Jill's Journal: SDSU ice cream is cause for ‘warning’
I felt like a college kid a few weeks ago. Well, sort of.
The feeling swirled through me as I dipped my spoon into a cup of South Dakota State University’s signature ice cream. And to be more specific, the Ag College’s “cookies and cream” creation.
Now, I didn’t haul on up to Brookings solely for the cool, sweet treat. My visit to SDSU’s Dairy Bar was part of a South Dakota NewsMedia “field trip.” As an SDNA Board member, we met at the Association’s headquarters in Brookings, which is what opened the door to our stop by the Dairy Bar. Well, that, and a coupon for free ice cream.
Earlier in the day, my board colleagues and Dave, the executive director who guides us through it all, visited the College of Journalism. In all the years I’ve been in the newspaper business in South Dakota, this was my first time stepping into SDSU’s journalism department. But before the tour could begin, we first had to scavenge for a parking space and then scan the QR code on the sign to pay a small fee to park. While I drove to the college, another board member opted to cover the cost.
At the end of our tour, the Director of Journalism and Communication Josh Westwick happily handed each of us a coupon. But, with lunch awaiting us back at SDNA headquarters, we agreed to return once our meeting was wrapped up.
Much like a funeral procession, we followed Dave as he led us to the Dairy Barn, where we were led to believe payment to park wasn’t required. As my peers and I finished up and said our good-byes until later this month, I hopped in my Buick and began winding my way out of the college campus. It was a beautiful, sunny day – albeit a bit windy – when I spied something waving to and fro, peeking out from underneath my windshield wiper. Once I got the chance to pull over and snag the paperwork, I spied “PARKING TICKET.”
Initially, I was peeved, although I surely could fork over the penalty.
As I continued to surveyed the fine print, “WARNING” popped out at me. Apparently, their records must have showed that this gal is not a repeat offender. I’m guessing that’s why the parking lot officer cut me a break.
Of course, I was curious if any of my colleagues had received a “greeting” from SDSU.
No one else did. And that still perplexes me a bit. But again, a “WARNING” is better than a “FINE” any day of the week.
I’m nearing the end of my first of three years on the SDNA Board, and I’m now thankful for the opportunity to do so. It’s opened some new doors for the Brandon Valley Journal. I’ve made some new friendships that have come with new opportunities, gained some new knowledge and added a bit of windshield time coming and going to these meetings.
And most importantly, I’ve learned that SDSU ice cream is cause for “warning,” not the calories, but the potential parking ticket.
