Senior Spring Bucket List

How do you say goodbye to a place that’s given you so much? Over the four years at Oberlin, I’ve had over 10 different student jobs and have simultaneously pushed academics to the first priority. Two months ago, as I was wrapping up my final fall semester, I quit most of my jobs and decided to experience Oberlin without as much of the hustle and bustle – to drown in the sentimentality of leaving this place as soon as I got used to it. In my final semester, I made it a goal to make the most of it. I made a bucket list that included pottery, jewelry making, knitting, going to Cleveland more, trying out all YeoFit classes, reading more, and enjoying my time to the best. In today’s blog, I will tell you my progress with this list so far.

Pottery

Through Oberlin’s Experimental College program, I signed up for a Beginner Wheel Throwing ExCo class, where I’ve begun to learn the basics of pottery. Oberlin’s Pottery Co-op is a space that’s open to students, faculty, staff, and community members to use. In exchange for six hours of service – clay making, cleaning, organizing, etc. – folks are welcome to come in and make the pieces they want to. For those that want to learn more specifics, there are also board members who offer office hours, so the option to go, ask them questions and work with them is also there. While I am sad I joined the co-op only in my final semester, I am so excited to be learning how to throw, make bowls and plates, even when I fail. As a long overdue hobby, I’m grateful the Pottery Co-op is letting me make it happen.

Jewelry-Making and Knit n’ Kit

From previous blogs, you already know that I work at the college-owned, student-run coffeehouse Cat in the Cream. It is this exact venue where we, the staff, organize lots of arts and crafts nights – from jewelry-making to knitting and button-making. Part of my bucket list included making earrings, so when the semester began, I was quick to schedule a jewelry-making event at the Cat. With the venue’s budget, we provided supplies, tools, and beads, and invited the college community to come fulfill their artistic ideas. 

We also have a core event that happens multiple times every semester – Kit n’ Knit – where we provide the needles and yarn for knitting and crocheting, and invite folks to enjoy our cookies and tea while making scarves and sweaters. I’ve recently started a scarf, and am committed to finishing it before the semester ends.

YeoFit classes

YeoFit classes are fitness classes organized and provided by Oberlin’s Athletics Team and facilities. They range from boxing to yoga, from dancefit to spinning. As part of my final semester, I’ve made it a goal to try out all of them. I’m currently at 7/14!

Cleveland and the area

I really love exploring different grocery stores, thrift stores, pastry shops, cafes, and teahouses, so I’ve recently compiled a list of places I have either already visited or plan to visit during my remaining time here. Last week, I went to La Plaza, a store of Central and South American food. My next stops are 787, a Puerto Rican store, as well as a Hungarian pastry store close to Cleveland’s West Side Market. Speaking of West Side Market, on my most recent excursion to Cleveland, I found a cafe that also serves as a bookstore right next to the market. Right across the street from it, I found another cafe – full with board games you can borrow to play with. CentroVilla25 is another place I want to check out, and while I wish I had more time than a single semester for all my exploration, I recognize it’s the limited time of my final semester that makes it special.

I love Obieland and I'm so happy to be making the most of it for my final stretch of time here.