University of the Ozarks is a small quaint school that sits atop a hill in Clarksville, AR. The school is the size of a small high school (if that) and is full of vibrant eccentric professors and students alike. It was a school that I would have never pictured that I would chose, but I followed my love for soccer and that landed me smack dab on the campus of Ozarks.
I spent four years at that place, four years in which I grew as a person, developed values and discipline, learned to stand up for what I believe in, and found out what it really means to "burn the midnight oil." This school changed me and I can contribute the person/student that I am today to this place and the individuals who inhabit the campus. Speaking of individuals, let me go off onto a tangent.
The Nieces. Enough said right there. All you have to do is say their name to anyone who has ever stepped foot on the Campus of U of O and you get an instantaneous reaction. Their face will light up and no doubt they have a story to tell. Dr. Rick Niece and his wife Sheree are the President and First Lady of this University and have been for about the last fifteen years. I have never in my life been made to feel so welcome and loved, especially at school. The Nieces have always refereed to any student as their children and wow, do that back that statement up. From Super-Bowl parties, Christmas cookie bakes, to showing up when someone is particular, I will not name names (myself), wrecked her car on campus. They are at every game, every play, and almost every single event that takes place on campus. I spent four years of my life getting to know this amazing couple and even to this day I cannot get over their generosity and commitment to every student that has entered their home on the campus of U of O.
This year will be the last year that the Nieces reside at 415 N. College Ave. It's is time for retirement I suppose, I mean those two young birds have at least another 20 - 30 years of running this school. They are the reason why I went back for my alumni weekend, one last chance to give them both a hug and express my gratitude for everything they have done for me. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Niece and Sheree, for the lessons they taught me, along with the love they showed me, you can't put a price on that.
This alumni weekend was one that will not soon be forgotten. I have never been one who looks forward to reunions or alumni get-togethers, I don't even feel old enough to call myself an alum. But this one was different. I am amazed that I even got to go, I had been looking forward to this one, when ALL of my plans fell through. I had no where to stay, was going to have to make the drive alone and then I got a phone call late at night from none other than, Hydro and Kurt explaining that not coming was out of the question and that I had a place to stay. These two are a riot and so much fun! I forgot how much I've missed them.
I drove down to C'ville Friday night, met up with the science majors and our beloved professor Dr. C for dinner and trips down memory lane. It was like no time had passed, so many laughs! I can't even tell you the number of times I heard "hey! remember when...". Then onto the guys' house.
A night of catching up, laughing, and talking. I still can't believe it has been two years since I saw everyone, and since I had been back for a visit. 5:30 am is the time I finally went to bed. Let's just say trying to get up for my alumni game was not the easiest thing. Ha. I heard Kurt's alarm going off from the living room and decided that I should finally drag myself out of bed. Three snoozes later and I finally snuck out the backdoor and moseyed over to the soccer fields.
I was NOT in anyway prepared for this game. My fitness is mediocre at best, I haven't played a real game since I graduated...two years of no soccer and then a full-time match, ahhh. I made it ten minutes in and was gasping for air. Getting old sucks. I even got to the point during the game that I wouldn't chase people, so instead I would hit them. Shoulder nudge, heel clips, jersey pulls, tripping. I've still got that skill. Ha. That game was brutal on the body, I'm still sore from it, but it was great to be back with the girls I played with.
After the game, ate lunch with some old pals, saw the Nieces and was able to catch up, which was amazing! Watched the men's alumni game, went out for snow cones, and spent the rest of the night hanging out...and eating far too much ice cream.
This weekend was amazing! I could not have asked for a better time with better friends. I just wish it hadn't have been so short. I am so thankful for the people I have in my life, and I will do better to keep in touch with people. Going back to Ozarks was like going home. My heart is full and my smile is huge. Oh how I've missed it.
