I’ll be the first to admit that if there is anyone who continually complains about the school cafeteria, it’s me. While I do have my opinion on the many ways the caf could improve, the long holiday break made me realize some of the things I kind of miss about the caf. So as someone whose new life resolution is to view the glass as half full more often, here is a list of reasons why Mississippi College’s cafeteria isn’t the worse.

1. The fries

One of the many things I’ve realized during the holiday break is the insane amount of french fries I have consumed since becoming a college student, but more importantly, the amount of french fries I have missed out on since being at home. Although the fries are not necessarily the best I’ve ever had, and I would never choose them over one of my mom’s meals, they’re pretty darn good. Besides tasting decent, one characteristic caf fries have, that even some people don’t, is reliability. Regardless of what’s being served at the entrée or international line, what you made on that last test or whether it’s a beautiful day out or it’s pouring rain, caf fries are always there to make it better. Even when they run out, no one seems to mind waiting in line for the next batch to be fried because deep down, we all know the fries are the best thing there.

2. Clean up staff

As a full-time klutz, I have had enough interaction with the cleaning staff this first semester to know they are the true MVPs. For instance, during the first week of school, I was that freshman who had too many things in his hands while trying to get food during the lunch rush hour and dropped all his food. I kid you not, I blinked and there was already someone cleaning it up, and in no time it was as if I hadn’t got any food in the first place. I’ve also been the person to trip and drop their plate all over the floor just as the janitor had finished sweeping towards the end of dinner. As I was continuously apologizing and trying to help clean while dying internally, the janitor assured me it was alright and swept the floor again as I stood there completely embarrassed. Although I’m sure they all hate me by now, I definitely appreciate their hard work and think they deserve some type of trophy.

3. The conveyor belt

As someone who despises washing dishes, not having chores is one of my favorite things about living at college. I can just put my tray of dirty plates and trash on the conveyor belt, and it's no longer my problem. Sometimes, if the food doesn't taste that great, I think about not having to wash any dishes and it makes it a little better, (along with some ketchup, of course).

4. That one meal

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have that one caf meal we don’t mind and may actually really like that we look forward to. To walk in, not expecting much, and then seeing that meal instantly makes your day the slightest bit better, even if mom's is way better.

5. A problem-free zone

With completely different, busy schedules, there are days where the only times I will see some of my friends is over lunch or dinner in the caf. Because of this, we regularly find ourselves talking, laughing or even just sitting in silence for an hour or two after we have finished eating, avoiding the reality that awaits us outside those doors. The caf is the perfect place to forget about any stressful assignments or exams and just catch up with friends over food, which just so happens to be two of my favorite things.