Thursday Nachos – Jo Cox

I belong in this crowded, bustling canteen, queuing with my friends,
mouth watering in anticipation of melted cheese on crispy nachos.
Our Thursday tradition, necessary fuel for a long day of lectures. My
eyes roam the room and I pinch myself. I’m here, I’m really doing
it! The university student I never thought I could be, shoulder to
shoulder with friends that I already know are for life.

I love this moment each week, a reliable reprieve in a day packed with
variety; favourite lectures, favourite lecturers, and not-so favourites
too. We put the world to rights, moaning about the upcoming and
much dreaded presentations, comparing notes on essay progress,
catching up on gossip, offering encouragement and belief to nourish
each other. We soak it all in, keen to make the most of every moment,
the perspective of mature students who know how quickly these
years will pass.

I don’t remember much about the learning, the lectures, the essays.
But I can close my eyes and be transported back to that university
canteen on a Thursday, can hear the chatter, the clatter, can taste
those delicious, hard-worked-for nachos, can feel the joy of friendship
and adventure alive in my body…