Contrasting with the article about Reunions awkwardness (Perspective, May 13), I just returned from my 30th, and find more depth to the experience each time.

My husband and I attend lectures or activities, from an observatory viewing to a classmate’s space shuttle talk (this year we attended Our Town at ­Theatre Intime). I appreciate the P-rade’s sense of “history passing” (the outfits do get better as you grow up!). I am thrilled to see old friends and meet new ones.

We also just soak up atmosphere: Lewis Library, Frist Center, visiting my dinosaur buddy in Guyot, wading in the Woody Woo fountain, an arch sing, a look at the East Pyne ledge where I posed for a photo with the Mime Company — then froze when it came time to descend the ladder and convinced a professor to let me in his leaded-glass window. My husband even swam in the alumni meet, representing my class.

Some grouse about change — new buildings, policies, people. I love it — the unique charm of Princeton is the spectacular combination of tradition and creativity. I feel good that it’s all still here: The earthquake tracker in Guyot is a computer screen instead of a needle tracing on paper, but someone still keeps an eye on the Earth. Creative minds still study the heavens, debate public policy, pore over great books, write greater ones, put their hearts onstage, excel in sports, grow up together.

I am heartened by the senior faces, full of promise, courage, and dreams. Don’t be afraid to come back and visit this place. It changes, grows, gets better, as will you. I remember a quote about getting a Princeton education, likening it to trying to drink from a fire hose. I think it’s more like Niagara Falls now!  

Yeah, I had a great time at Reunions.

Editor’s note: An expanded version of this letter was posted at PAW Online with the July 15 issue, click here.

Amy Grimm ’79