The cream and crimson tulips are in bloom around campus, and that can only mean one thing - another school year has come to an end. For me, this marks the end of sophomore year (already?), and boy, what a year it's been.
Freshman year was great because it was my first year in a new setting, and all of the great IU and college traditions - everything from Greek life, basketball games, tailgates, Little 500, Dance Marathon, eating in dining halls and more - were part of my life for the first time. But this year was even greater. There's something about coming back to campus and already knowing your way around, already knowing people and being familiar with IU and the general college lifestyle that makes your second year way better than your first. Yet, I still had plenty of new experiences and met plenty of new people this year, and I know that will only continue.
At the end of last year, I presented a photo montage of some of the items I crossed off of the IU bucket list that everyone receives at orientation. Many of the things on the list are unique to freshman year, and while I did take part in some of those again, I can say I did cross a few more items off this year. I will show you four.
Run the Nearly Naked Mile (or at least cheer your friends on)
This is a homecoming week tradition, and proceeds (money or clothing donations) go to charity. I am in no way a runner, and I still can't believe I did this.
Experience the Bloomington Farmer’s Market/dance to international music at the Lotus World Music and Arts FestivalLiving downtown this year put me right in the middle of some of these unique Bloomington traditions. I was fortunate to experience both of these things in the same weekend, with the added bonus of my mom being in town during those days. And while we didn't exactly dance at Lotus, we did take part in some of the fun interactive art booths nearby as the music played. Since I'll be living downtown again next year, I'll once again be within walking distance of these great events!
Two words: Village. Deli.
Looking back over the last two years, it's amazing how much I've experienced in college - but I know I'm nowhere near done. Beginning on the 10th (which is sooo soon ahhhh), I will cross off an item that isn't on the official IU bucket list but is on the bucket list for many college students - study abroad. I'm headed to London for eight weeks as part of the School of Journalism's Summer in London program. During this time, I will complete an internship at one of Europe's largest public relations firms and take a class on British media. I've known about this trip for two years, and I can't believe it's almost here. I will blog about my experience every now and then on both this site and the journalism school's blog.
Until then, good luck on finals, and have a great summer. And to those of you about to begin your IU journey in the fall, welcome.