Heather Tannenbaum

Dearest Underclassmen,

I know this sounds cliché, but it's true: your four years at Vassar are going to go by so fast, you honestly won't know where the time went. So take it from us wizened, old seniors and start your graduation bucket list now! A bucket list may sound kind of morbid but believe me, for us over-scheduled Vassar students, it's beyond helpful ... and motivating. So here I present to you, in no particular order, some bucket list items you might want to remember.

1) Vassar Farm: I always knew I wanted to visit this ecological preserve on the way-over-there end of campus, but I didn't get the chance until this year. Go with a friend, go alone, take your folks, walk a dog, go in the snow or the sunny greenery, or at the peak of fall foliage season. You're bound to encounter a plethora of interesting sights, sounds, and smells.

2) The South Hills Mall movie theater: They show movies that have just come out of regular theaters but haven't quite made it to DVD yet. That movie that came out six months ago that you really wanted to see but didn't feel like paying 11 bucks at the Galleria for? You can see it for two or three dollars at the South Hills Mall right next door! ! Unfortunately, concession stand prices are just as high as anywhere else. $4 Junior Mints, anyone?

3) Drive-in movie theater: Speaking of movie theaters, drive-ins are a quintessential American experience. There's at least two very nearby (Overlook Drive-In and Hyde Park Drive-In) and when the weather is nice, everyone should go and have their own little Grease moment (though maybe without the corny "Stranded at the Drive-In" song).

4) Night at the Observatory: I've heard whispers that on Wednesday nights you can go over to the Class of '51 Observatory up behind Sunset Lake and look through the telescope for free! I've heard that it's "open to the public." Alas, this is one of those items on my list that I have not gotten around to. So follow those whispers and see if you can get in to see quite a star-studded show.

5) See and/or meet Meryl Streep: Yeah, yeah, I know. Everybody's too obsessed with her, you say. But have you seen her films? The woman can act like nobody's business, and she'll do it so smoothly you'll forget you're watching one of the most famous actresses of all time and get caught up in the character, not the actress. All fawning aside, unless you're going into the entertainment business, it is unlikely that you'll ever again have the opportunity to casually run into Ms. Streep as you both order the Wednesday chili at the Retreat. Sadly, I'll have to settle for just catching a glimpse of this wonderful woman as I walk across the stage to shake hands with Cappy on that fateful day known as Graduation.

6) Traying: Now seniors, remember when you could actually go traying with those great, sturdy trays ACDC used to have. However, you can still go, you'll just have to use something else. But definitely do it! Especially in that prime spot over by Sunset Lake or on Graduation Hill! For those of you who come from warmer climes and have only seen your first real snow at Vassar, as well as you seasoned snow bunnies, this is an experience you cannot miss!

7) The Culinary Institute of America: Now, you may be thinking, no way could I afford one of their fancy shmancy restaurants! But wait! There's a perfectly-affordable and delicious alternative called "The Apple Pie Bakery." Also, any excuse to get on that campus and see the view from up there is a good reason in my book.

8) The Walkway Over the Hudson: I may or may not have taken a senior seminar this semester that focused on the Walkway, and this may or may not be an undisguised plug for majoring in American Culture, but the point is the Walkway is breathtaking. It's really close by (10 minute drive, tops, 25 minute bike ride), it's free (except for parking) it's beautiful (glamorous views of the Hudson River, the Mid-Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie, and Highland), it's good exercise, and it's a great place to go with family, friends, boyfriends or girlfriends, or just by yourself. If you're really into running, I suggest taking the loop that goes around the Walkway and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Lastly, bring a camera.

9) Go to as many performances (plays, recitals, concerts, etc.) as you can: Fact: there are some insanely talented people on this campus. I think I must have been to about 10 different recitals, musicals, plays, a cappella concerts, and instrumental concerts and I have yet to be disappointed. I'm only disappointed I didn't go to more. And where else are you going to be able to see and hear such great performances for free?

10) Acropolis Diner any time after midnight: Whether or not you are under the influence, the food at the Acrop tastes much better after midnight. It's just one of those indisputable facts. Ask anyone.

—Heather Tannenbaum is the outgoing co-president of Togther Opposing Neglect and Child Abuse (TONCA).