This upcoming weekend I will find myself in a bit of a pickle. My 17-year-old sister, who is a senior in high school, will be coming up to Oswego to visit the school as a part of her college decision. Monday is Accepted Students Day on campus, so she’ll be going through the Oswego State car wash as we all once did: going on tours, meeting with professors, etc. My problem is not on Monday. My problem is on the day before.

She will be arriving here on Sunday at about 4 p.m., so factor in a 10 p.m. bedtime (which might be a tad ambitious) that leaves about six hours of showing her around town and presenting the college life. The problem with that is, what in God’s name would a 17-year-old do in this town?

My Sundays usually consist of lounging around and watching baseball. Oh, and of course vigorously studying and completing the enriching homework that any of my professors who may be reading this have assigned. But as exciting as all of that may sound, I sincerely doubt any 17-year-old girl would be instantly compelled to attend Oswego State purely based on that scene. My problem boils down to two possibilities: either I have no idea what girls do in their spare time (which, come to think of it, is entirely true) or the options here are limited.

Many of my friends have suggested showing her around the bar scene for the future when she turns 21, but that is not going to work. My sister is only looking for a school for one year, as she has been assured by Cornell University that she will be able to transfer there following her freshman year. And yes, this has been pointed out to me many times by friends and family. So what if she is going to an Ivy League school? I’m the sports editor at The Oswegonian, damn it. That counts for something, right?

So back to my previous question: what do I do with her? Most of the fun in this town is only accessible if you are of age. Sure, we could go to the movies, or bowling or some generic activity that one can do in any town, but I do not see that as a selling point as a place to live for a year.

There’s a reason everyone at this school looks forward to the weekend and it is not just because there are no classes for two days. Maybe it all depends on your interests, but from my perspective, there is not much to do on a Tuesday night.

Now don’t take this as a complaint about Oswego. I have had the time of my life here, and I would not change a thing. But sometimes, it can be a little troublesome to find something to do outside of campus.

Usually when I’m in a spot like this, one of our staff members will provide some advice. Well, loyal readers, now I call upon you for help in this instance. I need some ideas on how to spend the time between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. off campus with a 17-year-old girl. My email is in the byline, so shoot me any suggestions you have. If I get one that’s good enough, I’ll buy you a drink at the bars (if you’re of age, of course) because that’s what we do around here.