Page 15
Lennon
Something Else Is Late
A light breeze moves through the baby hairs around my face, tickling my cheeks as I trek across campus from the parking lot toward my class, melding into the crowds of students who are doing the same.
Multistory buildings made of brick stretch up into the sky, framed by white pillars and mature trees everywhere you look. Students cruise by on bikes and skateboards, and parents push strollers around the many paths that offer the perfect place for a morning stroll.
My eyes land on the heart stones placed in the border of the sidewalk I’m currently racing across. Since garnet is known as the “heart stone,” you can find hearts strategically placed all over the town—in buildings, sidewalks, and even in the town logo. It also helps explain the town motto: “A small town full of heart.” I used to think it was kind of cheesy, but the older I’ve gotten, the more I love the small detail of my hometown. It makes me even more proud to be a part of the history too, including that of the college.
GVCC isn’t just a college—it’s a landmark. Its rich history and beautiful campus contribute to what sets Garnet Valley apart from other small towns.
One thing I love about attending this school is that the students reflect a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and life stages. While many high school students set their sights on four-year universities, GVCC gives people in our town and the surrounding communities a more affordable place to learn a trade, earn a certification, or take general education classes while they figure out what the hell they want to do with their lives.
“Lennon!”
The second I hear the voice, I smile outwardly, but prepare myself for the interaction that is sure to follow. Any other morning I wouldn’t mind the interruption, but my stomach is still churning and I just want to get settled so I can relax.
“Hey, Patty!” My cheery reply covers up the fact that I’m mentally calculating whether this conversation is going to prevent me from getting my favorite seat in the lecture hall or not.
But when Patty says hello, you stop.
“Here. I wanted to make sure you got one of these flyers.” She thrusts a bright pink piece of paper toward me, advertising her club’s fundraiser.
I glance down at it and back up at her. “You gave me one last week, remember?”
Patty places both of her hands on her hips. “No, dear. I don’t remember. I’m in my forties, and perimenopause is a gremlin that has stolen my ability to remember even basic words I’ve been spewing since I left my mother’s womb.”
“Vivid imagery there,” I mutter.
Patty shakes her head at me. “Oh, just wait, honey. You’ll know what I’m talking about soon enough. Enjoy that youth while you have it.”
“I’m trying.”
“So, are you gonna make it to the fundraiser? Melvin is giving us twenty-five percent of the profits from that night.”
Town locals send everyone to Melvin’s for barbecue and beer, and the owner returns that support by finding ways to give back to the community.
“I will try my best,” I reply, hoping that’s enough to placate Patty so I can get to class.
She nods curtly. “Appreciate it. The Cougar Puberty Club is gonna use the money for new shirts that don’t leave us sweating through the armpits all day.” She pulls her shirt from her torso, wafting it up and down. “I don’t know why this fabric has to be so heavy.”
“Yeah, it seems thick,” I agree with her, although I have no firsthand experience in the matter.
“Then we’re going to use the rest of the funds to buy supplies for the women’s shelters in the neighboring towns. They’re always running low, and every woman deserves to be able to take care of herself at any age and any stage of life, you know?”
Patty is the president and co-founder of The Cougar Puberty Club, one of the many associations on campus that people can join to become involved or find community and a sense of belonging. But as you can probably tell from the name, this club isn’t just for any girl.
Word on the street is that Patty never attended college when she was younger, so when her kids finally left home, she decided to start taking classes, not wanting to live with the regret of never having some type of college experience, which included joining a sorority. Needless to say, she quickly realized that one, Garnet Valley Community College wasn’t part of the Greek system, and two, there were a lot of women her age on campus that probably felt the same way she did, so she set out to bring all of them together.
My mother thinks Patty is the best thing since sliced bread, since she’s an obvious advocate for women’s health, education, and alliance. But in the best way possible, around campus she’s known as Perimenopause Patty.
She’s our own small-town hero, which is why everyone supports her and her mission in whatever way we can.
“I’ve got to look out for my fellow cougars, you know?” she continues.
“I’m sure the ladies all appreciate it.”
“Oh, they do. We women have to stick together, Lennon. And I’ll tell ya, nothing makes you feel more solidarity with other women than complaining about perimenopause symptoms.”
