by Yalie Kamara

1. Horchata dispenser. Oh my God. This thing is absolutely brilliant. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. All access. This is out of control. And to think before college I’d have to wait for special occasions to get some of this. Ludicrous! I’m so in love.
2. Good hallmates. Okay, so we look like the model United Nations. It’s cute! Afghanistan, Mexico, Sierra Leone, the Philippines, Germany, Belize, US, and Ireland are just some of the countries that grace my hall. I’m so fortunate to live in a virtual microcosm. I’m learning so much because I’m breathing the air of the world and not just words from just any old textbook. Big ups to West Lothian A-2 hall.
3. Upper Division French. As Professor Truby pointed out so eloquently: “French and English are both good in their own way. French is like Ben and Jerry’ s and you wanna taste all the words. English is like Cheetos; you sit down and just stuff your face. French is beautiful, but we can’t hate English. It’s just a different kind of joy.” Word.
4. This journal. What better way to promote my “Win a Date With Yalie” contest? And, no, it’s not based on that Tad Hamilton movie…Okay, so what if it is? Anyways, I am accepting submissions until February 13, 2004 at 11:59 PM (...well actually I’m extending it until 11:59 PM. Feb 27, 2004 since my journal entry is late). Forward all your applications to 826 Valencia. I AM SOO PLAYING. Nothing like a little April Fool’s Humor in February, right guys?
5. Saul Williams. For someone as brilliant as him, he’s got to be one of the most human people I’ve ever met. His presence at UCR for just a night made me think a lot about how much writing means to me and how it touches people. His words were laced with passion and hope, two of the most important elements in writing. It was such a blessing to see him.
6. Religious Studies. Why is Professor Smith the best? Because he says things like, “Don’t you know some people that are like gold? Pretty and nice to look at, but good for nothing else?” Ouch. I’ve never made links between…
7. Math. This subject only makes my Top 10 list because it’s not on my Top 10 list! See you next year Math 009! (Note: Top 10 list is not in order after horchata dispenser.)
8. English Lit. As we enter the lecture hall, Prof. Geriguis plays music from the era of Dryden’s Tempest to Neville’s Isle of Pines; there’s always a musical accompaniment to the 17th and 18th century pieces of literature we read. We even get extra credit when we take optional Baroque dance classes in the Arts building. Too bad we can’t dance in her class and listen to the music all class period long, because I really think it would curb the sleeping rate in that class. ZZZ…What? Oh, yeah...number 9.
9. Hiking. To be honest, it has felt like death in the past. However, as of late, these arduous treks have been something of a cathartic endeavor. Looking at UCR from the top of Box Springs Mountain made me realize how small it was in the larger scheme of things. All my worries can fit in my dorm and it’s about the size of a speck of dust from the top of the mountain. Why am I sweating everything so much? I should stop worrying myself with such trifling things and be more excited about life and exploring outside of the academic realm. Time away from the campus gave me peace of mind and a sense of calm and control. All were much needed.
10. Poetry. Brave New Voices 2004, the National Youth Poetry Slam, will be in Los Angeles this year April 14 through18. In 2002 (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and 2003 (Chicago, Illinois), I represented with the SF Bay Area team through Youth Speaks (www.youthspeaks.org). This year, I’m helping plan this awesome event. It’s going to be so rewarding to see how everything turns out and to watch some of the most phenomenal and riveting teenagers throughout the nation perform original pieces of poetry. I’m so excited to observe everything from a non-competitor’s stance. For more information on this amazing event (hosted by many amazing poets, educators, and Saul Williams!), please check out www.youthspeaks.org/~youthspeaks/FlashSite/bnv2004.

Well, fine ladies and gentlemen, these are a few of my favorite things at Riverside. I hope you enjoy them. Take care and, until next time, Godspeed.