One Day During Lunch
Agnes talks about trying new foods and having fun conversations in the dining halls
Agnes talks about trying new foods and having fun conversations in the dining halls
Carleton’s Lunch: a time to enjoy a simple or sophisticated meal, a break in the day mostly in between classes, and a time to refuel. Yet, it can also be a canvas for the unexpected.
Carleton’s Lunch Period

Lunchtime in college is often a whirlwind of activity. Between classes, assignments, and socializing, it can feel like another break in a busy day. Here at Carleton, I find it mesmerizing how some groups of friends at the dining table find a lot to talk about during lunch without a pause. I remember some time ago I pulled a quiet girl sitting next to me in for a discussion by asking her what she thinks about people who talk throughout lunch in groups, she said: “When you’re with a group that enjoys each other’s company, you never run out of things to talk about”. So, one particular Tuesday, while entering LDC, I decided I would try to get myself into a group discussion since I was taking a late lunch and didn’t have class afterward. Find more about Dining services here.
The Little Adventure

My little adventure began when I stepped into the dining hall, determined to turn an ordinary college lunch into a memorable exploration of culinary influences. I decided to ask a few people about their food choices, and the responses I received truly surprised me.
For some context, Carleton College boasts multiple dining halls and cafes, each offering unique menus that change daily. This variety not only sparks creativity, but also allows for endless combinations—two students might visit the same hall and end up with entirely different meals. In this chilly winter environment, I find comfort in warming my body with hot foods that feel like home. My go-to selections often lean toward familiar flavors, though I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the offerings so far.
With this in mind, I invited two people at my table to join me in a lighthearted chat about their food choices. Here’s what they had to say:
The Hunger Decision-makers

Elijah, ’28, is a friend I’ve known from taking most of my classes, so when I asked him about his food choices, he was more than willing to share his latest combo. He proudly told me he had a slice of pizza paired with everything you see above plus the rest that he was going to get after these—an unusual mix for sure! But when I pressed him for a reason behind his selection, he shrugged and laughed, saying there wasn’t any particular rationale. We chuckled at the idea that many people in the dining hall probably think the same way, just grabbing whatever looks good. Though, in my mind, I believe there’s a reason for everything, even if we sometimes don’t realize it. Maybe Elijah’s choice was a reflection of his adventurous spirit—or perhaps it was just a desperate attempt to combine comfort foods!
The Explorers

Peaches, ’27, sat right across from Elijah at our table with her intriguing food choices. She is a friend I met through the Fellowship in Christ, a vibrant Christian group at Carleton. She said that she typically went for something she had never tried before and usually ended up loving it! Regardless of where we fall on the spectrum of just trying to get some food on our plate or attempting to carefully craft our meals, the Carleton dining halls are a welcoming space for exploration, where trying new things is not only encouraged but celebrated.
Agnes (she/her) comes from Ghana. While it might seem like a faraway land, the strong sense of community, the incredibly kind people, and the enormous number of trees at Carleton make her feel at home. Her love for science stems from her fascination with nature, as science finds an interesting way to explain the natural world. She is a member of the FOCUS Program. When she’s not writing, dancing, or singing behind closed doors, you can probably find her engaged in conversation somewhere. She likes to spend time researching medical school and life beyond; that should tell you about her great interest in pre-med. While she continues to explore her interests, she has discovered a great interest for Biology, Chemistry, and CAMS classes at Carleton.