Bootstrap Harder

Bootstrap Bill here. Read on for my advice on tricky roommate situations, prioritization, where to get the best margarita, and more.

--How do I deal with a 'to-do' list that keeps getting longer?

As Bootstrap Bill, my go-to response here is "bootstrap harder," but that's perpetuating toxic culture, and we're not going to do that here.

Just to be clear, the answer in 99.9% of situations is NOT that you're not trying hard enough. You're doing enough, but there are only 24 hours in the day (and you've got to sleep at some point). Not to mention that you deserve the basic creature comforts of food, entertainment, and friendship.

No, instead, I'll impart a piece of wisdom gifted to me by a favorite professor:

Sometimes, you just have to tell these people, "No! My time

matters more than this, and I just dont have the [or want to give

up my] time for this."

I know firsthand that it is not always easy (or possible) to say no to things. What it all comes down to in the end, really, is prioritization. You have to ask yourself the question, "What needs to be done right this minute/day/week?"

To answer that question, you'll need to practice a bit of self-reflection and/or know yourself well enough to know what matters the most to you. Should academics matter the most to you this week? Or should athletics? Is it more important that you clean your dorm room? Or does it matter more that you study for this test? Are you worried about your grades? Or are you more concerned about an extracurricular activity?

Ultimately, my best advice is for you to sit down and actively rank the entries on your to-do list in order of most important, must-get done right now to this thing can probably wait until next week.

Remember that what matters the most is what is best for you, and you're the only person that can answer that!

--How do you know if you're ready to graduate? Class-wise and with plans for afterward (grad school for me), I know I'm all set, but I still feel like I'm not going to be prepared in other ways.

Okay, first of all, a HUGE congratulations on graduate school! That is an amazing accomplishment and something you should be extremely proud of!

Now, I'm going to let you in on a secret. You won't believe me, but it's the truth (so take it to heart).

You are never going to feel prepared to graduate.

If you're all set class-wise and have plans made with graduate school, then you've already done all of the prep work that you can possibly do. But emotionally? Mentally? Nothing is going to be able to prepare you for the stage of life you're about to enter.

It's going to be hard. It's going to be weird. It's going to be -- even -- a little bit sad.

You're going to go from, presumably, living in a community-oriented environment where your life is planned out for you in stages to suddenly being alone and unattached. It is really, really hard. And no one is prepared for how they feel post-Centenary. If they tell you that they are, they're lying.

That said, I can recommend a few things (from personal experience) that may help mitigate what you're about to experience:

If you've read my previous Congo articles, then you know that graduate school (regardless of discipline) is a financial strain for most people. Start saving money now if you can (and if you haven't already). Do it while you're in a place where you have guaranteed CAF meals and a dorm room to sleep in. Don't wait until this summer when you'll be preparing for the move. Save now, tuck it away, and that way you have an emergency fund for when you need it.
Read. Read about how to do your taxes. Read about your medical/dental/vision insurance. Read about the city you're moving to and the local politics and the best burger places and the local entertainment. The more you know, the better.
Take up a hobby. Learn to paint, woodwork, draw, sing, and knit. Take glass-blowing classes. You would never believe the oddness of not having your days packed with extracurricular activities. Find something you love (or at least tolerate) for when you're feeling bored.
And finally, make concrete plans with your friends now. It's actually not that difficult to maintain friendships after college, but the difference is that -- when you're not seeing each other every day -- you have to put in the effort to stay in touch. Some college friends aren't meant to be lifelong friends, and that's okay! But make the plans now! Book the summer road trip or fall vacation now while you're still seeing each other every day, and that way, in the post-graduation days, when you're feeling a little bit lonely, you'll have something to look forward to.

It's not going to be easy, but it is going to be okay.

--How do I tell my current roommate that I don't want to live with them next year? We have to choose rooms soon, and I'd way prefer living with someone else.

Alright, first, if you're a first-year, let me tell you that this is an extremely common dilemma. You're not the first person to go through it; you very much will not be the last. It's rare to stick with your first-year roommate all four years (again, presuming that you are a first-year).

Now, secondly, I hereby give you permission to lie. Maybe you don't want to live with them again because they keep their side of the room and mess, and you're a "neat freak"? Maybe it's because they keep bringing stray animals into the dorm, and you're allergic to cats [true story!]? Maybe you guys just have nothing in common, and you want to room with your best friend?

Those are all valid reasons to not want to live together again, and you're not a bad person for feeling that way. However, it's probably best not to say those things to the current roommate. . .

Try something like: "Hey! I know you really want to live in James, but I want to live in Cline, and Elizabeth offered to room with me there."

Or;

"I think it would be best if I roomed with Jane. You know that we're both Biology majors and play volleyball together, and (really) our schedules just align better."

Keep it simple and sweet. Don't burn the bridge if you don't need to, but do tell them soon!

Room selection is coming up and the sooner you tell them, the sooner they have the chance to find a new roommate and suitemates. Don't leave them hanging at the last minute!

--What are the best places to eat or drink near campus? Mainly things for a budget but also good stuff.

Operating under the assumption that you're of legal drinking age here and that the relative natures of "near campus" and "budget" are flexible, here are a few of my personal favorites . . .

On a budget but want a nice meal/drink? Try:

Torchy's Tacos on E 70th Street. I personally love the "Trailer Park" taco and sangria drinks [don't judge!].
Twisted Root on Line Avenue if you're feeling like customizable burgers. They have liquor-infused milkshakes and trivia nights.
Walk-On's Sports on Youree is a good option if you're looking for a (fairly) quiet place to sit and have a cheap drink. I'd recommend the "Moonshine Swirl".

Mid-tier for budget; top-tier for food? Try:

Marilynn's Place on Fern Avenue. If you've been at Centenary/in Shreveport for any length of time, I don't have to sell you on Marilynn's Place. Tip the bartender well; they're amazing, and we Centenary folk have a reputation to maintain.
Ki' Mexico (on Fern before you get to Marilynn's). If you prefer Tex-Mex over authentic, this is not the place for you!
Superior Grill on Line Avenue. Don't let the name fool you, this is a Tex-Mex restaurant (Shreveport is 90% Tex-Mex, 10% faux-Cajun, after all). Best margarita in Shreveport, hands-down. Try it and report back!

Top-tier budget; top-tier food? Try:

Abby Singer's Bistro is on the second floor of the Robinson Film Center on Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. Best food; best drinks. Period. Slightly too expensive for most students to go on a routine basis and attracts more of an older crowd, but definitely worth the experience.

Fat Calf Brasserie on Creswell Avenue. This place is very much the definition of a "special occasion" place unless you're a card-carrying AARP member with a pension. (Amazing speciality cocktails, though!)

Hope this helps! And enjoy the margarita(s)!

Would you like some advice? Make sure to email cconglomerate@gmail.com to have all your worries solved and be featured in the next issue!