. With a new reality check in tow, I’ve reorganized my priorities and found a way to stay alive and content within a battle against myself and my new environment.
Tampa is the city I fell in love with, but UT is the school that made it that much easier to find my passion and drive within a somewhat intimidating area. It’s a good thing I’m a Spartan.