Little Joys

As we launch into the busy term, it’s important to slow down and look at the little things surrounding us. Here are some moments from my first two weeks that filled me with love and gratitude.

Lyman Lakes

Although often the roadblock between me and getting to my classes in 5 minutes, I often slow down on my walk back to my dorm just to stand and soak in the view. I live in Goodhue, so although far from the main area of campus, I love that I can hear the sound of running water one minute away from my dorm. The bridge I crossed every day was especially gorgeous during sunset, and walking back from my first day of class, we even saw northern lights! 

SWA Dogs

The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) has SWA Dogs that come in four times a week to hang out with students. They’re the most adorable and gentle dogs, and I often stop by and say hi when I go between classes and meetings. Last week, I had fun sitting with Scout and talking to other students who were also there. Scout even gave me a little kiss on the cheek! 

Friday Flowers

Carleton has a tradition of Friday Flowers, which means that every Friday, a florist comes in, and you can buy flowers for your friends, your secret admirer, your significant other, and whoever else you want. Even if you don’t want to buy flowers, it’s still a joy walking by the mailboxes, and seeing flowers in the mailboxes instantly makes my day better. 

Football games

Let me put this out there: I don’t really understand football. However, when my friends asked if I wanted to watch the football game on Saturday morning, I said yes anyway. Turns out, even if I didn’t fully follow what was going on, cheering when everyone else cheered and just sitting outside to soak in some sun was a good break in my day. 

Little Joy Coffee

How could this blog be titled Little Joys if I didn’t talk about Little Joy Coffee downtown!? I went to coffee with my Alumni Relations STAMP (Student Ambassador) Supervisor, Zoe Ingersoll. I got a little tour of downtown Northfield, and we chatted about my life in DC and her life at Carleton for an hour over hot lattes and chocolate banana bread. I also found that Little Joy Coffee has a perfect coffee shop study environment!

Jincheng (she/her/hers) is a freshman from Maryland who is interested in studying psychology on a pre-med track. She’s a first-generation student and a member of TRIO. Jincheng plays the violin in the Carleton Orchestra, is a part of the OIL Peer Mentorship Program, and also works as a student ambassador in the Alumni Relations office! In her spare time, she likes to play tennis, hang out with her friends, and listen to all sorts of music, ranging from Beethoven to Tate Mcrae.