To say goodbye to the T&C; and to Otterbein, I'd like to share just 10 more things.
Because I'm a tour guide, people ask me all the time why I came to Otterbein. Honestly, I can't even remember how I heard of it, but I'm thankful I'm here.
As I look back at the last four years and compare my college experiences to those of friends at different schools, it's clear that I chose the best school. The opportunities I have been afforded here I would have never found elsewhere. I'll try and keep the cheese to a minimum.
1. My recommendations: Netbooks and Kindles, Shirley Temples, involvement in student organizations, Oscar Meyer Deli Selects (Lunchables for adults), planners, Schmitt's Sausage Haus, DVR, Grey Goose vodka, flip-flops, Elevator Bar, "Gilmore Girls" and "30 Rock," Giant Eagle. Oh, and Martinizing Dry Cleaning on the corner of Cleveland and Polaris ...
2. My anti-recommendations: Vegetables, having too many remotes, Chef Rick's Westerville Grill, beer, snow, any place on Rt. 161 (it's scary down there), the dark, crowds ...
3. Go on as many doughnut runs as possible. OK, it doesn't have to be a doughnut run, per se. But enjoy the time spent up late at night, being silly in your dorm room, eating junk and doing dumb things. Big-kid jobs don't really allow for all-nighters and cake-baking because your BFF just broke up with her boyfriend.
4. Challenge yourself and your friends to go to as many different places as possible. The Mall at Tuttle Crossing and Easton are great, too. Explore restaurants in German Village and the Short North and Gahanna, too. You'll be pleasantly surprised. I was.
5. Don't ever avoid doing something because you think you don't have time. Invest in a planner. Obviously there is a limit, but try everything. I would have never been a journalism or a public relations major if I wasn't pushed to try new things. You always have time for things you love.
6. I am so glad I did internships, particularly the ones I did. Even if it was a bad experience, I learned something about myself. Through my internships, I now know what I want in a job — a positive atmosphere and job satisfaction.
7. My Otterbein parking solution: Build a parking garage behind the football stadium. I don't care if it's above ground or underground, but something needs to be done. I won't miss stalking the poor kids coming out of class as I creep behind them as they slowly walk to their car, only to find out that they were just putting their books away. This only happens after I give up another spot to creep on this kid.
8. I'm glad I joined TEM. But I'm also glad I quit TEM. I met some wonderful girls and we shared some priceless moments, but sororities in general just weren't a good fit for me. I loved pledging but didn't love being an active. When I stopped loving it, I knew it was time to leave. Thank you to the girls who didn't hold this against me.
9. Thank you. To many people. Thank you to Hillary Warren, Michelle Bretscher, Susan Merryman, Dan Steinberg and Jessica Hein for being incredible mentors. I'm pretty sure I'd be lost in a ditch somewhere without your direction and encouragement. Thank you to my peers — my friends and my enemies, for laughing with me but for also challenging me. Oh, and thank you to my mom and my brother, too.
10. I've had highs and lows in the last four years. Between my mom's cancer, car accidents and roommate issues — but also getting jobs, celebrating holidays and traveling the country, there has always been one person to keep me sane. Thanks Andrew, for everything.
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye. For now. t&c;
