Top 25 Reasons to Never Leave Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke College claims on their website that since Mount Holyoke is “the oldest institution of higher learning for women, it’s only fitting to have some treasured traditions.  As a student, you’ll quickly discover that the College’s traditions bring the community closer together and create some of your most memorable Mount Holyoke moments.”  Now, as a graduating senior, leaving the wonderful world of Mount Holyoke in just about two weeks, I have to agree that Mount Holyoke and its traditions have created unforgettable moments.  This nostalgic senior would like to share the top 25 things that she’ll miss about this community.

1)      Convocation—class colors, speeches, screaming, and fun

2)      M&Cs (Milk & Cookies)—no one is too old for snack time

3)      Chef Jeff cookies—you will never find a tastier cookie

4)      Elfing—gifts outside your door each morning would brighten anyone’s day

5)      Dis-Orientation—Screaming the anti-alma mater outside the President’s house

6)      Mountain Day—no school and ice cream on a mountain? Why isn’t this a national holiday?

7)      The Org Fair—finding the club or sport in which you truly belong while getting free candy

8)      Walks around Upper and Lower Lakes—beauty and serenity

9)      The autumn foliage—it’s more beautiful here than anywhere else (and that’s coming from a New Englander!)

10)   Vegas Night—bring it back, please.  MoHos need at least one good party.

11)   Icecappella—who doesn’t love a cappella?

12)   Candy from ResLife—during finals or Halloween, a MoHo needs her candy

13)   J-Term—Take classes, do research, or just hang out for a low-key break

14)   Snow Days—sledding down the amphitheatre on lunch trays

15)   Picnicking or sunning on Skinner Green—it must be spring!

16)   Pangy Day—food, crafts, mega-free-bin, bunnies, and the maypole

17)   Strawberries & Champagne—congratulations on graduation, now let’s get tipsy!

18)   Friends live a foot away—running to their room for emergency fashion advice or story time

19)   The smiling faces of dining services workers—they are ALL so friendly, but we love Helena (Blanchard) & John (Rockies)

20)   The physical education requirement—college credit for dog-walking, ballroom dancing, scuba-diving, and ping-pong

21)   Connections with Advisors—creating a strong bond with a leader in your field

22)   Convenience—everything is in walking distance: food, gym facilities, the library, classes

23)   PVTA—we hate it, but we love it–Outfit for the evening: $50; Cost for drinks at the bar: $25; Running after the PVTA in heels for a chance to enter civilization: PRICELESS

24)   Brunch—Belgium waffles, omelets, crepes, home fries, bacon, and eggs every Sunday

25)   And most importantly, the Community—wonderful and kind people that help each other move into the dorms, smile at everyone on campus (even strangers), write beautiful notes on the Mount Holyoke Compliments page, and share our love of Mount Holyoke College.

What will you miss most about Mount Holyoke after you graduate?