If you walk around Penn State’s campus, you may notice the array of headphones adorned on every student’s ears. There are huge Apple headphones in green and pink, dainty white AirPods of various generations and even some with cords that have to be untangled every time. Some listen to “Today’s Top Hits” while others listen to sad-alternative-Phoebe Bridgers-soul-crushing playlists. However, most are not without some kind of headpiece. This made me think –– what is Penn State like without background music? What noise is there to hear on campus? What would happen if I gave my AirPods the day off?
And that’s exactly what I did –– and here is what happened.
Once I did the bare minimum to look presentable for my 10 a.m. class, I headed out into the soundtrack-less world. It was a rainy day in State College, which made me cling to the hood of my rain jacket hike to class. While the weather was not optimal, I noticed all of the fall leaves on the ground and the color of the trees changing. This made me happy –– I love everything fall, from chai lattes to rewatching Gilmore Girls and the cool air mixed with orange leaves. I felt the true sense that it was finally fall and it made me smile.
As I walked up past Old Main, I couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was. While yes, there were lots of other students and teachers around me heading to classes and meetings, most of them were not talking. Instead, they, for the most part, were all listening to something. Before taking on this “experiment” I had thought that walking to class would be loud and filled with chatter, but really I found it to be the opposite. The noise of soggy footsteps stole my attention instead of the chitchat of roommates on their way to class (and to think I was going to overhear some kind of gossip this morning).
After attending my class in the library, I decided to go to the Business Building for lunch at Saxby’s. While waiting for what was a delicious breakfast sandwich, I looked around the cafe. All the tables were taken by busy college students, all looking a little stressed and wired from their caffeine of choice –– this was where I found true noise.
Finally finding a seat in the Forest Resources Building, I got to work. I studied and answered emails during my break and felt productive and focused. It was nice to have quiet chatters as my background noise. Then, I made my way to the IM Building to teach my fitness class.
Walking past East Halls and seeing all the newly renovated dorms hit me with a wave of nostalgia. I recalled walking on these same sidewalks with my now roommates, giggling about the weekend –– we were so fresh and young. Now that I’m a senior, looking back on my college experience is starting to feel bittersweet. I made my way past the bus stop feeling present, even though I was remembering the past. I think sometimes it can be hard to feel present during the school year because each week goes by so fast –– but it was nice to soak in those memories once again.
I walked home, sans Taylor Swift or Giggly Squad pumping through my brain, from my final class of the day, walking the downhill slope of campus. But, I didn’t mind the mind-wandering walk. It was fun to stop and read about all the new businesses once I got downtown and think about which ones I wanted to go to, making mental notes of each.
Before doing this, I thought it would be really hard to go through my day without music or podcasts. But honestly, it was nice to let my thoughts wander and notice my surroundings. I felt like this helped me ground where I am, physically and in my life’s journey as well, and I would recommend this to anyone. Pick a day, leave the headphones at home and let your thoughts drift.
Are you going to try a day without headphones? Let us know by tagging @VALLEYmag on Instagram or X!
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