The study hall is not conducive to learning during the time you need it most. However, the author did not go there to only study. A somber feeling of solitude struck this person when the members of the clique are nowhere to be found. 'Company', was what the author looked for.
Normally, one or more would be there at lunch time. This place is the hangout of the "tropa". Stories would be told, food and knowledge would be shared, PC games (sometimes network) would be played and movies would be watched at this informal domicile.
As of this writing, majority of the tropa are at up north having their graduation class field trip. They are learning the rudiments of the tech and semi-con industry. Later night, they will be back in the city.
Having the tropa as friends contributed to the author's personal growth no matter how hard this individual denies it. This person discovered that one can be good friends with people who are different from you [more than 50% different]. This person has an auto-reject personality towards people who has no love for the classics. Well, that was in high school.
Letting unknown, seemingly exotic (in terms of their personality) people into this person's circle was a risk. But it was worth it. The author discovered people who don't follow the society's stereotypes and who do not give much prejudice toward acquaintances. Nature of both sexes were proven as fact of fallacy. Hidden common grounds were found. Slowly, this individual learned to open up to these "new" people. Esprit de corps was exercised but most importantly, bonds the author never imagined were forged.
Fear occasionally plagues the author's mind. There's a lot to do, academics and extra-curricular activities. Much is at stake in both. Sacrificing one for the other is not an option even though academics is more prioritized. It's a blessing that the author finds support and comfort from the tropa. They are willing to give you a lift whenever possible. Those experiences taught the author that seeking help is never a weakness.
Second floor, Northwest Study Hall holds and will continue to hold bittersweet memories that make the author's college experience unforgettable. Adieus might be exchanged soon but everyone will eventually graduate. As Dori said in Finding Nemo, the author needs to "just keep swimming".