Sarah Andrews, College of Charleston

I’ve only been away from campus a few weeks but I already miss my porch. It was the crowning glory of my historic house, which is, I’m convinced, the best place to live on campus. Half of my college experience was spent in that house and countless hours on that porch.

Most people didn’t realize 70 Coming was college housing. Friends would often stare in disbelief when they spotted me on my porch, which is located across the street from the library, the Higdon Student Leadership Center and the communication department.

Morning, noon and night, I could step out in my PJs or professional clothes and sit in a wicker chair with my feet propped up on the railing to soak in the gorgeous view of a lush green yard, often spotted with deep-purple irises or bright-pink azaleas or – my personal favorite – the Japanese magnolia tree, with blossoms so close that I could reach out and touch them. But even when the flowers weren’t in bloom, sitting out in the sunshine or catching a breeze was nice enough for me.

Between doing homework, people-watching and painting my toenails, I was probably on my porch almost every day of the warmer months. And I didn’t hog it all to myself. On the contrary, I shared my porch with all of my friends – I would even get texts from my friends asking if I was up for a “porch chat” that afternoon.

That porch was my favorite spot on campus and I loved it because it was oh-so Charleston. I don’t think many other colleges can offer that kind of
living experience – especially on campus. I really do miss my porch and all the people I shared it with and the memories I made there.

– Sarah Andrews ’11