By Francesca JaroszThe Daily Northwestern
Back in January, Newsweek asked some famous Baby Boomers three things they wanted to do before they die. The answers ranged from the practical (Joan Jett’s ambition to learn a new language) to the philanthropic (Bill Frist’s desire to treat heart problems in gorillas at D.C.’s National Zoo).
For our generation, the end of college, not life, serves as the landmark beckoning us to pack the most punch into this carefree period. And as graduation looms near for some of us and the end of the year approaches for all of us, it’s appropriate, albeit sappy, to pay homage to some of the experiences that make life at NU such a time to savor.
This list combines my own knowledge with that of other seasoned college veterans.
Do these things at least once. If you can, do them many times. And make sure you do them before you graduate.
Because after the four years end, you might not get the chance to do them again.
1. Road trip to Cracker Barrel: Nothing says quintessential Midwestern college fun like the home of home cookin’. All that stands between you and chicken ‘n’ dumplings is 33.4 miles of highway to Gurnee, and getting there’s half the joy.
2. Jump in Lake Michigan: The bone-chilling pain will remind you of your humanity.
3. Apply for a fellowship: A financed trip to study something you’re passionate about in a foreign country. What’s the harm in trying?
4. Eat 40 (plus) pieces of sushi: The all-you-an-eat deal at House of Sushi & Noodles on Belmont breeds force-feeding at its finest. For an extra kick, listen to “This Is Why I’m Fat” on the ride home.
5. Spend a summer in Evanston: The crowds are thinner, the weather glorious and the campus packed with frolicking high-schoolers. It gives you a new sense of NU pride.
6. Take a trip downstate: You might never live in Illinois again, so take the chance to take in the wide, open spaces and silos that Interstate 55 has to offer. The gas station in Dwight offers free popcorn and a great pit stop, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is worth the adventure.
7. Go to the food court in Kellogg and pretend you’re an MBA. Then start crying and burning money, and saying “It’s just not worth it!” (This came from a socialist friend – exercise with caution).
8. Eat a meal by yourself on the rocks: Indulge in a rare chance to take in the Lakefill solo.
9. Tour the campus with an artistic person: It’ll deepen your appreciation for this place when they ask you about the buildings’ architecture and point out features of the landscape you never knew existed (like the garden tucked away by Deering Library).
10. Sing loudly in public and run through the puddles after a thunderstorm: Because this is quite possibly the last time in life that it’s acceptable to kick back to childhood.
