Observatory Drive brings back memories. My days in Madison as an undergraduate student, and later as a graduate student, flash before my eyes.
It was on Observatory Drive in Madison that I had the opportunity to walk again. Much older, much more experienced, bruised by the challenges in life and gifted with hope—I once again walked on Observatory Drive. With a greater degree of refinement in diplomacy, and yet a lot more outspoken and fearless, I walked steadily on Observatory Drive. With my expectations grounded in reality, and with extraordinary dreams, I found myself on Observatory Drive, once again.
The sun shone bright as I followed the sidewalk and proceeded towards an intersection. I looked around and saw campus buildings. I recalled being hungry for knowledge, and that hunger has only intensified over time. It is a form of hunger that cannot be satisfied, for one can never stop learning. From my days as a student to the present day, my journey on the path to wisdom continues. And walking, once again, on Observatory Drive strengthened my will to explore, discover, and learn more about the world we live in and to know my own self.
From Observatory Drive, one can see the lake—Mendota. A glorious lake with a mighty shoreline. I fell in love with Lake Mendota when I first saw it, and I have been in love ever since.
Observatory Drive—it is called. One must always observe—the peaceful trees, the free birds, the clouds in the sky, and the great Bascom Hall. One must also observe the movement of people—from one end of Observatory Drive to another. Because by observing the movement—to and fro—one may be able to understand the significance of the passage of time.
Many years have passed since the day I first found myself on Observatory Drive. Even after all these years, I find it delightful to be there.
