Speedy Savings

Two essentials every college student is in need of: caffeine and cheap food.
After returning to school from the holiday break, it is likely all of your Christmas cash has been relinquished by a McMurray’s bouncer, at least in my case, or has already gone to a down payment on a much anticipated spring break trip.

That is why I am recommending one of my favorite hidden gems of Springfield to help ease the stress of being broke, tired, and hungry. Speedway. Sure, I have witnessed a robbery, feared for my life, and watch a dark-haired, button-down clad, middle aged man make out like a bandit with a 2 liter of Coca-Cola (I mean, you’re not going to stop someone who could potentially be willing to shoot over soda). On the contrary, any penny pincher must be willing to risk a little in order to not break bank, and there are two legitimate reasons for this, both of which can be found at the gas station located 0.86 miles from campus.

First is the ninety-nine cent coffee. Speedway is open 24 hours and is the perfect place within walking distance to take a study break at 3 in the morning (Also, remember to fill in the bubble marked “above-average” next to “course load” on the evaluations at the end of the semester). They offer more than 8 different flavors and even have the option of iced coffee to suit your high-class taste buds. Nick, a routine cashier, says the likeliest time to see college students is during final’s week. I beg to differ with him, as I am there probably more than he is.

Secondly are the 2 for 2 hot dogs, corndogs, and tornados (Speedway’s spin on a taco). In addition to getting a full meal for two dollars, you are also eligible for bonus points which can be redeemed for cool prizes -- like more money to spend at Speedway. Being a Speedy Rewards member is free and many items throughout the store are included in this deal.

By purchasing through Speedway you are able to increase your monthly revenue, decrease your expenses, and maintain a steadily satisfied stomach. A dream shared by management major and the average college student.

If all else fails and two dollars just isn’t in your account this month, you could always steal the hotdog. Hey, it is not like they are going to stop you.

Letter To Myself

Keep baking, and pursue your dream of opening an allergen-free bakery.
Its always the "special" homemade chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie batter that seems to continue to sweeten your problems you come across in life. You remember, the dough that was made with egg replacer, that tasted like jell-o and creeped you out because your best friend had a lethal allergy to the real chicken product. But, you were always able to eat an entire batch of unbaked dough without any anxiety over catching salmonella.


You will play four years of collegiate soccer, probably have spent more time on the bench than on the field, and ignore your future coach the entire summer before your first year of school because you never really wanted to play soccer past high school anyways. But soon you will thank dad for dragging you on a visit to a college you've never heard of before because you have now met the most wonderful, talented, and respectable 30 best friends who have made your college experience worthwhile.

One of these girls will eventually outgrow the egg allergy and you'll spend countless hours in the kitchen, drinking wine, and baking goods you hope other will enjoy as much as you do...