This summer, I decided to transfer from the beloved Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to SUNY Oneonta to pursue a degree in the music industry. It was not an easy decision. MCLA is potentially the quirkiest, artsiest, strangest college in the continental U.S., but that is what makes it so lovable. I could not have asked for a better place to start off my college career, and I am going to miss this little haven, nestled perfectly in the Berkshires. I can't pick one, two, even 10 things I regret leaving behind at MCLA, so here's 20 (but even that's not enough).
1. The Amsler Campus Center Terrace
The best spot on campus to watch the sun rise and set, as well as people watch. (Not to mention it's the best place to take photos of campus from.) I can't tell you how many times I just sat up there, breathing in the fresh mountain air and looking out at the incredible view.
2. The Freel Library Balcony
If you couldn't find me on the campus center roof, then I was behind the library on its wrap-around balcony that overlooks the new CSI building.
3. Murdock 110
I know what you're thinking -- a computer lab? Really? Well, yes. Every Saturday and Sunday of the Spring semester, I spent anywhere from four to 10 hours in this room. It was my work-sanctuary, where all of my best Beacon articles and Logic assignments were completed.
4. The Beacon
Writing for the school newspaper was always a blast, no matter how stressful it became at times. If you're interested in any aspect of journalism, from photography to videography to writing, definitely take Writing and Reporting the News I so you can work on the Beacon!
5. Paul Nnodim
Take A First Course in Philosophy with Paul Nnodim -- you will not regret it. He is an incredible professor and person. Instead of talking at you, he talks with you; if you don't understand something, he'll work with you until you do. I loved having him as a professor so much that I took a second class with him the following semester.
6. Late Night Grill
Mozzarella sticks from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enough said.
7. MASS MoCA
By far the best off-campus destination around, filled with incredibly stunning and mind blowing art. And not to mention, students get in for free. You could spend hours upon hours there and still not see everything. If you don't go at least once a semester, are you even an MCLA student?
8. Desperados
Boy oh boy, I could eat here every day for lunch and dinner and not get sick of it. I love their food and atmosphere so much that I even wrote about them for The Beacon. (Their cheese is hand-shredded off the block!)
9. The Smell of Bowman Hall
This building is newly renovated and has an intoxicating smell when entered. Honestly, I've found myself just inhaling deeply in the hallway as I waited for class to start, hoping no one noticed.
10. Christopher Thomas
Anyone who knows me, knows I hate math, but Dr. Thomas made me excited to attend his class. Not only is he quirky and entertaining, but he teaches math in a way even English majors can understand.
11. Tater Tots
How could I forget the best food Aramark has to offer? There's nothing like a heaping spoonful (or six) of greasy tater tots with your pancakes in the morning. They're not served often, but when they are, all my friends know to text me to get my butt to breakfast before my 9 a.m. class.
12. Morning Dunkin' Runs
Sometimes, it was just impossible to wait for weekend brunch to open at 11 a.m., but that's what friends with cars are for. Iced blueberry coffee and toasted sesame bagel, here I come. Yes, there may be Dunkin's all over, but there's something special about the North Adams one, with it's too-small parking lot.
13. The Singing Aramark Employee
Sadly, I never got his name, but this guy never failed to put a smile on my face while I was eating. At any given moment, you could catch him hardcore jamming to whatever the radio was playing (especially when rock music came on, though). If he caught your eye, he'd point out to you and lip sync. I'm going to miss you -- keep doing you.
14. The Honors Lounge
Definitely the best place for a late night study session or game of chess (well, they tried to teach me, but I wasn't very good).
15. Xtra Mart
Only a minute down the street from campus, this little gas station is the perfect go-to for a Zebra Cake or Gatorade.
16. The Stone Bench by Eldridge Hall
It may not sound comfy, but this little seating area made for great people watching, while not being directly in the quad. Not to mention, it almost always had some shade to hide in.
17. Open Mic Nights
Whether it be at The Parlor (R.I.P.) CSI 218, it was always a great experience to see peers and community members show off their talents.
18. The Hoosac Hill
Another great place to sit (I guess there's a lot of those here), the hill behind Hoosac Hall is a great place to eat a snack or talk with a friend. This is also another stellar place to catch a sunset.
19. BT A51
At first, I hated living in Berkshire Towers, but then I met the ladies of floor 5, suite 1 in the A tower. If I had lived in Hoosac, I never would have found myself making sugar cookies minutes before the kitchen closed with Nikki, Nala, Sam and Caitlin, nor would I have witnessed them learning to twerk in the suite lounge.
20. My Friends
Saved for last, because there's nothing that can compare to all of the wonderful friendships I made during my two semesters at MCLA. Whether we were grabbing dinner in the cafeteria or watching Cutthroat Kitchen and eating Dominos, it was always a good time. I love and will miss you guys.
I could probably go on for hours about everything I'm going to miss. Thanks for a great freshman year, MCLA.
