In my previous post, I discussed the magnificent edifice of my high school. In this post, I will discuss a building at the University of Oklahoma, which bears a significance beyond its present utility to me as a student at the University: The Oklahoma Memorial Union.

One must begin with a discussion of the structure’s historical and architectural significance. The most prominent aspect of the building, its ninety-nine foot clock tower, is itself a statement on the nation’s history, as it was a WPA project; its imposing stature looms over the university and serves as a reminder of American exceptionalism during that era. Additionally, almost every part of the building serves as some kind of historical landmark or a form of remembrance for a historically significant Oklahoman. The red brick and off-white concrete finishing further solidifies the building’s identity as a part of this university, through the structure’s architectural design profile.

With regards to my own feelings on the building, much like my high school, a pang of nostalgia permeates my thoughts when they stray to the Union. It was the site of convention for my speech and debate team in high school during State tournaments, and before I was ever a student at the University, I had spent dozens of hours straying from the lounge with the pool tables and chairs to the Will Rogers dining area. I had purchased entirely too many things from Starbucks and what was then a Sbarro. I had laughed in exhaustion with my friends, too early in the morning and too late at night. I learned how to conduct myself like an adult- somewhat- in my suit and tie, a sixteen-year-old giving speeches on how to solve the problem of ISIS, how to fix relations with North Korea, or whatever else, as though I could have had the answers. I will never forget walking down the ramp toward that lounge, and seeing my friends, panicking over their debate rounds and speeches, all running on little or no sleep, dressed to the nines, giving preference to coffee to drink over air to breathe. The biggest difference between this and my high school is that the memories are not finished. Harding is the past, and as beautiful as it is, it is finished, perfect, and immutable. My experience with the Union is still evolving and being made. I look forward to seeing what else it has in store.