Liberal Arts

Jesse Fisher, a 35-year-old man, is plagued by the feeling that his life is stagnating. He's recently gone through a breakup and is struggling to find inspiration in his mundane job as the manager of a bookstore. Despite his love for books, Jesse feels uninspired and disconnected from the world around him. His sense of disillusionment is a common theme among people in their mid-to-late thirties, where the harsh realities of adulthood begin to set in. However, an opportunity arises that sparks Jesse's inner nostalgia. His favorite college professor, Professor Peter Ostergard, is retiring, and Jesse is invited to the campus to speak at his retirement dinner. Ostergard was a defining presence in Jesse's early life, teaching him some of the most influential classes that shaped his worldview. Jesse has great affection for his former professor and is drawn by the prospect of reconnecting with his academic roots. Jesse's trip back to his alma mater, New Hampshire's prestigious and storied Evergreen College, is a bittersweet experience. As he wanders the familiar campus, Jesse begins to confront the realities of his own life, which seem lackluster in comparison to his college days. During his conversation with Professor Ostergard, Jesse expresses his gratitude for his mentorship and the profound impact his classes had on him. Ostergard encourages Jesse to pursue his dreams and seize the day, echoing the advice he shared with his students all those years ago. Meanwhile, Jesse reconnects with Zibby, a vibrant and captivating young woman, who is now a senior at Evergreen College. Despite their 12-year age difference, Zibby and Jesse form a strong bond over their shared passion for learning, as well as their experiences of disconnection from the world. Their connection also brings out Jesse's more adventurous and spontaneous side. As they spend more time together, Jesse starts to reevaluate his life choices and wonder what could have been if he had pursued a different path. The dynamic between Jesse and Zibby is a testament to the transcendent power of human connections, where friendships can transcend age, time, and space. Through his interactions with his fellow alums, including the charming but shallow Zook, and the charming and witty Dean, Professor Ostergard's classes, and especially Zibby, Jesse starts to confront the reality that his 'best days' might be ahead of him. During his interactions with his friends and peers, particularly, Zibby's friends and acquaintances, Jesse discovers the vibrant world he was missing in his life. He witnesses, up close, a different generation's experiences of college life: friendships, hookups, parties, and exploration of identity. Through this connection, Jesse is inspired by the youthfulness and the vitality of those around him, reminding him of his own dormant potential. However, the trip also poses a number of complications for Jesse. His connection with Zibby raises complex emotions about their age difference and the uncertainty of the future. His interactions with his younger self also expose the vulnerabilities and regrets of his past choices, as well as the consequences of his present-day disconnection from the world. As Jesse faces the reality of his own limitations, he discovers that he can only find inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose by facing his fears, letting go of the past and embracing the possibilities of the future. The chance to revisit his favorite college town and re-encounter his former life and loves sparks in Jesse the courage to re-evaluate his life choices and take small steps toward reclaiming his vitality. As the weekend comes to a close, Jesse reflects on his experiences and realises that it has taken him stepping outside of his comfort zone to regain a sense of connection to the world. By embracing the unfamiliar and taking the opportunity to explore new possibilities, Jesse is given a glimpse into the potential for his 'best days' still being ahead of him, and the chance to write a new chapter in his life's story.