life lessons in geography

fourth year claire torak 

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photo by catherine campbell


Grove Street, Athens 

  1. It’s inevitable that you will miss the house when you move out, even the bathtub that never drains. 

  2. Take every opportunity you can to sit at the dining table with your roommates to catch up and drink a beer until two in the morning whenever you can. 

  3. K-pop is good; stop fighting it. 


40 Watt Club, Athens

  1. Never stop asking questions. 

  2. Always check on the drunk girls in the bathroom. 

  3. Music will never be a truly safe space for women, but you should never stop trying to make it one. 


The WUOG Lobby, Athens

  1. Having a home on campus that is somewhere other than your dorm is an unbelievable gift. 

  2. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people and start conversations. 

  3. Go after what you want and what you love. 

  4. Music really is one of the most important things in the world. 


Cheer Up Charlie’s, Austin 

  1. Dancing cures all sadness, guaranteed.


Black Balsam Knob, Brevard

  1. It is easier to feel loved on top of a mountain. Carrying the feeling down the hillside with you is the hard part.  

  2. Sit in the passenger seat whenever you can, and listen intently. 


A house party, Athens

  1. Don’t enter into a relationship your freshman year. Just don’t do it.

  2. You can never count on the hosts to supply the drinks for you. BYOB, seriously. 

  3. Themed parties are always more fun. 

  4. Spend time dancing and talking to your friends, not trying to hit on some guy with long hair that probably hasn’t showered in a while. 

  5. Never take the people you only see and talk to at parties for granted. Turns out, you’ll miss those short, wine-fueled conversations with them one day, 


Park Hall, Athens

  1. Major in something that makes you happy, even if it isn’t the most financially secure choice. You’re only in college once, study what you want. 


A beach house, Grayton 

  1. The friends that you always worry don’t care and think about you as much as they used to love you just the same. 

  2. Just because a friendship has changed shape doesn’t mean it isn’t any less special, important, or nurturing. 

  3. Being good at beer pong is a life skill, even if just for bragging purposes. 


Max Canada, Athens

  1. Sometimes just drinking a beer and playing pool is better than a busier, stickier bar could ever be. 

  2. Going out is only fun when you’re with your friends, and you set absolutely no expectations. 

The Chapel Bell