As graduation nears, I cannot help but reflect on my past, almost four years, spent at Clemson. For those of you who are freshmen, and those who are seniors getting ready to graduate, the following are items you should check off your list before leaving TigerTown.
1. Eat at Esso. Typical. Esso Club, the Clemson tradition that has been around since 1933. Swing by the old gas station and indulge in one of their famous meat and three plates; you can cycle tomorrow.
2. Go to a fraternity party. For those freshmen who are oh, so eager to go downtown and be their older, more mature alter-ego --- just don’t. Older people who know you are eighteen are annoyed, and you are missing out on one of the best experiences you will have as an underclassman. Enjoy it while it is still socially acceptable.
3. Visit Death Valley. Although we all count down the days until we can gather here again for game days every fall, there are other opportunities to visit in the off-season. Whether you simply stop by to take pictures, find a way to sneak in, or go to watch a movie on the 50-yard line, do it.
4. Sing Karaoke. Whether you need a little liquid courage to complete the task or not, the TD stage is calling your name. Although the wait time is not ideal, it is worth every second when the crowd is singing “Trumpets” with you.
5. Join an organization. These are prime years to get involved and gain experience before your job depends on it. Take advantage of this time in college to push and grow your skill sets.
6. Go to Dollar Slice at Todaro’s. Whether we eat at Todaro’s, drunk or sober, it is still the best pizza in Clemson. Why not take advantage of a time when you can get a slice for $1? If you are feeling extra college-like, you can pay with change.
7. Pull an all-nighter. This is just one of those things you have to do. Whether you are up all night studying for the midterm you should have started preparing for weeks ago, or stay up chatting with friends, it’s a must.
8. Ride the CAT bus. Similar to Todaro’s, whether you do it drunk or sober is up to you. Riding the CAT bus guarantees memories and lots of potential Snap stories.
9. Go to happy hour at Sonic. I cannot say I ever indulged in Sonic before I came to Clemson, but $1 PowerAde slushes have been truly life changing. Again, one of those things that is acceptable now, and we must all experience prior to graduation (happy hour is ½ off drinks from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
10. Get your Clemson ring! I know they can be pricey, but they are worth the investment. Clemson has the second most recognizable college ring in the country, and taking part in the Clemson ring ceremony has been one of my greatest memories at Clemson, so far.
11. Befriend a teacher. During my time at Clemson, I have become close with countless professors. Not only are they some of the smartest people you will ever meet, they are also more than willing to help you with job recommendations, applications, searches, etc. Making time to build personal relationships with my teachers has been incredibly rewarding.
12. Ride in a truck bed. I can admit that riding in the bed of a truck has been one of my greatest nightmares for as long as I can remember. Something about sitting in the back of an open area with no seatbelt gives me anxiety, but it is something to experience -- especially at Clemson. Part of the southern aroma in these parts is trucks, and you have not truly experienced one until you have ridden in its bed.
13. Go to Liquor Pitchers, Trivia, and Bingo. These things are so college. Clemson has created an atmosphere that makes the weeks fly by, not only because you are on a beautiful campus, but also because you are surrounded with constant things to do. Every single night of the week there is something going on downtown or at a restaurant, and this is the time for us to relish in those experiences.
14. Go to a basketball, baseball, and soccer game. Although we all love football, Clemson has other incredible sports team. Last year, I was fortunate enough to watch the Clemson basketball team play in Madison Square Garden in New York City, and it is a memory I will always cherish. Our baseball team also just recently beat South Carolina (they are really good), and soccer players are just sexy. Experience these events (free!) while you can.
