Dear Jets: I’m Really Going to Miss You

Dear Jets,

I’m really going to miss you. It’s hard to imagine what my days will be like without you flying overhead. I’m still not sure how I will be able to cope with the loss. Truly, I am green with envy for those who get to stay on campus and continue hearing you every day. It is almost, but not quite enough to motivate me to take a million classes during Summer Sessions I and II.

I could watch your counterpart on TV to remind me of you, but it’s just not the same. They say love is a losing game, and nowhere is it more true for the Jets.

You see, because of you, I no longer had to set alarms to wake up in the morning. I had you instead, gently rousing me from sleep in the mornings, the afternoons, and whenever. You were more determined than any earplugs I could find. After all, you had to compete with all the coyote howls, chirping crickets, beeping cranes, random students screaming, and whatnot. It must have been hard for you, and I realize that I have been taking you for granted all these months. Maybe I’m biased as a light sleeper, but I think all the other heavy sleepers are missing out on how wonderful you sound. Speaking of sleepers, I can’t wait for all the incoming students to join in on this immersive experience.

Perfect rhythm. Perfect pitch. Unlimited vibrato. If you wanted a singing career, I think any competent manager would fight to have you by their side. But I know where your loyalties lie, and it’s not Universal. (If it is, I may have to report you to your superiors).

Whenever I had calls on Zoom or FaceTime, you always gave me a minute-long break so I could take a breather from talking too much. I’m really grateful for that, by the way. It’s unfortunate that I’ll no longer be able to use that excuse when conducting meetings at home.

I thought about giving you my address (so you could fly overhead in my hometown during the summer), but I’m not sure we’re close enough for that yet. I’m not sure if your boss would approve either. Long-distance relationships are complicated, but maybe I’ll consider it again next summer, when our relationship becomes more clearly defined.

It will be weird not hearing you around, but I know I am strong enough to pull through this. I know that come September, you will once again welcome me with open arms and limitless decibels. #AlwaysFaithful

Yours truly,

A concerned UC San Diego student

Ivy Peng is a Conch Writer for The Triton.