I have taken it upon myself to use this blog not only to inform you – the reader – about what Middlebury has to offer, but also to remind myself of what it has offered me, and will continue to offer me long after I graduate. However, as I start my senior year it is hard for me to focus on the things that I have accomplished here at Middlebury, instead I find myself focusing on what I have not yet done. Perhaps this comes from every Midd Kid’s biggest weakness; FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out. It’s a constant problem at a school like this, how do you choose between the dozens of weekly musical acts, speakers, and other performers? How do I choose between the over 150 student clubs and organizations offered? Worst of all, how do I choose what to do now, when I have less than 9 months to do it? Because of these pesky questions that I keep asking myself I decided to create a senior year bucket list style top ten of things that I NEED to do before I graduate.
10. Apple picking
Yeah I know, what have you done with your life Kyle? But in all seriousness I have not yet gone apple picking since I started to live in Vermont.
9. Epic snowball fight on Battell Beach (keyword: EPIC)
EPIC!
8. See the Dalai Lama speak, live, in Nelson Arena, at Middlebury College
I really just wanted to talk about how I’m going to see the Dalai Lama speak in a few weeks, to quote myself from earlier in this post… “EPIC!”
7. Vermont Brewery Passport Tour
Finally 21, and Vermont is considered one of the best beer making states in the country
6. Learn how to ski (well settle for falling 3 times or less on the bunny slope)
Not only does Middlebury have its very on ski mountain, but also free shuttles that continually go there all day during J-term. This is the year I finally conquer my fears, or fall trying
5. Make maple syrup
How awesome would it be to put YOUR own maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, or just about anything else. There must be somewhere in Vermont that I can make this dream a reality.
4. Take a dance class
The liberal arts for me have been about trying new things, and dance is something that would be very new to me. However, I have true potential, or so I tell myself. I’m pretty sure my awesome rhythm and plethora of awesome dance moves make me the perfect candidate to be a dance prodigy. Also this may be the last time I can take a dance class that will be taught at this caliber.
3. Feb myself – this won’t happen, but a man can dream
In my later years at Midd I have realized that perhaps I was born with some Febbish tendencies, it may be too late for me to realize my feb-potential, but I implore you to try it out for yourself.
2. The Vermonster / Tour of the Ben and Jerry’s Factory
Ice cream, enough said. But really Ben and Jerry’s factory is in Vermont and I havenot yet visited. Not only can you tour the facility and receive free samples all day long, but you can even try and conquer the Vermonster – enough ice cream and toppings to feed an army of competitive eaters.
1. Go to Steve’s Diner on President Lebowitz’s tab
It’s one of the last things that seniors do before the graduate, so I figured that it is fitting for the number one thing I need to do before I graduate.