Freshmen Fridays: My Mini Fridge Staple

This summer, along with incoming freshman around the world, I fretted the fate of my future. Will I make friends? Will I like my classes? Will my roommate stink? What time will I go to bed? Do I still have to ask my teacher to go to the bathroom? Am I supposed to bring my laptop to every class? Did anyone actually read Book of Rhymes? I pondered the usual queries, continually shoving them aside to savor my last August as a carefree youth. They would be answered in due time. But a more important question constantly wriggled its way to the front of my mind, where it remained, steadfast: What will I keep in my mini fridge?

A month into first semester, my fridge’s contents are decidedly sparse and lackluster for a self-proclaimed foodie. There are Stonyfield Greek yogurt cups to accompany the homemade granola my mom left with me. Beside them, a half-carton of eggs I bought for my first few attempts at mug cakes. In the door, the baggy of baby carrots that came with my Cosi order last night, an apple stolen from Hill, and a cheese stick that’s been in there for weeks and neither me nor my roommate are taking responsibility for. A good majority of these items should probably be tossed. Admittedly, they have had weak debuts, and might not play recurring roles in the reality show that is my fridge. But smack dab in the middle of the fridge, there stands the one thing that will undoubtedly be a staple for the next four years: chocolate milk.
The drink has literally powered me through first semester. Morning coffee gets a generous splash–instant mocha. Post-run, my indulgence disguises as a recovery drink. A chilled glass from the dining hall accompanies each and every PB&J, grilled cheese, and bowl of cereal I consume. A midnight study break warrants a run to Wawa for snacks, and inevitably, another half-gallon. Dissolving cocoa mix in a steaming cup of it makes a hot chocolate decent enough to remedy a homesick breakdown in minutes.

Will I make friends? I already have one: chocolate milk! Will I like my classes? Doesn’t matter. Chocolate milk. What time will I go to bed? When the chocolate milk is gone. Will my roommate stink? Douse her in chocolate milk.
The sweet, creamy, silk is the answer to all of life’s problems. Except for obesity, I suppose. I just keep telling myself that milk is healthy.

So while “due time” hasn’t come and settled all of my nerves regarding freshman year, I can be sure of one thing: there will always be chocolate milk in my fridge.

For now, there’s just one question still bothering me. Wawa, Horizon, or TruMoo?

Byrne Fahey