“525,600 Minutes, 525,000 moments so dear”

Article by: Ben Calvo and Madeline Goss, M&M TIPsters

Yes, the brochure says that Duke TIP is a rigorous academic camp that accepts only the brightest students. And that’s why the brightest minds in the southern region come together every year…LIES! Tipsters love the social aspect of the camp and some of the best parts of TIP happen during your free time. Free time is when you can be with your friends and actually act like a semi -normal teenager and not a snooty genius. So, in remembrance of our beloved free time, we have compiled a list of our recommended activities.

1) Throw a dance party: If you’re ever at a lack of words to say, why not use some body language? After all, small talk with people you don’t know very well can get awkward, but after a few fist pumps everyone’s ready to talk! And hey! Maybe some college students will drop by! ;)
2) Order Food: You already overeat at every meal, so why not just end the day with a bang! Sure, your arteries will be shouting profanities at you, but at TIP, food babies are all the rage.
3) Jam session: For those of you that are musically gifted, take some time to share your talents with your fellow tipsters. You’ll be surprised how many other people share your talent for making melodies. Those of you who aren’t musically gifted… time for more fist pumps!
4) Coloring Books: No, you’re not too old to color spongebob and Disney Princesses. So get off your high horse and grab those crayons.
5) Ballet: There is always someone playing a classical piece on the piano in the lobby. Take that time to perfect your pirouette. Guys, this means you too.
6) Pretend to be Deep: Rainy days can definitely come to UGA, and you’ll need something to do. When someone is playing a beautiful piece on the piano, sit on a couch, look out the window, and pretend to be thinking deep thoughts. This will create the illusion that you actually belong at TIP when in reality you are thinking, “If I knock a cheerleader out to get to the front of the line, would I get in trouble” or maybe, “Why are those two canoodling in front of my face?” Pretending to be thinking deep thoughts also gives you the opportunity to eavesdrop.
7) Off to the races: Have a need for speed but don’t want to go outside? The hallways at Myers hall are the perfect place for you! Hold some races to see who can make it to the end of the hall and back first. Maybe make it multi floor? If you’re really lucky, you might get the chance to test your long jump and lunge over innocent bystanders sitting in the middle of the hall!
8) Become Informed: There is always drama at TIP. And as a Tipster, it’s your job to know it all. Who broke up? Who made up? What friends are having a fight? Who decided that it was ok to ask someone out with 3 days left? Who needs Gossip Girl when you have nerd camp.
9) Call yo mama: We know, we know, you left home to get away from your mother, but she misses you and she’s probably heard about that light drizzle that rolled in early this morning and wants to know if the buildings been flooded. SO PICK UP THE PHONE FOOL!
10) Prepare for talent show: If you aren’t talented… then start early. This will give you time to FIND your talent. If you’re like us, you’ll be on the second to last day and still need to get the words to your parody down! If you have some raw talent…. LET IT SHINE! BE THE STAR YOU ARE!
11) Prepare yourself for the waterworks: Go buy a raincoat, because those last few days will be like visiting Niagara Falls. Tears will be everywhere you look, and make sure you’re prepared to shed a few thousand of your own.
12) Treasure Everything: All joking aside, TIP really is an amazing opportunity. Enjoy it for what it is. Spend every moment you can with your friends and have some real conversations as well as a few hundred thousand inside jokes. These people will forever remain in your heart and mind, and they are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet.

“How wonderful life is now you’re in the world”
-Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, Moulin rouge


Article title taken from RENT song “Seasons of Love”