My favorite nostalgia to experience are those long drives in the car where I sit listening to music on the radio or through my headphones while I watch the snow fall outside the passenger window. It’s an intensely specific nostalgic moment that I don’t experience a lot, but when I do, it floods back memories of rides to Pennsylvania to go to the so-dubbed “Pocono House” with my mom and dad or to visit family and friends during the holiday season. Add some Christmas music and maybe a Dunkin Donuts Hot Chocolate — the s’mores flavored hot chocolate one for good measure — and I’m content. Those memories all flood back and I sit back and smile. – Christina McLaughlin, co editor in chief
I think something that makes me nostalgic is cooking. I’ve always loved spending time in the kitchen with my family and making meals for other people to enjoy ever since I was younger. Now that I’m away from where I grew up, even just using some spice combinations or familiar ingredients can take me back home. -Madelyn Rinka, co editor in chief
We all have songs that take us back to a certain time and place. My favorite of those nostalgic experiences comes from hearing Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s “Fever Pitch,” which brings back great memories of the time I went to Colorado. It’s the most west I have traveled so far and “Fever Pitch” was a song I heard on repeat while exploring the beautiful, mountainous state. The song reminds me of Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and all the wonderful memories I made there. It all comes back to me as soon as I hear lead singer Sam Melo sing the first word: “Hallelujah.” – Flor Ana Mireles, copy editor
There’s no nostalgia like an unexpected wave of a scent. When I’m driving behind school buses, the rank smell of the gasoline always brings me back to the childlike wonder of a new field trip and new adventures. My jasmine scented hair spray reminds me of a vacation in Colorado and of my mother’s yellowed perfume that sits on my dresser. Brewed coffee smells like family reunions and raucous laughter. My list could go on, but there’s so much nostalgia in scents. – Kathleen Crapson, chief of visual design
Out of all the nostalgic moments I’ve had most recently, I think that there is one that brings me the most joy. The song “Still Falling For You” by Ellie Goulding brings me back to a time that wasn’t far away. It makes me remember the time I played the game “Fallout 3” for the first time. At that point, it had been quite a while since I really enjoyed myself with a game. Every time I hear that song, I remember the initial excitement of finally opening the game after it had downloaded. I remember the eagerness I felt as I went through the riveting storyline and the emotions I felt as I slowly unraveled the lives of each character. The tension I felt with each new encounter, the second guessing with each decision to be made and the aftermath that I had to live with; it all comes back to me. – Mario Lorrimer, business manager
My favorite nostalgia to experience is going through my camera roll if I ever get bored and seeing a lot of old memories that I forgot even happened. This brings me back to simpler times, when everything in life felt easier, making you appreciate what you have, what you’ve done, and teaching you how to value the good in life. Seeing pictures of when I used to play water polo, for example, brings my mind back to being in the pool with my teammates. While we’ve all gone our separate ways, we all make sure to keep in touch. Nostalgia is a bittersweet feeling, but I make sure it’s more sweet than bitter by making memories that will last a lifetime. – Cameron Pritchett, sports editor
I for one love nostalgia, and there are often times throughout the year when one thing or another triggers that sense of nostalgia and sends me back. Normally, I feel the most nostalgic when I get the urge to play classic survival horror games on the historic, but glorious GameCube system. I have so many fond memories with my father and brother playing games that were definitely not age-appropriate for hours on end. At that point, I was too young and too novice to play any of the games myself, but just watching my father in awe was enough. To this day, every once in a while, I boot up the old gaming system and play those eerie yet oh so familiar games. Resident Evil will always have a special place in my heart due to it bringing me closer to my father, brother and I, giving me that sense of beloved nostalgia. -Rick Esner, news editor
Nostalgia from Wisconsin, the only place I’ve ever lived before now, is hard to find in Florida. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sunny days that Florida provides. Days when you can spend time at the beach, walk around campus without an umbrella, or sit outside and enjoy the ambiance. However, in truth, I find so much nostalgia in the rainy days. While Florida rain is basically a flood compared to Wisconsin, it reminds me of times back home when I can stay inside and take it easy for a bit. It reminds me of days where I could just sit down and write stories, watch movies, or play games with friends. Rain tells you to stop, it tells you that you have to take a break because you couldn’t go outside anyway. It’s important for all college students to remember to relax and give themselves break, even when it’s not raining. The wave of nostalgia that rain brings on is a visual reminder for me to calm myself down, and maybe play some games or watch a movie I haven’t seen with my new friends. – Sofia Gallus, arts & entertainment editor
Photo: L. Baker
