Preparing For Quiet in the Heights

I have always loved living in University Heights. From my first forays as a visitor making my way to Amy’s Place, to my first apartments it held a special place for me. The real magic, though, was when I finally started staying summers as an undergrad, instead of returning home. Taking summer courses, allowing my mind to expand and wander, while at the same time listening to music, walking, drinking iced tea and soaking in the neighborhood is still, to this day, one of my favorite memories. Equally, perhaps, as enjoyable as the memories I hold of sitting at restaurant tables outside watching students return and move back in. There was always excitement in the air, and I was happy having been firmly established in my apartment at the time that I didn’t need to do anything, or any heavy lifting: I could just people watch and soak up the energy.

I have always loved how much a part The Heights is with UB (though, sometimes to the consternation of the neighbors, the university, or both). I love the idealism, the activism, the antics of the frats (usually. Not the hazing, to be sure, but certainly the goofiness that goes on at all hours). I love the music, and the casual football, and the study sessions. I love the countless eateries. I love the constant-noise-but-not-too-big-a-noise-because-we’re-studying hum that exists.

I love the sound of UB’s clock tower. I love knowing my way around Buffalo by the position of South Campus. When looking to buy what is my first (and last!) house, I was happy to purchase it in University Heights.

Many years ago, when I was still in Israel, and still in Uniform, a friend of a friend who I had helped get into my unit (an elite nerd unit) remarked, as we were talking about whether or not we were going to stay in Israel, that he was going to place money on the fact that I wouldn’t. He shared ‘you can’t, you need to be in a small town, as a college professor to be happy…” and while not a college professor (yet?), and while I vehemently disagreed with him then (Zionist that I am)…he was right, I have to live in a University Town, with a University Vibe, and a University Library, and University Life to be happy…and so here I am, happy…but also quite sad.

I am sad that this year is, likely, to be more quiet than in the past. Much, much more quiet. I purchased my house in January looking forward to watching students move in, and University Heights come alive this autumn. Small, and certainly insignificant on the global and universal scale of the pandemic we’re facing, but still, a loss that I’m grieving this year, will be the cacophony of moving trucks and cars, worried parents and embarrassed students, long lines at the coffee shop and book stores…and other signs that my alma mater is the beating heart of the place I love to call home.