College is supposed to be about academics and building your future. And while that’s definitely happening (somewhere in the background), I’ve found that it’s also about saying yes to things you probably shouldn’t and somehow ending up with the best stories of your life.
So, here’s the official ranking of my side quests this semester.
- Brazil vs. France game
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I was at the gym on a random Wednesday morning when I got a call from my friend asking if I wanted to go to the Brazil vs. France game. Obviously, I thought she meant something local. There’s no way she could mean the national teams, right?
Yeah. She did.
It was worth skipping class for. I’m sorry, Mom and Dad.
Getting there was insane. I paid $120 for an Uber just to get dropped off in the middle of nowhere in Foxborough, Massachusetts. I was still an hour walk away from Gillette Stadium with 15 minutes left before kickoff. My friend had a bad knee, but we still tried to run. That lasted for about 30 seconds.
So, naturally, we did the only thing left to do: stand on the side of the road waving at random cars and hoping whoever finally stopped wasn’t a serial killer. A random man actually pulled over and offered to take us for cash. Not gonna lie, I thought we were done for because his car didn’t have the usual Uber stickers, but then I saw the app notification pop up on his phone. We lived.
We made it late, rushed down to our seats, and I kept thinking, “Wait… we’re still going down?” Two more steps and we would’ve been mistaken for referees.
The game was amazing. I showed up fully devoted to Brazil and left a full Kylian Mbappé groupie.
It’s easily one of the best stories I’ll ever tell.
- Random concert of a random artist
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On a random Tuesday afternoon, my friend Natalia asked what I was doing that night. I had a lot of work to get done.
But also… side quest! So, I said yes.
We showed up to this random venue in Cambridge run by the most stereotypical rock-and-roll guys you could imagine. They were so sweet, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared at first. The bathrooms were covered in stickers; the whole place felt like something straight out of a movie.
As an international student with strict parents, I had never been anywhere like that before.
We watched two openers — one was basically a mini The Kid Laroi, the other was insanely good with his guitar — and then finally the main artist came on. Neither of us had ever heard of him.
He was so good.
At one point, he asked if someone from the audience wanted to come on stage and sing with him. Now, I’m a singer. That should’ve been my moment. But I didn’t go up because I didn’t know his songs.
Big mistake. The song ended up being “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers — my go-to karaoke song. Later, during “Story of My Life,” he pointed the mic at me, and I forgot the lyrics. Of course.
Still, one of the best live shows I’ve ever been to. Lives were changed.
- Red Sox game
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My dad had been telling me all semester to go to a Red Sox game since my dorm is literally a 10-minute walk from Fenway Park. So, when a BU student org offered free tickets, I signed up immediately.
I got there 10 minutes late, obviously. What am I if not chronically late? The second I walked into Fenway, I fell in love — and immediately regretted my outfit. I was freezing the entire time. Like, I was genuinely shivering for three hours straight. Did life feel worth living again? Absolutely. This is what college in Boston is about: having the time of your life while your teeth are chattering.
Also, what is it with everyone knowing every word to “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond?
- Heated Rivalry rave
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If you’re still not convinced that I’ll say yes to anything, this one should do it.
My friend Mira suggested we go to a Heated Rivalry rave. I had never watched the show. Still said yes. We walked in, and it was immediately all girls and gays. I knew right then this was going to be the best night ever.
The music was amazing, the vibes were perfect, and the edits being projected were… a lot more explicit than I expected. I danced, questioned human anatomy, and had the funnest and safest night out I’ve ever had.
The next morning, I binge-watched the entire show and may or may not have developed a parasocial relationship with Hudson Williams.
- Cycling class
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In the spirit of trying new things, I signed up for a cycling class that Her Campus was hosting. Even though it made me feel incredibly unfit and I almost flew off the bike a few times, I actually had a great time.
I get it now. It’s torture, but in a fun way.
- Shirtless frat boys (for charity)
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Not my proudest moment, but definitely my peak exposure to American culture.
Picture this: I’m about to take an exam that could make or break a class for my business minor, and my friend Lena (who is also taking the exam) texts me suggesting we go watch frat boys dance shirtless for charity. My body had a reaction; what did I just read?
The event was literally happening next door 10 minutes after our exam, so we went. And honestly? It was actually enjoyable. Was it chaotic? Yes. Was it slightly absurd? Also yes. But it was entertaining.
If this semester taught me anything, it’s that there are very few things I’ll actually say no to, and honestly, I don’t regret it. The best moments didn’t come from planning. They came from random texts, questionable decisions, and just going for it.
Because at the end of the day, those are the stories that stick.
Moral of the story: take the side quest.
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