There’s only a short amount of time in Athens, make sure you spend it the best way possible
Two very important things happened to me this summer. I interned in Corpus Christi, Texas and I turned 21. Both of these huge events have prepared me for my senior year and have me itching to get back to Athens.
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Knowing I had only three weeks in Cincinnati before I left and two weeks when I returned from my internship, I saw and did as many Cincinnati things as I could. I visited friends and family, went to Reds games, drank at the growing number of reputable bars in town and savored the very little time I had in my hometown. Who knows where I’ll be after graduation? (Probably living at home trying to find a job.) But just in case I do find employment upon receiving my diploma, I wanted to spend the time I could in the thriving city that raised me.
Similarly, I knew living in Texas for a summer was once-in-a-lifetime and I wanted to soak up as much Southern living as I could. I experienced Sixth Street in Austin and ate fresh seafood on the beaches of Corpus Christi. I made a list of all the Texas things I wanted to do, see and visit before I returned to the Buckeye State.
I plan on continuing this “So much to do in so little time. So do it” practice in Athens. My roommates and I have an Ohio University Program Council’s “100 Things to Do Before You Graduate!” list on our fridge, a poster of mixed drinks we want to try on our wall and a group message filled with “Oh we need to see this” and “I can’t wait to do that.”
Admittedly, a lot of these anticipated events and experiences are only now feasible because of that second significant event of my summer: my 21st birthday, which means watch out Court Street, I’m going on a shuffle (or many).
Although I would be lying if I said I’d never enjoyed the benefits of uptown establishments owning a liquor license, the freedom that comes with turning 21 is more relieving and exciting than I ever could have imagined. I’m sure at another time in another column, I will detail this freedom by expressing my fondness or distaste for an Athens bar or 20 (to give a short preview, one of the commandments of my house is: if thou wakes up with a Crystal stamp on thou hand, ‘twas a really shitty night. Never go there).
I also want to drink with “sophistication” — like take a tour of Jackie O’s Brewery and drink wine at Athens Uncorked. Doesn’t that sound #classy?
Aside from the impending shenanigans aided by my horizontal ID, I am so looking forward to all OU has to offer me for my last year as a student. I have some really cool classes lined up to complete my DARS and equally (if not more) cool projects to participate in through my extracurricular organizations — The Post being one of them.
More than anything else, I have been counting down the days to be reunited with my OU friends.
I am excited to see their faces and hear about their summers. I can’t wait to host family dinners — and by host I mean buy paper plates and make Skyline Chili dip. The rest of the cooking will be up to my roommates who I’m sure will understand; they’ve seen me completely screw up scrambled eggs, boxed mashed potatoes and instant oatmeal.
Mostly I can’t wait to tackle our senior year bucket lists together.
I might actually go to an OU athletic event for, like, my fourth time ever. I’m determined to take a scenic walk on the bike path (AKA Instagram Emeriti Park then go get free sundaes in Baker). I want to buy fresh produce at the Athens Farmers Market and go ziplining at The Ridges.
As this will probably be the last time I will have a “free” gym membership (I see you hidden tuition fees), I want to work off my tequila consumption at Ping and be able to best the rock-climbing wall.
I want to volunteer for Good Works and walk shelter puppies. I want to run the Nearly Naked Mile and support those who walk a mile in her/my/our shoes.
I want to BYOB to Rollerbowl and skate ungracefully at Bird Arena.
This year will be full of lasts — my last Homecoming, Athens Halloween Block Party, Fest Season, Sibs Weekend, finals week (though I won’t be sad about that one), etc.
Soon enough, I will be taking pictures in a cap and gown outside of The Convo with a blotchy face and a lifetime of memories. But with all the lasts, there are still so many firsts I can have here. And I’ll do it all with the greatest people in the world that Athens blessed me with.
So here’s to the firsts and the lasts to come. Here’s to knowing time is finite and possibilities are anything but. Here’s to this new school year in this kooky, quirky, loving and lovely town. Here’s to all of you, freshmen and fellow seniors alike. There’s so much to do and so little time. So go do it.
Erin Davoran is a senior studying studying journalism. Have suggestions for Athens bucket list items? Find her on Twitter @erindavoran or email her at ed414911@ohio.edu.
