When asked "What is your favorite thing about LoC?" and "What is your favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities?" and "If you could make any ice cream flavor that doesn't exist, what would it be?" the Lives of Commitment Sophomore Leaders replied:

Harry Kent (LoC Coordinator), from Columbus, Ohio

My favorite part has to be the opportunity to share the learning experiences we have during volunteering and to bring those experiences back into the larger group.  I've really valued the stories, the laughs, the lives that I've had the honor of assisting and learning from and how, as a group, an already stronger bond becomes even stronger.

I loovvvve exploring the neighborhoods of the Twin Cities, particularly by bicycle.  If I had a full day, I would see how many ethnic grocery stores/pick-up games of any sports/neighborhoods I could go to and visit.  My new fave right now is the East Side, the Payne-Phalen section, in case anyone was wondering.   

I had an epiphany of trying to make a spicy mango type deal.  I'm actually not even sure I like spicy mango, but I feel like it would be real good as ice cream.

Alexis Cheney, Waltham, Massachusetts

My favorite thing about Lives of Commitment is that it attends to our emotional, as well as intellectual, needs. The program is a reliable time and place to refuel by recalling fond memories and/or new experiences, eating delicious food, and asking important questions (such as “how are you?” “what makes you feel at home?” and “how do you  share your story?”) that don’t always make it into classroom discussions. By helping me to connect to the Twin Cities, group members, and myself, Lives of Commitment is my oasis from a busy schedule.

I love to go salsa dancing at Loring Pasta Bar!

Vanilla ice cream stuffed with globs of tiramisu, cookie dough, and chunks of chocolate-covered pretzels. If it has been invented already, please give me some!

Cameron Kesinger, Sammamish, Washington

I love meeting people with similar interests and vocations to my own. Even within that similarity of interests, though, there is an incredible diversity of backgrounds and motivations that enable me to learn from everyone. I cannot overstate the importance of finding people with whom you can talk and ask questions in a comfortable environment, and Lives of Commitment has provided that for me.

Ok, I have to do two, I can't help it and it killed me to pick one. First is to walk at sunset on stone arch, which is a bridge that goes over the Mississippi River in the old part of Minneapolis... it's a stunningly beautiful walk.  Second would be biking through Cedar Riverside in Minneapolis and visiting all of the Somali stores, sometimes getting a sambusa at the Somali Mall there, and then going to the coffee shop and just reading or hanging out with a friend.

I really want a peanut butter and jelly ice cream flavor. It's not crazy enough of a flavor that its existence is impossible, but I've never seen it anywhere. If anyone encounters one, get back to me? I'll send you like a mountain of love and kisses.

Carol Mejia, Los Angeles, California

I think the beauty of Lives of Commitment lies within the safe spaces the participants and coordinators create for the sharing of ideas and listening/learning. In other words, everyone there has the intent of sharing for the sake of sharing and learning and growing as opposed to sharing with the intent of proselytizing or "being right about life"...'tis why lyrical conversations are the mark of my first year at Mac.

I loved taking the bus in the Twin Cities! It was definitely one of the most honest ways to get out of the Mac Bubble and really get a feel for the vibrant and diverse Twin Cities community.

Nutella Almond Roca Ice Cream, please!

Christian Smith, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Hearing people's stories and being surrounded by people who want to hear mine. I really appreciate the depth we are permitted to go into in discussing our histories.

My favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities is teach. The Cities are packed with opportunities for young people to teach/tutor as volunteers, and I genuinely enjoy taking advantage of these opportunities.

Sunshine ice cream, because it would be in greatest abundance on hot summer days. Plus I like sunshine.

Emily Lawson, Alexandria, Indiana

Being a part of Lives of Commitment is a challenge. That's definitely my favorite part. Until I met my fellow Lives of Commitment students, I hadn't really been part of a community that had challenged me in such stimulating, positive ways -- particularly in being open through conversation. That aspect is absolutely the thing I love most about Lives of Commitment.

I didn't have a lot of time to explore the Twin Cities very much, but my favorite thing to do anytime is eat... So, visiting the local mom-and-pop restaurants is probably the most rewarding activity for me thus far; however, I would like to do more naturesque things this fall and next spring.

I feel like even if I tried my hardest, the flavor would definitely already exist... Those Ice Cream Flavor Creators are on point, let me tell ya. If I absolutely had to come up with one, it would be an ice cream flavor that made the consumer consistently smile and think of 'the good times' while they ate it; everyone needs some sunshine in their life.

Mariah Geiger, Farmington, Minnesota

I love the convergence of perspectives.  I grew up among people of largely similar backgrounds, but connections were hit or miss.  At Lives of Commitment, I have discovered how many paths can lead to similar passions, and I love that our community is set up to foster the deep connections that led to this discovery.

My favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities is to just be there and take it all in.  I love the atmosphere of the cities, so taking a walk or sitting by the Mississippi is my cup of tea.

I think Macalester is obsessed with ice cream.  It is everywhere on this campus!  Unfortunately, I seem to have a passion for most things at Mac except ice cream, so I don't really want to pick an ice
cream flavor because I wouldn't really want to eat it.  So my choice is whatever yours would be- you can have mine.

Ronit Zemel, Arlington, Virginia

My favorite thing about Lives of Commitment is the combination of intentional community and lively discussions. One would not be able to exist without the other.

I love exploring the Twin Cities. Especially finding good diners, and dives!

I would make peanut butter mint ice cream. Sounds sort of gross, but also very good.

Sarah Knispel, Hastings, New York

My favorite things about Lives of Commitment are all of the wonderful and meaningful friendships I've made - my first friends at Mac were, and most of my closest friends were in Lives of Commitment- and having a community of people that I trust, and spaces where I feel like I can be vulnerable, because it's usually really hard for me to do that.

My favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities is a tie between eating at food trucks, particularly on the West Side of St. Paul, and helping members of our community fight against foreclosure at various OccupyHomes events/rallies/protests/BBQs/court hearings.

Cream cheese ice cream. But think sweet, like cream cheese frosting, not salty, like scallion cream cheese on a bagel.

Zoe Leanza, Denver, Colorado

Whether the group you’re volunteering with is giddy about the future or passed out on each other’s shoulders, I really like the van rides. They’re always so magical.

I really like the Science Museum of Minnesota. They have a plethora of really fun interactive exhibits that you can enjoy even if you’re not a science nerd. And it’s only $6 on Friday evenings.

If I could make an ice cream flavor, it would be Pixy Stix flavor.