Finding Fun Beyond the Classroom

The College Experience

Every first-year student wants to check out the student organization fair and sign up for as many clubs as possible. I was no exception. Soon, my mailbox was overflowing with emails from all sorts of different clubs and activities. Beyond joining organizations, I’m often asked, “What do you do for fun?” My answer: a little bit of everything. Students aren’t filling every hour of the day with academics, and some of the things I’ve tried have nothing to do with each other. That’s the beauty of it: Carleton students have full, vibrant lives outside the classroom. Here are just a few of the things on campus I’ve found to occupy my time:

Joined a Dance Troupe (Synchrony II)

​​Originally known as Ebony II, Synchrony II has grown into a vibrant and welcoming space for Black students to express themselves through dance. It’s become a space rooted in community, playfulness, and pure joy. Despite what the name might suggest, Synchrony II is anything but serious. In fact, its unpredictability is what makes it so memorable. Dancers show up in the most unexpected costumes from bald caps and body glitter to full-on 80s-style aerobic gear. The energy is electric and chaotic. I had the chance to perform in the winter of 2024, with shows taking place over two nights, Friday and Saturday. Sharing the stage with close friends and performing for an audience full of friendly, familiar faces made it such an intense and joyful experience.

Danced to K-Pop (Karl-Pop)

At the same time I was rehearsing for Synchrony II, I decided to step even further out of my comfort zone by joining Karl-Pop, Carleton’s K-pop dance group. Unlike the freestyling and silliness of Synchrony, Karl-Pop came with real choreography and structured routines which was definitely a new challenge for me! The funniest part? My dance coach was one of my close friends, Ivan, which made rehearsals hilarious. Karl-Pop performs during International Fest alongside other Korean-focused dance groups like KRUSH, and being part of it helped me connect with so many more people across campus. It was surreal going from cheering in the audience to performing under the lights myself but I’m so glad I did.

The Cave

The Cave is Carleton’s student-run venue for music, performances, and all kinds of campus events. Student organizations frequently use the space for cultural celebrations, like when the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) hosted a Day of the Dead event featuring student DJs and decorations. You’ll also find karaoke nights hosted by various cultural groups throughout the year. One of my most memorable Cave events is the Date Knight Drag Game Show, a fun and energetic show that’s part of Carleton’s long-standing Date Knight tradition, where students are set up on blind dates by friends. The Cave also hosts Battle of the Bands, one of the most exciting student competitions on campus. The winning bands earn a chance to perform at Carleton’s Spring Concert, making it both a launchpad for student talent and a cornerstone of campus life.

Dacie Moses

Dacie Moses was a beloved Carleton staff member who kept her home open to students. After her passing, she gifted her house to the college under the condition it remain open to students as a warm and welcoming space. Today, we call it the “Cookie House.” The kitchen is always stocked with ingredients, making it easy to whip up sweet treats. Some students even get to live there! Beyond baking, the house has long served as a gathering space. Carleton’s a cappella group, the Knights, held their first rehearsals there, and their weekly Sunday brunch always draws a nice crowd. Dacie remains a respected figure, and students continue to celebrate her legacy—including a celebration of her birthday every year!

Latin American Student Association Quinceañera

This past year, the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) hosted a full quinceañera celebration for a student making her dream come true by selecting her as the quinceañera. In true tradition, she was joined by a court of damas and chambelanes, and I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the damas! For 4–6 months, we rehearsed group dances together—an experience that brought me closer to old friends and introduced me to new ones. One of the most special parts for me was dancing with my partner, José, a senior who had been my mentor during my first year and my coworker at the campus Print Shop. It was such a meaningful and joyful celebration for me to remain connected to my culture. 

Ice Skating 

Growing up in Chicago, I thought I knew snow. Still, nothing could prepare me for my first winter at Carleton in 2022! I always tell incoming students: bring extra layers for everything. Trust me, you’ll need them. One of the most fun winter traditions here is when Carleton sets up two ice skating rinks right on the Bald Spot (our central campus lawn). Students can even take a beginner ice skating PE class! While I’ve never played myself, I’ve watched broomball and hockey games and they’re just as fun to watch as they are to play. As for me? My proudest skating moment was falling at least four times every time I stepped on the ice. It’s all part of the charm.