I wake up to the sound of birds chirping after 9 hours of blissful sleep. As my eyelids flutter open, my Hipster Indie Boho Chic Urban Outfitters curtains soak up the September sun and drench my room in a haze so warm and rich I almost want to call it “Rio De Janeiro?”  Before my feet hit the ground, I know that today is already perfect.

After throwing on my American Eagle skinny jeans, a loose tank top, and a flannel, I’m ready for the day. The sun hits my stack of rose gold bangles as I step out the door. I snap a quick pic on my new iPhone SE and upload it to Tumblr, not caring who sees it or how many interactions I get. I shared it because it made me happy. I go back and add a caption: #HappyThursYAY.

On my way to Starbucks, I listen to a new album that I can’t get enough of, Blonde by Frank Ocean. I order a venti Unicorn Frappuccino. To my surprise, they accidentally make two, and let me keep both. This day just keeps getting better.

I head to campus and surprise my friend, who’s going through a breakup, with the second drink. She tells me he wants to keep seeing her—only without a label. He misses her, she tells me, but the responsibility of being 21 makes him far too busy for “the relationship she deserves.” She describes her state of affairs as ‘being benched.’ A backup girlfriend, given just enough attention to stay attached. 

Sitting in my Comparative Politics lecture, my professor explains what the United Kingdom’s referendum to leave the European Union actually means. The UK has been a member of the European Union for 43 years. I think of all the history that has passed from then to now, and how exciting it feels to live through this moment in history. My friend interjects, pointing out how every moment of every day is a moment in history. He’s right, but nonetheless, it feels new to study a contemporary global event.

I race over to McLennan, eager to squeeze some reading in before heading home. All the floors are open, and the shelves are overflowing with books. Once I am settled at a desk, all optimism falters when I realize the sheer volume of my assigned readings. Two hours later, the weight of my readings only a month into the semester makes me plead with a higher power. I beg for a magical tool that could do my readings in seconds. It would break down the core concepts, I could access it at any time, but I would still learn everything I need to and ace all of my exams. Doesn’t that sound great and completely unproblematic? But alas, it is only 2016, so I sit in the library with nothing but full bookshelves and tired eyes.

Back at home for a quick meal before Bar des Arts (BdA), I treat myself to a rainbow bagel. Always up with the latest trends, this week’s BdA theme is “Pokemon Go-DA.”  One of my roommates is going all out, creating a look with an uncanny resemblance to Pikachu. I decide to keep it classy and focus on my makeup: A nude lip, arched eyebrows, cut crease eyeshadow, and everything matte. I put on a choker, switch my tank for a tube top, and I’m off to the races. 

At BdA I drink a few too many Pabst Blue Ribbons and watch as the crowd attempts the Mannequin Challenge. Tonight feels endless in the best possible way. Right now, sitting in Leacock’s sweaty basement feels like the result of all the stars aligning. Gratitude fills me, and I think about where I will be 10 years from now. I vow to never let my optimism waver. I trust that the world will still be full of too much colour, light, and warmth to ever surrender to tyranny. My faith in our goodness brings me to my feet. I dance around the room, “Closer” by The Chainsmokers fills my ears, and I slowly close my eyes.