Fairies ice-skate across the arena. Even I have feathery white wings tonight for the forty-fifth annual Winter Carnival. Who knew late February could be so enjoyable. The campus has been converted into a snowy paradise complete with snow sculptures on the Green, white angels hanging from light poles, and white lights that dance with glee as soon as the sun goes down. Unlike everything else, this looks exactly like it did in the brochure: magical. Christmas was seven weeks ago, but the speakers blast all my favorite holiday songs: “Santa Baby,” by Eartha Kitt; “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” by Andy Williams; and “This Christmas,” by Destiny’s Child, to add a little spice to the mix. I blow a kiss at the DJ to show my appreciation.

“Well, aren’t you suddenly flirty?” Keli says, holding on to my arm to steady herself on the skates.

“I don’t know why you grabbing me, I can’t skate neither,” I respond.

“Yea, but we can use each other for balance.”

Earnell, who took ice-skating classes when he was younger at the local YMCA, whirls around the rink, spinning and elegantly extending his limbs like a snow king. He keeps yelling over to us, “Watch this, ladies,” before each of his tricks. We can’t clap since we are holding on to each other for dear life.

Gabby sips hot chocolate and waves eagerly every time we pass by. “Outdoor activities in the freezing cold are not my forte,” she reminds us when we all agree to attend the festivities together.

“But I mean,” Keli continues, “you’ve got a different energy. Walking across campus winking at cute boys. I saw you. Now blowing kisses. Give me some of whatever you’re taking. I wanna be an easy, breezy Cover Girl too.”

Keli is right, I have been aglow since meeting my higher self in theater class. I feel like I’m floating through the world and everyone is a friend. I can’t believe how different I am inside compared to when I first got here. It’s like my self-image was a deformed monster, but now it’s a sparkling siren who can’t stop singing love songs. Charm suddenly oozes from my pores. I’ve never had this experience in my entire life. I keep waiting for it to pass, for my familiar brooding nature to return, but so far it hasn’t. I’m elevated. Am I enlightened? I wonder after Professor Demeton discusses this state of mind in religion class. “Imagine a state of being so profound, you become one with all life. Your thoughts dissolve, and you live in bliss.” I still have thoughts so I guess I haven’t arrived, but I do feel blissful. Maybe I’m one step away from Buddhahood.