Well, this is it. My final column of the semester. What a time it’s been! Betweenscathing social commentary,genius financial analysis,topical fashion critique anda single actually serious column, I’ve explored so much over the past few months. I’ve even received a couple of rude comments from Facebook randos. Truly a semester of firsts. To my beloved readers — and by this I mean my grandparents and the three friends I text my articles to every other Wednesday — thanks for putting up with my silly little stories.
I thought a fitting column to round out the year would be something like to Nathan Zed’s “BRING IT/LEAVE IT” series on YouTube, where each January he identifies trends or ideas that he thinks should or shouldn’t get carried over into the new year. In a semester like this one, with lots of stuff to look forward to and even more to leave behind, I thought I’d make the definitive BRING IT/LEAVE IT list for spring semester 2021.
BRING IT — the lawn furniture
In spite of all the questionable decisions the administration has made this year, they really knocked it out of the park with Library Lawn and South Lawn. The Adirondack chairs? The little fire pits? The string lights? All-around impeccable vibes.
LEAVE IT — motivational sidewalk decals
No thank you. They aren’t helping. Don’t try to turn this whole thing into a learning experience. Whoever is in charge of these, please stop interrupting my dejected walks across campus with your empty gestures and meaningless inspiration. Just let me listen to Phoebe Bridgers on my way to SDH to get a chicken pot pie in peace.
BRING IT — Fruit Roll-Ups™ Blastin’ Berry Hot Colors
There’s not much to this one. They’re just good; that’s all. I would appreciate it if they came back.
LEAVE IT — ND in the news
I think it would be nice if we stopped doing embarrassing things that garner national attention.
BRING IT — Cafe de Grasta
It’s been nearly eight months since I’ve seen the face of God, and by that I mean it’s been eight months since I’ve eaten a chicken wrap from Cafe de Grasta. I can’t even begin to articulate the things I would do for a jalapeño cheddar wrap with honey sriracha chicken and boom boom sauce right now. In spring 2021, I just wanna be back in Grace Hall listening to yacht rock and seeingDr. Ed Stech from a distance. Is that too much to ask?
LEAVE IT — Smashburger
Is this a controversial opinion? I don’t know. As much as I love going up to the cashier and asking them to give me a Classic Smash®, I just feel like the quality of the food doesn’t justify how high the prices are.
BRING IT — a town crier
Instead of the HERE dashboard, all coronavirus-related news should be delivered via town crier. They can go out onto God Quad every morning and yell out the new case count, along with other high-profile information. I just think we should really lean into the whole plague aesthetic.
LEAVE IT — house parties
I mean, are you guys serious? The coronavirus is still out there and some of y’all are still risking it all for Kamchatka. I promise you will still be able to drink Claws with Katie from just outside Chicago after the vaccine drops.
BRING IT — SDH bees
We’ve had our disputes in the past, but I’m willing to set them aside. Let’s work out a deal, SDH bees. Maybe we’re not so different, you and I.
LEAVE IT — Permacloud
Some people might say that this is “ridiculous” or “meteorologically impossible.” I say that if I don’t see the sun soon I might forget it exists. Let’s get rid of it!
BRING IT — me
You heard it here first, baby. 2021 is my year. I think I’m finally going to learn how to read.
Ella Wisniewski is a junior studying English and economics. She tries her best not to take herself too seriously. You can reach her at ewisnie2@nd.edu or @ellawisn on Twitter.
Bring it in 2021/leave it in 2020: ND edition
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
