A notice to first years: four years can fly by.

Consider this compilation your roadmap to Wofford events, campus and your overall experience.

If you want your college experience to be the best it can be, perhaps some planning can help ensure such. Here is a list of suggestions from current seniors, Wofford alumni and yours truly.

Eat at Papa’s Breakfast Nook.

Papa’s Breakfast Nook is located just 3 minutes from Wofford at 191 E John Street. The 24-hour diner is the ideal spot if you and some friends ever seem to find yourselves craving some pancakes at 3 a.m.

Any trip to Papa’s is sure to be a bonding, memorable experience, but be sure to bring some cash as they do not take card payments.

Climb the scoreboard.

I am unofficially, officially advising that if you feel inclined to scale the scoreboard, you should capitalize upon such desires. Period. End quote.

Study abroad during an Interim, or even a whole semester.

Wofford is indeed a magical 170 acre plot, but, let us be honest, there is much more to see in the world.

You may feel that you do not want to miss one second of your fleeting four years of Wofford, but I promise that a two-week, once-in-a-lifetime excursion to the UAE, Vietnam, France, Australia or Nicaragua, for example, will most certainly be worth the minuscule amount of time away from Wofford.

Attend the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Wofford’s campus exudes a special sparkle when it is decked out in holiday lights that make it almost impossible to want to study.

If the holiday season has you weary with excitement for winter break, and you have lost all your focus for finals, attending the annual Wofford Tree Lighting Ceremony may give you the boost of spirit to power through.

Walk downtown with your friends.

Downtown Spartanburg has ample restaurants, shops and more to offer, and you may have explored some already. However, walking downtown is an entirely different adventure from driving.

A mere 20-minute walk to dinner with friends can turn into an unforgettable night in Spartanburg, and you must give it a try.

Experience a Wofford snow day.

Unless global warming melts our campus, you hopefully should enjoy a snow day. When Wofford becomes draped with white and classes are canceled, grab your friends, some jackets, the best makeshift led you can find (the dorm beds are unofficially the best option) and get out there.

Go sledding, make a snow angel, have a snowball fight and enjoy yourselves.

Wofford in the snow is a beautiful sight, and enjoying the experience with friends is even more memorable.

Say hello to, or at least acknowledge, your fellow students as you walk by.

Walking to class at 7:57 a.m. is in no way a pleasant experience, but having your across-the hall-neighbor smile and give a mere “Hey, how are you?” could change the trajectory of your day.

“It can be kind of stressful and difficult to sometimes talk to people, but a simple ‘Hey how are you’ to everyone you pass goes a long way,” Dylan Goshorn ‘22 said.

When you walk to class, or anywhere on campus, make an effort to greet others.

Join a student organization or club.

Putting yourself out there, making an effort and joining organizations is a guaranteed way to meet people, keep yourself busy and meet others with similar interests.

“I always told myself, Wofford is what you make it. Your organizations, clubs, affiliations and friend- ships are what you make it. The more you put into it, the more you are going to get out of it,” said Grace
Sorrell ‘23.

We recommend the Old Gold & Black, of course.

Jump in the fountain.

A Wofford tradition as old as time. Jump in the Wofford fountain with your friends at the end of your senior year.

Do not worry about your outfit getting soaked, it will be worth the memories.

Take with this list what you wish, and please make your Wofford experience your own. As Sorrell put it, “Wofford is what you make it,” and you will soon figure out your own bucket list.