Spring bucket list
We’re now moving into one of the most ‘beautiful weather’ times in Winston-Salem: warm (but not hot), sunny, and spring flowers are starting to bloom everywhere. And it’s almost the middle of March, which means we are about halfway through the semester. If they aren’t already, our ’21s will probably be starting to think about what they want to do between now and the end of their time at Wake, and I suspect even our younger students will be thinking about their end of semester bucket list. Here’s a few suggestions.
Meet A Deac – One of my biggest regrets about my student days was that I did not make an effort to get to know more people. So my first recommendation is to reach out to people you don’t know (whether that is folks in class, a student in an organization you both belong to, etc.) and invite them to coffee, a meal, a walk, or to study-together. Try to meet 5-10 new people in the next 8 weeks. You never know what friendships might form.
Follow the Path – from campus to Reynolda Village. Take a walk in the formal gardens and look at all of the beautiful flowers, or take a book and a blanket and study in the big field in front of Reynolda House. Related to this…
Eat the Good Food – if you are in Reynolda Village, I can’t stress enough how awesome May Way Dumplings is. My Class of ’27 Deac and I were waiting on May Way lastnight after it was dark, and Dough Joe’s [donuts] has a wonderful outdoor seating area with gorgeous lighting, which would be a great place to take your May Way, or your Pennypath crepes take out, or even Village Tavern food. All those places are terrific. Of course, you can also get take out food from the Pit and walk it over there to enjoy the ambiance. (Note: I am not sponsored by any of these places. I just love their food).
Take Pictures – whether you are graduating or just going home for the summer, you are going to want pictures to remind you of Wake and your friends. That beautiful blooming tree you like every time you walk by it? Take a picture. That group of friends you love? Take a picture. The way the full moon lights up the Quad? You got it – take a picture. Speaking of…
Watch Twilight – no, not the movie. Pick a spot on campus that you like and sit and watch the sun go down and the moon come up (pro tip: there will be a Supermoon on March 28 and April 27th. Those are totally worth seeing).
Try All the Things – there will be activities and events, lectures and volunteer opportunities, movies and trivia, Campus Garden-ing and more from now until May. Try something from every column: arts, music, service, academics, outdoors, etc. And take a friend with you – sometimes it is easier to go to something when you have a buddy.
Deepen a Relationship – ask a faculty member, administrator, adviser, or other staff member to meet with you for something beyond just talking about a class or a procedure/process you need to take care of. Get to know them more as a person, and share more about yourself. Ask for an in-person, masked, socially-distanced opportunity of some kind and have a conversation that is more in depth than you might normally. Having an adult on campus who can be a sounding board, thinking partner, or mentor is critical, but you have to do the work to build or deepen that relationship.
Do Something Frivolous – it’s easy to get caught up in classes, homework, demands on your time – and those are all important. But do something fun for you, too. Whether that is buying yourself some flowers, walking barefoot in the grass or running in the rain, swinging on the swings, eating ice cream for dinner, or whatever tickles your fancy, do something that brings out your inner child.
Light My Fire – spend some time one evening at Fireside on Manchester with your friends or hallmates. Whether you chew on some of Life’s Big Questions, debate the Harry and Meghan interview, or talk about your hopes and dreams, those conversations by firelight are always better.
Your Deacs may have other things on their Bucket List. The important thing is to get started on it!
