#12. Take Wines of the World I with Professor Lorraine Hems.

I love wine.



Wine is a brilliant compliment to just about everything: it makes your food better, makes your cozy movie night better, and sometimes even makes your company better.

I love whites, I love reds, I love sparkling, I have great disdain for boxed and ports.

When I was sixteen and sent in my Early Decision letter to attend this fine institution, I found out that they offered classes on wine, beer, and food and wine pairing. I heard rumors that the professor for these classes -Lorraine Hems- was amazing, and if you didn't take a class with her before graduating, you would be doing yourself a disservice. This is absolutely true.

I took Wines of the World I with Lorraine Hems during the fall semester 2013, and I am currently enrolled (and studying for my final) in Food and Wine Pairing. Each of these classes has enhanced my knowledge and appreciation for wine tenfold. There is something to be said about the ability to order successful accoutrements to meals, discern minute flavors or methods of fermentation, understand what others are talking about while at dinner/parties, and honestly just learn to love wine (more).

In Wines of the World, each class is two hours and devotes one day to one region/country/state. We covered California, Portugal/Spain, Argentina, Washington/Oregon, New York, Australia/New Zealand, Italy, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. In Food and Wine Pairing, the time is the same, and we covered earthy foods, desserts, cheese, butter, acidity, herbs and spices, smoky foods, and foods at the "peak" of freshness.


The final project for WotW is open to much interpretation- I redesigned a label and created an advertisement for Casillero del Diablo's Cabernet Sauvignon from Santiago, Chile (how APR), and for F&WP we have to create a four course menu with pairings we think go well, and explain why. There does not have to be a theme to these pairings, however something reminiscent of a holiday menu might be intriguing.

I must say, although classes for your major are important, diversifying your skill set and learning a little something about such a prominent social topic will undoubtedly be helpful for any professional field. Taking these classes has already elevated my life experiences- so do it, you won't regret it!

#59. Request a song or become a DJ at WITR-FM (89.7), the campus radio station.

Music is my life.

With this said, I have failed to become a DJ at WITR -the college radio station- so many times I feel I never will.

I have fully trained twice, I have loved everyone I've ever worked with, I have done some killer sets (in my own biased opinion), but at the end of the day, there's only 24 hours to accomplish everything you need. There's even less time to accomplish everything you want. A research team should do a poll on the average college student's 128 hour week breakdown. (Ex: look at this week's gem)

Regardless of this tangent, WITR is something I want to do.
Bonding over music is one of the most human experiences we can have. The relationships formed are real, because music reflects your deepest values, preferences and mental and emotional stimuli. If I find someone who loves Twenty One Pilots, Chromeo, The Black Keys and Barenaked Ladies, I feel comfortable and become exceedingly animated towards them. I understand more about their character than I would if we had been discussing our family dynamics, and that's amazing.

*On a side note, if I find someone who likes Ke$ha, The Lonely Island, Wes Anderson soundtracks and Reel Big Fish, I know I have found my soulmate.

                                       Training for a radio station is the most:
Terrifying
Ego-inflating

Exhilarating
Anxiety-producing
Electric experience I have ever encountered.

Sheer fear temporarily paralyzes you before taking the sound board, and then you look over at your stack of CDs and realize your two decades of musical obsession has prepared you for this exact moment.

If you mess up a song title, accidentally play dead air, even have to scramble to press the "dump" button to bleep out an uncatalogued swear word, all is easy to remedy and far worth the anxiety.

I don't know if you have a show on WITR, or you think the music is too eccentric, it's far too eclectic to be completely eccentric, and if it interests you slightly you should try. Alas, it might not be too late for either us.

#62. Have your picture taken riding the tiger statue just south of Kodak Quad.

Penn State has the Nittany Lion; RIT has the Tiger. For some reason, parents forcing prospective students to take awkward pictures riding the tiger statue by Kodak Quad has become a rite of passage at our institution.

My personal anecdote to this rite is that when I came as a PS, I didn’t want anyone to know. I stood awkwardly by the tiger, and completely hid my orange folder (PSs are often referred to as “Orange Folders” for the information packets they don throughout the day, First years are often referred to as “Lanyards” for the intense dedication they have to keep their IDs safe). Although my mom seemed sad I wouldn’t ride it, I don’t have a stigma about looking like weird- just look at the collection I’ve created since (many of which have been Facebook profile photos). However, as an intimidated and excited-beyond-all-measure seventeen year old high school senior, I couldn’t in the right mind get on the tiger and smile with all the “cool” college students around.

Do I regret this decision?

A bit, I would love to see my expression and relive what I felt the first time I visited my future home.

Still, none of the students would care. RIT isn't your average campus, and we're not your average student body. Honestly, we're kind of weird, and having gone here for three years now, I've forgotten that a normal world exists outside the "RIT Bubble". Outside Henrietta, razor scooters are not socially acceptable modes of transportation, showering is a deal breaker, people don’t fall on the floor laughing over math jokes, and I see why people never leave.

The tiger statue has seen its fair share of immature pranks, and I myself have clearly accosted it on numerous occasions. With this said, the tiger exists in the center of campus as a symbol of unity. He reminds us that we’re all under with similar drives to succeed, to fight through the crazy workloads, reach our potential and remember this time as the best 4/5 years of our lives.

If I can sum up my first year at RIT in a photo, riding a tiger in a horse mask carrying a crutch as a sword is probably pretty accurate. This campus changes you, it breaks you down and pummels you so much so you are forced to either fight back or drown, it lets you embrace your truest form and meet some of the best, daftest people in the world. This isn’t all thanks to the statue, but I’m sure he helps. 

#96. Grab a free T-shirt. There are always free shirts floating around campus for different events.

In college, free t-shirts are more precious than gold. In college, free anything is more precious than gold.

At RIT, I covet free swag more than a first year covets meal options. I have gotten pens, lanyards, stuffed animals, more pulled pork and cheeseburgers than my body will ever need, and so much more.



Alas, there is nothing quite like rolling up to class drinking your coffee and water from free thermoses and bottles, wearing free obnoxiously colored sunglasses, listening to your music from free ear buds and keeping warm from the wind in a free scarf/glove combination.

I am clearly not a big proponent of being serious in my writing, so for this pots, I have decided to take a seemingly playful subject -free swag- and turn it into something philosophical and inspiring. So here goes:

THE 3 PILLARS OF FREE SWAG

1. Campus Involvement:

Going to an event where free things are given away (much like the shirts to the right and left of this paragraph) amplify the atmosphere. In addition, if t-shirts are given away, students will wear them and awareness for the even will circulate. Students can become inspired to get involved because of a shirt they receive (i.e. join CAB because of SpringFest), and at the same time they're representing their college everywhere they go.


2. Friendship & Bonding:

Freshman year, my floor and I went to everything to explore what the campus had to offer, as well as escape the confinement of dorm rooms. Dorms are microcosms of the real world, but eventually they end up turning into "The Real World." My floor was a dramatic reality show where everyone knew everything about everyone and exhaustion-caused-insanity runs rampant. Going to events, you share common experiences, and create memories which can become traditions to carry you through your college years.


3: Excitement: 

Obtaining free swag produces a similar result in your brain to, say, eating chocolate. In the beginning it's all you want, you consume it, you have a brief, albeit intense sugar high, and then you crash because you're over the shirt and don't need to wear it for a while. In a more direct comparison, it's like being given a gift for absolutely no reason other than being a student.


To summarize, if you haven't given in to the free swag train- hop on, it's completely worth it. If you don't believe me, take the 99 Things challenge and it will happen naturally.

#54. Walk on the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee River (across from Frontier Field) to see High Falls

If there's one "Thing" you have to do on the list of 99, it is hands down to see High Falls.

Located in Downtown Rochester, just east of the Kodak Building, High Falls is a waterfall which goes into the Genesee River. The best part is the Pont de Rennes, the pedestrian bridge which spans the depth of the falls, as well as the nearby Genesee Brewing Company, which I've heard makes some high class beer. In fact, there is a rooftop restaurant at the Brewery with a spectacular view of the city and the falls. Regardless of beer preference, the spot itself would be worth a visit.

There is something to be said about those views you come across in your town that make you feel happy- like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. First stepping onto the walking bridge is cinematic. The vast expanse of the river overwhelms your ears, and if it's a beautiful, sunny day (see above), High Falls is quite the spectacle. 

Upstate New York has a ton to offer in terms of outside entertainment- I’m from Binghamton, so although it isn’t too far away, I knew nothing about Rochester until I came to school. Thanks to the 99 Things, Urbanspoon, Yelp and other various Google searches, I have had no shortage of wonderfully unique experiences. Although I have been accosted numerous times for having never eaten a Garbage Plate (soon, I promise), gone to Liberty Hill (President Destler's house- my dream), seen a movie at the Little Theatre or attended the Lilac Festival, I have been to High Falls, and that's exciting enough for now. 

#47. Drink a terrapin and eat a giant cookie at Java Wally’s.

There are fewer times more satisfying than when all of your classes connect with one another, and you can draw from assignments and lectures in one to discuss another. This is one of those times. One of my minors is Web Design and Development, and one of the required classes consists of photo shoots on topics varying from foods to shoes. This week focused on making meals on campus look appealing (some expressed anguish over the hefty task). 

While brainstorming which foods to photograph, it clicked that I could use this assignment to my advantage and cross off some foods on the "99 Things" list. The best meal turned out to be a Terrapin, and one of the huge Ginger Molasses cookies from Java's. While this may not have been the most nutritious dinner, gosh was it delicious. When it came time to upload the photos from the week, we were told to write a review for one of the meals, and upload it to a faux RIT reviews page for freshman. The review was supposed to be verbose, and speak to the extravagant cuisine of our campus, so lying and overusing adjectives was encouraged. 

The final result has been posted below, enjoy my attempt a la Anton Ego in Ratatouille. 

Terrapin and Ginger Molasses Cookie

Java Wally's

How to deliciously spike your blood sugar in one sip: The Terrapin - caramel, chocolate, espresso, Java's quintessential whipped cream; place it with a crunchy-on-the-outside-gooey-on-the-inside Ginger Molasses cookie the size of your hand, and you've got a good post-exam meal. Granted, the amount of sugar in both parties is enough to send you to the moon and back down in about twenty minutes, but I don't get those fancy drinks often, and it's worth every cent.

I first found out about this amazing combination from the University News article, "The 99 Things to Do Before Graduating RIT". The article boasts the best-of-the-best on campus, including events, food and locations worth exploring. Thus I knew I must try and document my experience for the campus. I would recommend this to all incoming freshman, families and of course, last but not least, sleep deprived current Tigers!

#13. Attend the annual Lighting the Way welcoming ceremony put on by The Center for Women and Gender

I am a third year at RIT, however until this fall I had never gone to the Lighting the Way ceremony. The ceremony is to celebrate women as a minority, and inspire strength and a drive to succeed.

Initially, I may have only wanted to attend the ceremony for the amazingly cool LED brass lantern (when you literally "light the way"), but as the years passed at RIT, I became ever more aware of the shortage of girls. When I started school, the ratio was 2:1, but sometimes it gets overwhelming and feels far worse. This was one of the major reasons I joined a sorority on campus. The support from the women of Delta Phi Epsilon cannot be compared to anything. These women have become so integral to my success and involvement on campus, I can only hope to give an adequate portion back.

Anyway, this fall during Orientation Week, on of my sisters brought up the Ceremony, and wondered if anyone wanted to go. This was my chance, and the Ceremony was truly amazing. Students spoke about their experiences, one of the heads of the Center for Women & Gender gave a hilariously impactful presentation, and finally I got my lantern (see right).

#31. Stay in Rochester for the summer and go to at least five of the more than 20 area festivals

Between the months of May and September, Rochester boasts over 25 festivals, with topics ranging from environmental awareness, to lilacs, to whatever fringe is.

This summer, I went to Imagine RIT, the Xerox Jazz Festival, the Corn Hill Arts Festival, Park Ave Festival, and the Rochester Fringe Festival. I also plan to volunteer at ZooBoo at Seneca Zoo later next month (I'll dress up and give kids candy).

I have not had as much fun as I did at each of these festivals in a very long time.

• I fell head over heels in love with downtown Rochester and The Frog Pond (The Best Brunch in Rochester according to Urbanspoon) during Park Ave Fest
• The marketing agency I interned at this summer essentially ran the Corn Hill Arts Festival, so I ended up dressing up like Tinker Bell and giving kids "pixie dust" at the Fairy Houses Tour Exhibit (pictures will not be included) 
• Last weekend I went to Silent Disco at Fringe Fest (dancing with hundreds of your closest strangers with headphones on to one of two DJs- since no one knows what you're listening to you can dance however horribly you want). Also, this weekend RIT's President Bill Destler will be playing his banjo at the Little Theatre, so I will be in the front row.

The music and art scene in Rochester is abundant, and makes me so proud to call this place my home (at least for four years). Alas, for all the slack we give old Rochester, the summer months make the horrendous winter weather completely worth it.  

Introductions

When I first applied to RIT, I researched everything I could. I applied Early Decision, so I knew where I was going to college about 7 months before all of my friends. This extra time gave me the opportunity to learn all about my future institution- from the campus layout, to the classes, to the housing, SIS and in general what Rochester has to offer. 

Amid this research, I found an article. This article was published by RIT’s University News, and was titled “99 Things to Do Before You Graduate”. I love completing lists- they’re like these huge challenges of perseverance, determination and passion. The feeling you get when crossing an item off a list is unparalleled and finishing it completely is immensely cathartic. 

The “99 Things” have been an integral part of my RIT experience, because beginning that day as a high school senior, I vowed to finish all 99, no matter where they took me.


I am currently in the fall semester of my third year (of a four year program) and I have finished 62. While this is an accomplishment, I am not even ⅔ of the way finished. This blog is dedicated to finishing that list, reminiscing and recollecting the memories of the first 62, and inspiring other RIT/college students to make their own bucket lists. 

To give an example of some of the items on the list, I have walked the pedestrian bridge at High Falls, jumped immediately from the hot tub off the high dive in the Hale Aquatics Center, painted the fraternity rock, and participated in Mud Tug (which is coincidentally this weekend!)

Here’s to this blog and finishing the list!