With students actually back on campus and syllabus week coming to close, Spring Semester is in full swing. Which also means that the countdown until the day I virtually graduate is ticking.
With a little over 14 weeks left of time as a college student, it feels only fitting to soak up everything Athens and Ohio University have to offer. I know even as an alum, I’ll always be a Bobcat, but I also know that these four years I’ve spent here have been special, and I should cherish my final days.
Even in my three and a half years, I haven’t experienced all Southeast Ohio has to offer, and I’m sure I won’t even after this semester. Nevertheless, I’m setting some goals for myself to stay accountable. A college bucket list, if you’d prefer to call it that.
Firstly, I’m sure I’ll squeeze in a couple more breakfasts at Gigi’s Country Kitchen, 105 N. Plains Road, or wing night at The Pigskin, 38 N. Court St., but there’s a slew of eateries, restaurants and coffee shops I haven’t even attempted to experience in Athens. Luckily I crossed off Miller’s Chicken, 235 W. State St., on my first night back in Athens, but Larry’s Dawg House, 410 W. Union St., Village Bakery & Cafe, 268 E. State St. and Restaurant Salaam, 21 W. Washington St. are all still on the list.
Furthermore, I want to stretch outside of downtown Athens before graduation. Hiking at Hocking Hills State Park and hanging out at the Strouds Run State Park lake are all plans for when Ohio winter weather decides to go away. On top of that, I want to tap into something more supernatural and head over to the allegedly haunted Moonville Tunnel in the Zaleski State Forest.
To be frank, my bucket list for this semester could be pages long. I could dedicate a full 24-page edition of The Post to my favorite things to do in Athens. Though, at the root of all the attractions, restaurants and memories made in Athens are the people I’ve spent my time here with.
Throughout my last semester, I want to grab hold of my close friendships and cherish them. I want to reach out to those that are acquaintances and form better friendships. I want to value the experiences OU had granted me and thank the professors and mentors who have helped me along the way. I want to continue the greatness The Post has published thus far this year and prepare for passing off the torch to next year’s leadership.
As syllabus week comes to a close, it’s a bittersweet moment for me. My entire future is ahead of me, but my college days are coming to a close. So, young Bobcats, cherish your time at OU even with COVID-19 rocking your experiences. And for all those on the brink of graduation like me, despite the challenges, let’s make this semester a memorable one.
Molly Schramm is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Molly at ms660416@ohio.edu or tweet her @_molly_731.
