So long, Bennington

By Safiya Sinclair '10, Voices Editor

With only two weeks left before I graduate, it’s slowly beginning to dawn on me that this is it—every event, every activity, every class I attend is the last I will ever have here. I never thought I would get sentimental, but sure enough, I find myself thinking back upon all the things I’ve experienced here at Bennington for the first time, which only adds poignancy to the finality of it all. In the past four years, I’ve surely had my share of ups and downs, but as my time here draws to a close, I’d like to focus on the positive things I found here at Bennington, and the many things that found me, confounded me, amused me, changed me. At the risk of getting sappy, here are just some of the many things, unique to Bennington, I’ve realized I will miss:

• The faculty of the College, more specifically: Becky Godwin’s emails and notes, her accent, and the flash of silver fairy godmother hair. Mark Wunderlich’s slightly bemused, calm Ken-doll façade, and all his fantastic stories. Discussions with Marguerite Feitlowitz; being amazed by her intelligence every time. Ancient Greek Philosophy with Karen Gover, and her “a-ha!” face of new discoveries.
• The fresh air and clear night sky.
• The historical charm of living in the Colonial Houses.
• Sunny afternoons with music on the lawn.
• Walking to Powers Market.
• Checking my mailbox up to four times a day.
• The fall foliage.
• The End of the World view out my window.
• The small North American creatures scurrying about outside.
• The quirkiness of the staple house parties, and dressing in theme: St. Kilpat’s Bacchanal Dressed to get Laid Canfield versus parties Swalloween
• I don’t think I’ll take costuming so seriously ever again.
• Dancing to bad Top 40’s music at parties.
• $2 PBR in the Student Center.
• $3 Margueritas at Chili’s.
• The old Snack Bar in Commons.
• Midnight Breakfast.
• Joe Tucker and the band at Midnight Breakfast.
• Midnight Movies.
• The old “to-go” boxes.
• Tiny pies.
• Taco night.
• Pasta night.
• Burger bar.
• Hot dog bar.
• Unlimited ice cream.
• Free printing.
• Free medical care.
• The creakiness of the Barn.
• When Campus Safety was Security, and charismatic.
• Ignoring “3rd Street.”
• plain china.
• Late-night BFP layouts in the POD.
• The Library when it’s quiet.
• All-nighters.
• Sleeping all day after an all-nighter.
• Being able to hang out and chat with faculty members in their offices.
• Having all my friends within a five minute walking distance.
• The full moon silvering my window. So long Bennington; good night and good luck