3. You’ve nearly gotten high walking in the Free Expression Tunnel:
By nearly I mean you have gotten high. No, not from recreational drugs people. From the fumes of spray paint. N.C State conveniently has a railroad track that runs straight through campus. Although this results in loud, disruptive, and startling passes by, it also means we have a series of tunnels that go underneath to allow safe passage. One in particular is most famous. Named the “Free Expression Tunnel”, it is an area (mainly in the actual tunnel and just outside) that is left to the public for freedom of expression through paint. Rarely is there a plain or blank spot left to see, though the University does paint it completely white a few times a year. Many times the artwork denotes current events, social issues, or campus pride/spirit. Listen, some of the artwork that occurs there is down right inspiring and impressive. I have personally taken many pictures to use as backgrounds and screensavers there. Yes, this freedom of expression has resulted in turmoil when art work has been deemed inappropriate or offensive- which frankly is quite rare. Whatever the artwork, the tunnel is always there for to provide a suffocatingly high experience on campus.
2. Your arch nemesis is actually a bus system: The Wolfline.
Let’s get one common N.C State myth out of the way (I assume this is common to many college campuses): No, you do not get free tuition if you are struck by a University bus. In fact, your entire collegiate career would be substantially more enjoyable the farther away from the bus system you can stay. However; it is nearly impossible for you to avoid. There are entirely too many statements to be made in regards to the Wolfline. If you’re lucky enough to catch a bus (lord knows they do not run on schedule or space themselves accordingly), you’re not exactly lucky. From drivers who appear to be the walking dead, to overcrowded public use, near death experiences with pedestrians and cyclists, and even wasp nests forming inside- the Wolfline has it all! Brace yourself for one hell of a ride. Literally.
1. You’ve embraced 2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour:
If I didn’t include a plug for the Krispy Kreme challenge, what kind of N.C State student would I be? Starting at State’s memorial bellower, runners race 2.5 miles to downtown Raleigh’s Krispy Kreme where a dozen donuts await. After eating said donuts, runners then run the 2.5 miles back to the finish line. This is beyond a typical experience- it is a communal tradition embraced by all. Benefitting the North Carolina Children’s hospital, you can not help but find your heart happier by the philanthropic and altruistic vibes running rampant. Not to mention it is customary for runners to dress up (I’m talking full on Halloween style) for the race. Spectators come from all over to watch this yearly event. After 10 years of this beloved tradition, over $950,000 has been raised by the N.C State and Raleigh community. There is quite a lot of vomit. All for a good cause, of course.
There are so many other topics that could have been discussed in this article. N.C State is certainly a cornucopia of diversity and tradition. I am a proud alum of this school and will continue to embrace all of it’s uniqueness.
Go Pack!
