For my second experience on the Columbus To-Do list, I chose to walk the Olentangy trail with one of my friends. It seemed like a dumb choice to walk around outside at first, because it was a very frigid and somewhat gloomy day, but it turned out to be one of the more rewarding and fun experiences that I have had since being on campus. It was enjoyable to walk around outside and get a break from studying for finals. Getting some exercise and breathing in the fresh air really helped me relax and “sharpen the saw” so I could get back to studying feeling recharged and ready for more. It was also very enjoyable to talk to my friend while walking along the riverside. Because it was around the time where all students are studying for finals, everyone is stressed and most people do not have a release or outlet to utilize in order to get rid of built up emotions. Walking along the trail with my friend allowed us to talk about our built up emotions and I am certain that this made both of us feel better and more optimistic about the approaching finals week. I am definitely planning to walk along the trail again in the future to relieve my stress whenever my daily obligations become too much for me to handle. I learned that taking some time to focus on your own feelings can make you feel so much more optimistic about the future, and make you more willing to do extra work.
My favorite experience from the Columbus To-Do List project was going to Jeni’s Ice Cream and getting a tasty ice cream cone! It was fun to walk around Columbus and to get a glimpse of the breadth of opportunities waiting to be taken advantage of and experiences waiting to be made in the city. I learned that there is a lot more to the city than first meets the eye. For my next experience in Columbus, I would like to try going to a unique restaurant or cafe so I can try some of the more special food that the city has to offer. I am also considering exploring some of Columbus’s art exhibits and museums so I can have an experience that is unlike anything I have done before. I have never been to an art museum or similar establishment that houses several pieces of artwork, so I am excited to go to one and see what it is like. I would recommend to other people that are trying to have similar experiences in Columbus to plan ahead. It is important to have a plan as to where you are going and how you will get there. It is also important to have flexibility when you go to a specific event so you can take extra time to do something spontaneous if you want to. A good experience should be one where you are careful in your planning beforehand so that you can have fun in the moment.