Photo by Emily Peedin
By Alannah Anderson and Justin Isaiah Iriarte
February 29, aka leap day. Most treat the quadrennial occurrence as simply an extra day in the year. Understandably so, as nothing particularly noteworthy happens besides a couple of acknowledgments of its existence. Looking beyond societal values of the day, according to NASA, it takes approximately 365.25 days for the Earth to orbit the sun. Needing to make up for that quarter of a day, every fourth year in the Gregorian calendar becomes a leap year. Knowing the galactic reasoning for this event, it only makes sense (at least to these writers) that leap day should be celebrated as an extra-special occasion gifted to us by the stars.
With this in mind, these writers have composed a bucket list of 29 activities to complete on NC State’s campus before your leap day ends. Ready for the challenge?
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise with a friend
Beautiful views, cold weather, cute pictures — what could be a better start to your day?
- Wear a cute outfit: dress up and feel your best
- Eat breakfast at Case
Since you’re awake anyway, might as well grab a bite to eat at the best dining hall on campus.
- Make a new friend in class
Socializing is beneficial for everyone. Step out of your comfort zone sometimes — you never know who might be waiting for you to say something.
- Drink lots, and we mean lots, of water
- Take a selfie with your favorite professor
- Explore a building you’ve never been in before
- Compliment someone
- Memorial Belltower selfie!
- Take a break from social media
- Try to meet someone who is studying a major you haven’t met before
Surprisingly challenging, as it turns out we know people in a lot of majors.
- Grab a drink at Park Shops
Our go-to is a piping hot cup of British Brunch tea with a splash of creamer and quite a bit of sugar.
- Then, take your drink over to the Talley balcony and enjoy the view
Maybe people watch a little too, but don’t be creepy about it.
- Call someone, just to say I love you, then hang up
No further explanation needed.
- If you have the time, take the trek over to Hunt Library
To all you non-engineering majors, make your way over to Hunt Library sometime; those chairs are really fun. But we guess D.H. Hill Library could work too.
- Goal at the library: finish that assignment you’ve been putting off
- Also, to make sure you’re not sitting for too long, do some yoga or stretching
- Come back to the main campus and check out Carmichael Gym
Hit the weights, ride a bike or, in my case, go to the test kitchen for a culinary demonstration. Anything that gets you there, right?
- Mosey behind Carmichael to grab a few moments of nature on the Rocky Branch Greenway Trail
- Why not hug a tree while you’re there?
- Might as well also take a few moments of silence to appreciate nature
- Feeling inspired? Write a poem
These writers will not be sharing their poems, but if that’s your thing, we’re happy to hear yours!
- Now you’re getting the munchies? Head over to Target and buy discounted Valentine’s candy
Dedicated to all the broken hearts who didn’t receive chocolate this year. Who needs a valentine anyway?
- Can’t forget to enjoy the sunset
- Now for a late night Talley sesh with the obligatory Talley Market run
- At Talley Market, try an ice cream flavor you haven’t had before, or get a Dole Whip (they’re pretty darn good)
Nothing, and I mean nothing, hits better than a nice cold treat after an exam day. Our personal choices are butter almond, Campfire Delight and the strawberry Dole Whip as a dairy-free option.
- As you get deeper into the night, make a time capsule or a letter to your future self to open at graduation — stay tuned for May 2027
- Watch a movie
We decided to watch “Leap Year” (2010). You had to have seen that coming, right?
- Lastly, since it’s too late for anyone to judge you, sit on a wolf at Wolf Plaza
Having an extra day means extra time to think, reflect and even relax. Take some time to appreciate the little things. These writers certainly enjoyed curating this list of challenges (and making sure it could be done) so good luck! Make sure to post your favorite moments of the day and tag @ncsuroundabout on Instagram so we can repost them!