5 Things That Make My Day
Kai writes about several things that he is grateful for on a day-to-day basis.
Kai writes about several things that he is grateful for on a day-to-day basis.
One of the highlights of winter term has been taking a 200-level Psychology course with Professor Neil Lutsky on Positive Psychology. It is a course that has had a profound impact on me. Neil presents interesting content with a critical eye, and the readings, discussions, and activities prompt me to reflect on my life. After wrapping up our unit on gratitude, I was inspired to write this post about 5 things that make my day.
1. Seeing friendly faces during the class transitions
That 10-minute window of time when people walk across campus, either leaving or heading towards class, is a time when campus comes alive. As you walk past many of your fellow Carls, you run into so many friendly faces. I love saying hi to my friends and briefly catching up with them. This is certainly a highlight of my day.
2. Enjoying extra-long meals at the dining hall
I am not alone in indulging in luxurious long meals, as Zoë also mentions enjoying extra long meals in her winter routines and recommendations post. When you love spending time with your friends, you end up stacking up multiple plates of food and enjoying hour-long meals with them in the dining hall. It also helps when your dining hall has hot chocolate and ice cream machines, a robust selection of desserts, etc.!
3. Crossing items off of my weekly checklist
I keep a small notebook that functions as my planner on me at all times. Every week, I list what I must get done. I also include the things I hope to do. Examples might include a homework task like getting ahead on a project. Other fun aspirations might be playing in an intramural basketball and broomball game, making it to a sports event, or taking an Arb walk. It is incredibly satisfying to plan, accomplish, and cross off items from the list!
4. Grabbing a tasty treat from the Sayles, Schulze, or Weitz Cafe
I am a big snacker. Whenever I need to satisfy my cravings, I visit one of the three on-campus cafes for a pick-me-up. Thanks to each meal plan that contains a set amount of “dining dollars” to spend at the on-campus cafes, I can always grab a donut (only $1.35) on my way to class or work. A small pastry paired with a drink brings a smile to my face. Frappuccinos, Naked juices, and the spectacular hot chocolate are my go-to’s.
5. Enjoying picturesque sunsets and scenes across campus
Sometimes, campus impresses you with its beauty. You just have to appreciate the scenery (prime example: check my Fall photos compilation). I have a lot to be grateful for at Carleton, and photos like the one above are an example of why I love living here!
Kai is a sophomore from Charlottesville, VA, who probably spends too much time enjoying meals (and desserts) with friends in the dining halls. He is a prospective double major in Political Science and Psychology, potential Public Policy Minor as well. He loves volunteering for Project Friendship, playing piano at the Weitz, hanging out at Sayles, taking walks around the Lakes or in the Arb, and pitching/playing infield for the baseball team. Meet the other bloggers!