Every Friday I’ll indulge my order-crazed brain in a list of randomness. Welcome to my Friday Fives.

We did it. It’s the end of the school year, our first here in Utah. Graduation is tomorrow and then it’s blue skies toward summer. Well, for Joe at least. We’ve really enjoyed this year in Utah and are REALLY looking forward to spending another summer here with Sean and Wallis. Before I recap what I’ve absorbed in our first year here, I thought I’d put out a call for Friday Five topics for the summer. What do you want to read about? Nothing’s too random. Five things I’d take to a desert island? Five foods I’d never eat? Top five books of all time? (Don’t make me choose!) YOU get to decide. Leave your suggestions in the comments below, or send me an email or text.

So, in honor of the last 10 months, here’s a little collection of five things I’ve learned from USU students this year.

5. It’s only as cold as you think

My building on campus is right next to the field house, where the student gym is, and every morning I’m bundled up as much as possible while students are pouring in and out in gym shorts and tank-tops. I’m trying to adopt their serious mind game, but it’s not working yet. Gloves, please, for me.

4. Front-page-worthy news is a matter of opinion

Enough said.

3. Agricultural schools have the best ice cream

I’m excited it’s getting warm enough for me to indulge my Aggie Ice Cream habit. Wallis, hurry back. Our patch of grass is waiting for us. That, and the Bull Tracks or Aggie Blue Mint. Or both:

2. Seize the Day

This year got off to a tragic start after Joe lost one of his students in a freak accident on campus. Losing Eric left many of the band students devastated, as well as us, but they showed incredible perseverance through their pain and grief, honoring him in every way throughout the season. He will always be missed, but we all remember him by his motto: Work Hard, Play Harder, Smile Hardest. A good reminder for us all.

1. Be as nice as you possibly can. Always.

I’ve lived a lot of places and I’ve never EVER encountered people and students as nice as the ones in Utah. I’m sure it’s a Mormon thing on some level, but I find myself much happier here. Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, for anyone, but I can honestly say that I have way less negativity in my life since moving here. It’s like my outlook shifted. The other day, I was sitting outside the student union reading and a girl from catering dropped a huge box of silverware. No less than 15 people stopped and ran over to help her. One was even on crutches! I couldn’t believe it. That kind of attitude changes everything. People can knock Utah all they want, but it really is a fabulous place to live.

And now it’s time for S-U-M-M-E-R. It’s supposed to be in the high 70s tomorrow. AH! I can’t wait. Another trip to the dog park is in order.