Once classes begin and you find your nose is buried in a textbook more than it’s smelling the roses, it becomes easy to see your environment as oppressive. So before that happens, I thought we should take a moment to admire our environment. Lakeland is our home. Everyone on this campus has picked it for one reason or another. So without further ado, here are my top ten reasons that Lakeland is my home—through the bright first weeks of classes, the frightening midterms, and the finals when I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

1. Flowers, literally everywhere

Have you ever taken a stroll around Lakeland in the springtime? You’ll see a million tulips on either side of the bridge and about a half million more in front of the Laun center. I’m pretty sure you can see them from space.

2. Teensy class sizes

It might seem like a disadvantage when your professor recognizes you in the hallway and talks to you for half an hour about the book you never read. But when a study group is practically indistinguishable from hanging out with your hall-mates, it’s pretty nice.

3. Deep-fried ravioli

As much as we all know it’s going to take the rest of the semester to work off the calories, I’ve never heard anybody complain about Lakeland’s fried ravioli.

4. Cushy Campus Center chairs

It’s homey to have all those squishy chairs and couches in the Campus Center. We’re spoiled, really.

5. The library’s third floor

It’s where they keep the kids’ books for education majors in the midst of student teaching… or for the college students who need a study break and a chance to sit in a beanbag chair and read Red Fish, Blue Fish.

6. Creative Cuisine

How many other small campuses give you a chance to watch your food being made in front of you just as you want it?

7. Free stuff

Free popcorn, free entertainment, free student services, free laundry—hey, that last one gets you one step closer to independence from your parents, doesn’t it?

8. Mr. Muskie Drag Competition

Because nothing beats seeing a bunch of big, muscled men parade across a stage after they’ve stuffed themselves into little dresses and wigs.

9. Profs with personalities

I’ve seen too many movies about college students whose lives never overlap with professors outside of class. But here at Lakeland, you end up with extra parents and grandparents teaching you, coaching you, and conducting you.

10. Students with hearts

Nobody’s an island here. If Lakeland is our home, then we’re all family.