The Hidden Gems of Being a YC Student

By Melanie Wells
@YCmelaniew

York College is a place packed full of hidden gems. Whether those gems be free candy, coupons, games, student discounts, or even the staff and faculty, it’s important to know where you can find them! Here are a few pointers to where you can find some YC secrets that could brighten up your day! ​

Free Candy?!?
Who doesn’t like free candy?? There are probably countless places on campus that offer free candy, but here are a few of the better known ones. Library employee Leo Miller puts out free candy on a daily basis to the students who need a little “pick me up.” The best thing about this free candy location is that you also get a smile or wave from Leo!

The Admissions office is another place on campus where free candy can be found. More specifically, York Peppermint Patties! Pop into the Admissions office for a quick chat with some of the people who helped you in your enrollment process and for a sweet treat.

Biology professor, Gail Miller, always has at least 3 containers full of candy outside of her office in Sack hall. She loves to see students, so you can always pop your head in her office while you grab some candy. And, if you happen to have a class with her she might occasionally bring snacks too.

Coupons
Picking up coupons here and there is super beneficial. Those few cents add up and before you know it, you’re saving a lot of money! Staff and Faculty bring in coupons and lay them around campus for students. Coupons can consistently be found on the first floor of Middlebrook on the counter by the staircase door, and also outside of the Financial Aid office in Sack Hall. These coupons vary and can be used at places like Walmart, Pizza Hut, Casey’s and Subway!

Student Discounts
Student discounts are a LIFE SAVER. The Community Center downtown allows any York College student free access to it’s facilities with proof of a valid student ID. Here you can swim, enjoy the hot tub, play basketball, use the workout room, or play racquetball! Wendy’s offers a size upgrade on your drink and fries when purchasing a combo. York Public Schools offer York College students free admission to any sporting event. Runza offers YC students $1.00 off any combo. For those who live out of state and drive back and forth from home to school, Penner's Tire & Auto offers $5.00 off an oil change, and $10.00 off ANY fluid flush. And there are many more! If you’re unsure if a place offers a student discount, it never hurts to ask!

YC Campus Games and Events
There are several YC games that go on around campus. Have you ever been so bored you’ve wanted to hit a tennis ball with a golf club through random trees, bushes, and buildings? Well then Genniss would be the game for you!!! It’s pretty much golf, but with a tennis ball, and you have to hit it in between two trees and not in a hole. If you’ve never played, give it a shot!

When the weather is nice, you’ll often times find people outside throwing a frisbee around and they would be more than willing to let you hop into their game! It’s also common to find people going down to Easthill park to play sand volleyball! Participating in these random games can help you meet and connect with new people!

York College also offers Movie Nights at McGhee where they play a movie on a huge screen outside of one of the main buildings on campus! During this event there is often times popcorn and cotton candy, and students are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows to make laying in the grass more comfortable.

Staff and Faculty
There are some truly amazing people who work at YC. If you ever need a boost, look for these people and they will be sure to put a smile on your face!
Library worker Leo Miller (also, just recently voted staff member of the year) is one of the sweetest people on campus! He is always willing to help you find a book, but most importantly, he’s willing to have a conversation with you! You’ll always get a “hello,” and a “goodbye,” when you come to the Levitt Library.
ANYONE on the Maintenance crew will always brighten up your day! These people do SO much for YC that we don’t even realize. They will stop their leaf blower to say hello to you. And  these guys wake up VERY early to clear the campus when it snows, so we can safely make it to class. If you see any of them around, stop and say hi! They’d love to talk to you.
For anyone who has a work study job, you should know Mrs. Ana Carvalho. She’s the person that gives students their paycheck Mrs. Carvalho knows everyone’s name and always welcomes you with a big smile. When you pick up your work study check, make sure to give her a big thank you because she does so much more work than we realize!


Like I said, YC is FULL of hidden gems. You just have to keep your eyes open and you’ll most definitely find a few.