Entry #3 / 11th June 2022
As the workday on Saturday drew to a close, it was unanimously decided that we would be heading out for the night to the neighbouring city of White Plains. Since we were given the Sunday off to relax, it was the perfect opportunity for most people to explore the alcoholic drinks of America.
Meh. I first thought in response to the murmurings of going on a night out, but pushed those feelings aside. The whole point of this experience was to push me out of my comfort zone, to socialise, and let my hair down.
Before long, I found myself in my dorm room, contemplating what to wear for the night – something both nice and comfortable. Just as I got a good idea of what would work, there was a knock on the open door to the room and I glanced up to see one of my new co-workers, Daphne.
Among all the internationals, Courtney, Lewis and Daphne were the ones I felt most comfortable with. Daphne most of all, her sassy attitude reminding me a bit of my big sister Zara.
“Hey,” Daphne started as she wondered into the room. “You going out tonight?”
I nodded and was momentarily surprised by the natural grin that came upon my face. “Yep! Once I decided what to wear at least. You?”
“Yeah, but I don’t have much to wear.” She flopped down on my bed with a heavy sigh, and a wave of guilt and sympathy washed over me. Unlike the rest of us who had known for weeks about coming to camp, Daphne had only been informed just two days prior due to complications with her application. So, she didn’t have much time to prepare.
I pursed my lips, going through items of clothing mentally. “Got any good tops?”
“Yeah, but no bottoms.”
“I got some,” I started to my walk-in wardrobe. “If you want them?”
Daphne’s face lit up, though she looked uncertain. “Are you sure?”
“I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t sure.” I handed over my GAP dark blue denim shorts. “I would try them on first though.”
Daphne took the shorts, shooting me a thankful grin. “Thank you so much! You’re a star! Come to my room once you’ve changed!”
I returned the grin. ‘See!’ The bright voice countered as I prepared my outfit for the night. ‘You’re making friends!’
Instead of uncertainty, I felt the same positive energy that the brightness in me did.
***
A few hours after helping Daphne and other women with their outfits for the night, we eventually arrived at the place everyone had been talking about – The Brazen Fox. I believe it was some kind of sports bar, and fortunately, it served food until a certain time.
The night went on, and eventually, after everyone had eaten, we found ourselves in the back outside area of the bar. Fortunately, it was warm enough to hang out, and I found myself engaging in conversations with various people. However, I grappled with a mix of surprise and lack of surprise when mini dramas started to unfold.
I’m really am back at school. I then rethought that mental statement, college actually.
As the only non-drinker, I found myself gradually becoming bored and tired. This was a significant reason why I wasn’t a big fan of nightlife. I had struggled with this during my university days. Although I had enjoyed good nights our since, mostly with friends I made during my master’s degree, it wasn’t a regular occurrence. Moreover, it was around people I felt secure and safe with.
It wasn’t that I felt unsafe around those I was with currently. However, I didn’t know them, and coupled with the fact that I was already exhausted before going out, I felt out of my depth.
Eventually, in the middle of a conversation, a yawn came over me.
“Wow,” Mary said from beside me. “That’s got to be your tenth yawn tonight.”
I nodded, accepting the defeat as I drowned the last bit of my water. “I think I’m about done. You wanting to go back or stay a bit longer?”
“I’m gonna stay a bit longer, but thanks anyway.” Mary had replied and I gave her a smile before heading off to find anyone else who wanted to call it quits.
It didn’t take me long to find two others who wanted to go back to the university campus with me.
“I’m not going to get blistering drunk and stay out all night.” One of them had commented with a shake of their head. “That’s not entertaining for me.”
“Agreed.” I stated and I booked an Uber for us to get back.