Christine's Column

Thanksgiving break officially starts Friday, and I’m more than ready for it — even if mine won’t actually begin until Monday. While most students are packing up and heading home as soon as classes end, I’ll still be on campus for the weekend because of work. It’s not ideal, but I keep reminding myself that a few extra shifts now means more spending money later, especially with a busy week ahead. My break really kicks off Monday afternoon when I finally hit the road for Toledo. Before I get there, though, I’m making a much-needed stop in Bowling Green to get my nails done. It has become a little ritual to start every holiday break with a fresh set, and after the past few weeks of exams and projects, the timing couldn’t be better. Tuesday night is reserved for one of my favorite traditions: watching the “Dancing With the Stars” finale at my best friend Claire’s house. We’ve been doing this for years, and no matter how hectic life gets, we always find time to sit on her couch, argue o...

This past Monday was my friend Libby’s 22nd birthday, and like any good friend with a serious case of FOMO, I wasn’t about to miss it. I met Libby last summer through mutual friends, and we immediately clicked. We kept discovering more and more shared connections, the kind that make you wonder how your paths hadn’t crossed years ago. Libby works as a nail technician in Bowling Green, and once I met her, she quickly became my go-to nail tech. She’s talented, creative and consistently delivers the best sets I’ve ever had. So when she invited me to join her and a few others for dinner and drinks to celebrate, I already knew I was saying yes—even if it meant a long night. I had work Monday morning, then had to drive to Perrysburg for the celebration, and afterward make the late trip back to Ada because I had class early Tuesday. Still, the fear of missing out won, as usual. We went to Bar Louie at Levis Commons, one of my favorite spots for happy hour. I decided to try a new drink, the...

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. From the decorations to the costumes, there’s something magical about getting to be someone else for a night. In college, that excitement only grows during “Halloweekend,” when the entire campus comes alive with parties, themed events and plenty of creative costumes. Last year, my friends and I had to skip the festivities. My roo mmate’s dad got married that same weekend, so instead of celebrating, we traded costumes for formalwear and spent the weekend at the wedding. It was still fun, but it wasn’t quite the same as being on campus surrounded by pumpkins, lights and laughter. That’s why, this year—our senior year—we knew we wanted to make the most of it. It felt like our last big Halloween together before graduation, and we wanted to go all out. Two of our friends, Lilah and Ethan, attended Ohio Northern University with us freshman year but transferred after that. They live about three hours away in Indiana, so we don’t get to see ...