In the heart of Queens, on the bustling street known as Union Turnpike, lies the St John's University campus. Attracting people from all over the world, the St. John's community offers it's students and faculty an environment unlike any other; whether it be a struggle or just a perk of being a Johnny, we'd happily go back to do it all over again.
1. The excruciating uphill walk from Gate 5 to DAC.
Nothing tells you just how unfit you are like that painstakingly long walk, as it leaves you gasping for air early in the morning and possibly, right before your first class. Besides, who said it was a good idea to make those steps so far apart from one another? Climbing those stairs is the equivalent of lunging your way to class - on a hill. Only to get to this:
2. WEPA: Enough said.
Clearly, nobody was happy about those printing machines being installed all over campus. Then again, nobody was too happy with those malfunctioning printers, either. But you know what's worse than a printer that doesn't work? A machine that was installed in every building on campus and looked promising enough to work, but didn't. A machine that vowed to print out your notes on time so you wouldn't be late for class, and then froze on you. A machine that, no matter how hard you plead or beg or cry, just won't print out your eight page paper. You slapped it, punched it, and at some point, even kicked it. But all you got was the cruel screen of betrayal staring right back at you.
3. AMC movie tickets.
Ahh, one of the sweet perks of being a Johnny. Sometimes, we feel like giving our homely little movie theater in Fresh Meadows a visit, but most of the time, the tickets aren't too...college budget friendly. And that's exactly when the SJU Concierge comes to our rescue; with eight dollar AMC tickets, of course.
4. Those street signs we really didn't need.
Did St. John's really use our tuition money to place street signs all over campus? Actually, maybe it was a good thing after all. I was flabbergasted to find out that the building I was looking for all this time, St. Augustine Hall, is located on (drumroll, please) ST. AUGUSTINE WAY. And the sign is right across the building, which makes it just SO easy to find! SJU street signs - what would we do without you? Let me answer that: everything, since you really don't make a difference in any of our lives.
5. The horse carriages during the winter carnival.
If there is anything I look forward to every year, it's the annual winter carnival at St. John's. As bootleg and generic St John's may seem to us, the truth of the matter is that it's beautiful to see so much holiday cheer around us, and within us. Yes, we've walked around the great lawn thousands of times, but there is just something so magical and cheery about riding a horse carriage, sitting back, and relaxing; even if it's just for five minutes.
6. Speaking of the winter carnival, the annual fireworks show.
Nothing feels better than watching your tuition money burn in midair, leaving nothing but sparks of misery behind. JUST KIDDING! The fireworks show and the tree lighting ceremony are one of the few things that make us feel proud to be Johnnies. The spirit of the holiday season and the joy of finishing the semester is what encompasses a night of togetherness with our friends, on the lawn we consider home.
7. The Foliage.
Whether it be spring or fall, SJU foliage never disappoints. We are blessed with towering trees that blossom during the spring and change into breathtaking colors in the fall. Who knew a walk to class would be so beautiful?
8. The sunsets.
Whether you're stuck studying in the library or just taking a walk around campus, there's one thing we just can't deny: our sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful. They give us all a moment to stop what we are doing and appreciate all the blessings that surround us, acting as a reminder of why we're here.
9. The Waffles and Dinges cart.
Another one of those "perks of being a Johnny!' Whether you're hanging with your friends on a sweet spring day or taking a study break, you know you can't deny those crisp Belgian waffles topped with ice (or whipped) cream. *drools*
10. The Great Lawn.
Yes, we've seen the great lawn thousands of times already. Our camera rolls and Instagram feeds are populated with countless pictures of us making memories on the great lawn. But every semester, there's something about this magical strip of grass that refreshes you. Whether it be sunbathing, playing Frisbee, the Spring Fling, or simply reading under a cool tree - the Great Lawn is what gives meaning to your time at SJU.
