Springtime for First Years. Make it count.

Despite your opinions of us, first-years have accomplished a lot so far. Whether we set out with a specific list of goals or just went with the flow, by now we’ve experienced “Kenyon” and can call ourselves “true” Kenyon students without older students shutting us down. My fellow first-years, there’s just one more month to engage in shenanigans and blame it on being “first-years.” So, for your month left of spring at Kenyon, take a break from the flood of cheap beer and papers and keep busy with this special bucket list:

First step: Go to the Miller Observatory. The admissions flyers love to talk about the “stars” of Kenyon. Take your friends one clear, warm spring night and take in the sky’s beauty. This at least is something your friends at NYU won’t be able to say they’ve seen, and to be honest, it’s a sight that will take your breath away. 

Second Step:  Find Chef Meagan and Chef Scott. These two have become local celebrities with their timely Instagram and Twitter posts, so when you’re at Peirce or see them and other AVI workers around, smile, say thanks and maybe even carry out a conversation. There’s a lot more to this campus than 20-something college students.

Third Step: Meet a new senior. Although it may seem like our year has gone by fast, just think about what seniors must be feeling right now. You have one month left to get to know these people, and there’s a strong possibility they will have some interesting advice to give you. However, as a warning, DO NOT approach if the senior is in comps mode unless you want to be the next Kenyon ghost.

Fourth Step: Try to find Josh Radnor’s face in the Bolton Theater. If you look in the staircases, you will see pictures of past productions. For those of you still reeling from the How I Met Your Mother finale, here is your way to get your daily Josh Radnor. Also, it’s a great way to see pictures of other Kenyon students from as far back as the ’70s. Think of it as a time-traveling scavenger hunt!

Fifth Step: Find a secret part of campus and make a secret society fort with friends. Bring blankets, pillows, drinks and poetry for Kenyon’s Dead Poet’s Society. Or just bring yourself and snuggle in your hidden alcove while others are looking for you.

In just a few months we will be bitter sophomores declaring majors, so for now it’s nice to enjoy our first year to its full potential. Let us know in the comments if you have checked anything off yet!