After two long years, the steps are so back.

It was a beautifully crisp October afternoon. I was a high-school senior having just finished my tour of Barnard College’s campus. My parents and I lounged on grassy steps between Diana and Milbank, talking and enjoying the view. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the grass was cool beneath my legs. All in all, the perfect afternoon.

Based on this experience (and no other factors), I decided to apply early decision to and attend Barnard. So imagine my dismay when I arrived the following August to find hideous, hulking scaffolding obscuring my beloved steps. 

The two years since that day were hard. With the large, blue makeshift tunnel and the endless sound of drilling, I almost forgot what those grass steps looked like. Every time I walked onto campus, it felt like something was missing. Part of me worried that I would never see them again.

But to my surprise, the construction of the RDSC actually finished before my junior year and stepping back onto campus last week, I was greeted with my wonderful steps once again. Our reunion was nothing short of glorious; I may have teared up at the sight. To anyone who needs to reach me, I will be sitting on the second step from the bottom until further notice (or until the seasons change and I get frostbite).

To anyone in search of a shady spot to recline on Barnard’s campus, look no further. The grassy steps are back, and they are here to stay.

Image via Bwarchives