January 25, 2012

Goldy Gopher- Mascot for the University of Minnesota

This week…I grew to understand what it is to live in Gopher Nation…as an immigrant.

Most of you know that I am a transplant to the midwest. I was born, raised, educated, married and blessed with our first two children…in Colorado.

I am still learning what it means to call Minnesota home.

As part of my efforts to fully appreciate some of the best parts of this state, I take advantage of any opportunity I have to do something that is uniquely Minnesotan.

This past week I had a chance to attend two separate sporting events at the University of Minnesota.  Big Sprout and I went to the men’s hockey game against Colorado College (my alma mater).

And then on Saturday I took all three sprouts to meet some friends who had a daughter competing in gymnastics for the University of Michigan.

University of Minnesota and University of Michigan Gymnastics Teams

Going to events at a university that size was a new experience altogether. Over the course of my life, I have been to a few big hockey games at Denver University, and I saw a handful of college football games at the University of Colorado and the Air Force Academy, but I have never considered myself a part of a University Nation.

This past weekend changed me. I came to appreciate the fanfare, the hype, the enthusiasm, and the sense of belonging that comes with being one of thousands of people donning the same colors and cheering the same cheer.

It took an immersion in Gopher Nation to gain a better appreciation for the community that represents Minnesota so well.

What I grew to know about Minnesota this week.

I learned that Minnesota hockey fans… are an incredibly savvy bunch.  I’ve known people in Minnesota know hockey, but compared to the rule-learning fans often seen at a hockey game in Colorado…the Minnesotans KNOW their hockey. (even if they don’t fully appreciate a screaming Tiger fan who watches her team score a winning goal with just 36 seconds left in the game!)

What I know about Minnesota through gymnastics: Gymnasts are more talented and flexible than I will EVER be. Actually, for that matter, there are a lot of talented people who spend their time as students, musicians, athletes, and even mascots at the U.

It is an incredibly cool place to attend sporting events, and I would venture to guess it is an incredibly cool place to go to school too. I haven’t bought any maroon and gold yet…but you know how I feel about those growing experiences. 🙂

Do you have any stories to share about how you grew this week? Do you know you’ll be doing something cool this upcoming week?  Take your camera…take a picture…send me a link and I would love to share how you are growing too.

Copyright 2012 Meagan Frank                           Choosing to Grow

To learn more about Meagan Frank or her current book project you can learn more at www.choosingtogrow.com.