Cosmo Connections, May 2006

The Joys of Summer at Cosmo

by Young Jae Lee


Out of nowhere a strange, loud sound struck me suddenly. “Wait. It's not just strange. Rather, it seems like somebody is bombing.” With my head, which still visualizes me playing in the dreamland, I got up at lightning speed and dashed to the origin of the sound. Then, I knocked out the sound. So, the sound has disappeared. After when my sleepy head cuts off the dreamy scene, I realized that the sound was my alarm clock telling me “it is time for me to wake up and go to the class.” Without a delay, I glanced at the red number on the electronic black screen and the window in front of myself. Then, I would see the tree wearing full of green leaves under the sunny sky.

This is my typical routine in the morning during the summer session. Those who have visited the Cosmopolitan House may already know that there are many windows at the house, and they are pretty big—I should mention everything is big in the house including the house itself. Because the city of Champaign is not only located at 40.11639 degrees of latitude, but also placed inland, the weather is usually severe and cold. However, because of its geographical position, the summer in Champaign is more beautiful than any other place! Of course, during the summer time, it is hot outside; however, because it is not humid, the Discomfort Index is not high as other cities.

Although Cosmo may lose some of its energetic atmosphere during the summer session since not many people are around at the campus—there is no coffee hour in the summer to begin with—sitting and relaxing outside at the quiet backyard of the Cosmopolitan House under the clear blue sky is one of the joys and privileges for the residents. Moreover, because the weather is great, residents sometimes can do the small barbeque party (exclusive fun for residents with close friends only). This small house party is truly enjoyable with an everlasting international environment and fireflies—the elegance of summer—that play their dances on the yard.

If I did not live in the Cosmopolitan House, I can dare to say I would have no chance to see the fireflies in my eyes; nor, would I like the summer season. (Summer had been my least favorite season out of four before I came to the Cosmo.)

Because of these pleasures, I love staying in Champaign in the summer. Of course, that is if I am at the Cosmo, needless to say.

Young Jae Lee will take her CPA exam this year and has been co-house manager at Cosmo House for the past year. She also is a proficient pianist.


Continue to the next article.
Return to the Cosmo Connections May 2006 contents page.
Return to the Cosmopolitan Club home page.