With two weeks left in the year (and our college career), we thought it would be fitting to have the last Cows, Comments, and Confessions for the year to be our thoughts and ideas that we have from reflecting on our time on the Hill: 

1. We walk slowly and acknowledge it and not really going to apologize for that, sorry not sorry.
2. Cage grilled cheese is actually probably the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had. 
3. I think we need to have a holiday dedicated to the Pause Kitchen (I second this). 
4. Hackeysack is super cool and I wish I was coordinated enough to play. 
   1. Can people teach us during Senior Two Days ™?
5. I exclusively get my water in the Tomson Atrium Teacher’s Lounge. It has the best water and I think I am one of three people who regularly manage the ice tray.
6. How did you guys start student bands and how can I join (I’ve been working on my beatboxing).
7. Jazz I is the best music ensemble we have on campus — fight me on this. 
8. Ice cream cookie can solve all issues and I think students should get a discount if they’re buying it for emotional support. 
9. KSTO shows need more recognition because some of them play really good music and are super funny. 
10. College made me addicted to Google Calendar and I can’t function without it.
11. There are such incredibly cool and talented people on campus and it has made me go, “wow I literally go to school here with these cool and talented people.”
12. I saw President Susan Rundell Singer on Valentine’s Day at a park and I wanted to ask her if she wanted grapes but I froze because I forgot how to address her (I was made fun of by my boyfriend).
13. I love how everything is in such a close walking distance. Like what do you mean I can get to my friends’ house by walking thirty feet (they live in a room down the hall of the same building). How is the gym just a hill away?
14. Go into town as much as possible because it’ll make life on the Hill less claustrophobic and open a whole new world (insert Aladdin). 
    1. I did not know we had a downtown until my first year J-term and I explored for the first time like six months in.
    2. Volunteer / work downtown or in the Northfield school district (being a reading tutor at the library and elementary schools has been so much fun (Everyone has a work award now and may qualify for CBWS with schools / library / YMCA and that can be SO beneficial in making Northfield a second home)). 
    3. If you’re crafty, join the arts guild! They have so many classes or studio memberships that are good deals. If you love pottery, I highly recommend the Clay Studio — people at the studio are so kind and welcoming.
15. Every year at St. Olaf, I have worked with first year students. I have heard of every phase of the community feeling aspect of living on campus. Some have had a tight knit group since the first week (somehow) and some struggle throughout that first year. Maybe even second or third years. Time on campus can be hard. The campus can feel small. We considered transferring schools our first year. But you can also find some of the kindest people here. Many here are talented and funny and feel safe to be around. We hope you find those people and hold onto them. 
    1. Be open to change, new people, and experiences! Every year, friendships change and it’s rare that you’re going to stay friends with the exact same people since freshman year. Some people stay and others leave. That’s okay! I found that the best way to make the most out of college at Olaf is to be open to changes, and be okay with things not turning out the way you thought they would. Roll with the punches and always, always, always celebrate your accomplishments big or small.