College. As a Junior in high school, I’m starting to look at colleges and take college tours. This past weekend, I embarked on a college tour marathon. Spoiler alert: I only recommend it if you’re training for the Olympics. 

The first one was Penn State, which I learned is NOT to be confused with the Ivy League UPenn because they are in very different locations. The moment I stepped foot on campus, my nose was greeted by a charming aroma of… good old cow manure! There’s nothing like a little olfactory love straight from the heart of Pennsylvania. It’s like being instantly revitalized—who needs coffee when you have a bouquet of bovine hugs wafting through the air?

I must admit, while on the tour, I took notes for my tour guide: “Pro Tip: Watch where you walk. Fire hydrants are not your friends.” Despite being surrounded by what felt like a hidden herd of cows, I was able to appreciate the beauty of the campus. 

After a gourmet lunch of chips and the crumbs of a granola bar probably older than my little brother, my mom and I hopped back into the car for a two-hour drive to our next destination: Pittsburgh University. This campus had its signature scent—good ol’ city smog! It’s just a classic cocktail of car exhaust, cigarette smoke, and probably a dash of regret from too many late-night Primanti Sandwich runs.

I was nervous when only two other people showed up for the tour. However, I did like the school. The architecture was gorgeous, giving Wednesday Addams meets suburban East Coast city. Thankfully, I didn’t trip over any street signs this time—unlike my little incident at the University of Maryland, where I got a face full of metal.

In the grand scheme of chaos that is college applications and campus visits, it’s important to have fun—even if it involves light inhalation of cow smells. So, here’s to enjoying the journey… as much as you can.