The World Map On Campus

For the two weeks in Melbourne that totally transformed me...

---

Melbourne greeted me with drizzling rain and shivering wind blow in the 10-degree Celsius winter. It was July 2014 when I arrived at Trinity College for a summer program called Young Leaders. In what the world calls “the most livable city", buildings were sitting after buildings, creating neat rows of transparent glass windows. Skyscrapers seemed to be hugging the airport exit from different directions.

The school bus took us to campus through an empty highway with multiple traffic signs. 40 minutes later, the wheels stopped in front of a little gate with metal swirling patterns, leading to a grass court surrounded by an orange brick Catholic-style building and a stoned sidewalk. Hoping those prominent features were only a small part of a more magnificent landscape, I stepped inside, only to be stunned by the way Australian universities built their campuses.

Trinity only offered Foundation Studies for international students as a pathway to University of Melbourne, and where we were staying was only their residential area. Academic buildings were situated at multiple off-campus streets. From a closer distance, there were a few picnic tables placed in front of a bull statue, behind which stood the library with its door linked to the dining hall. Some mentors told us the bull was a random last-minute decision from the architects.Some told us it turned out to represent the strength and enthusiasm of students from all over the world. I didn't know which to believe, but it eventually became my favorite spot to observe the morning vibrancy from afar.

Every early morning, streams of students would rush out of their dorms and run across the square ground to hurry for our daily morning briefing. Some would slow down by the purple lavenders to inhale the fresh smell. In the chilly fog, boys in gym shorts would stick their shaky legs together while playing frisbee. These youth scattered all over the place, blowing the air with their zeal, daring, and aspiration. On the fresh green platform of Trinity's residential campus, these people looked like little dots on the map, representing their countries with distinguishable pride and vision. They colored the space with their own shades.

Every late afternoon, these students would return from classes, tired but excited for the evening activities. Their eagerness changed the coat Trinity was wearing. Not as vibrant as the morning outfit, Trinity at sunset saw only a few people strolling back and forth. They talked about thousands of things, but their smiles brightened the dull sky and their sparkling eyes recharged the buildings' energy.

On the last day, we said goodbyes. Goodbyes to friends half the globe away. Goodbyes to friends from the same continent. Goodbyes to the talented people we might never be able to meet again. Still that passion, but this time quieted by sadness. Still that enthusiasm, but darkened by our tears. Still that burning flame in a youth’s heart, but calmed by the strangely empty campus. The wind blew harder and our hugs grew tighter. Active running shoes were replaced by pyjamas and flip-flops as the late risers hurried to greet their friends for the last time.

On this campus, I had the best two weeks of my life. Through this program I walked out of my comfort zones. Across the grass field I found like-minded and enthusiastic people. In Trinity College, I marked the change I wished for my future self. From this dining hall I said hellos to my first new international friends as strangers, but cried goodbyes as family members. From this Dining Hall echoed the cold metallic sound of luggages’ wheels pressed against the wooden floor.