Anna Papakirk
Want a movie rec? Need a new hobby or activity? Craving a sweet treat? With so many decisions and too many options in this world, allow me to help you make your pick.
Hi! My name is Anna “Pappy” Papakirk, although only a select few from back home actually call me “Pappy.” I’m a sophomore in Branford planning to double major in economics and history. When I’m not in class — or doing my favorite activity: writing for the WKND desk — you can find me exploring. I love trying new things, whether that be discovering new places on campus, feasting at the restaurants of New Haven or watching a binge-worthy show. And when I come across anything that I truly enjoy or find something that achieves can’t-live-without status, I want to share it with all of you. Trust me, I’m not gate-keeping any of my favorites.
That’s why every other week, “Pappy’s Picks” will give you suggestions to help you maximize your days and find the little things that can bring you joy. Without further ado, take your pick.
In my opinion, there’s a significant difference between a weekend and a WKND. One is spent laying in bed, scrolling through random Instagram reels and maybe having the courage to make it to the dining hall for brunch. The other one, however, is spent exploring different parts of Yale and New Haven, laughing with friends and successfully making it to the dining hall to devour some scrumptious pancakes.
I think it’s obvious which is which. And no shame — both are equally valid and needed from time to time. But, if the weather has you hibernating in your suite, yet you are itching for something exciting to do, here are my top picks for activities at Yale that will turn any old weekend into a WKND.
Sports Games
“Bulldogs! Bulldogs! Bow Wow Wow!” Is that enticing enough to drag yourself out of bed to make the mini trek — or should I say exciting adventure — to PWG or the Whale this winter? Well, if it wasn’t before, it will be now.
Last Saturday, despite the mild snow flurry and frigid temperatures, my roommate and I made our way over to the John J. Lee Amphitheater to watch the Bulldogs take on the Princeton Tigers in an epic Ivy League showdown. We arrived just as the game started, and the stands were packed; students were squished like sardines, and we barely found room to sit.. We went in with the assumption that we were going to leave halfway through but ended up staying the entire time to watch the Elis beat Princeton 84 to 57. There was so much energy and excitement on the court and in the crowd, making it a highly successful outing for both the players and fans.
But basketball is not the only team in season — catch a swim meet, hockey game, squash match or gymnastics meet. No matter what athletic event you attend, it will elevate your weekend from “‘boo’-la ‘boo’-la” to “BOOLA BOOLA!”
Student Shows
Let me set the stage for you this weekend: it will involve an actual stage. Whether it be an a cappella performance, a dance recital or a comedy show, there are a myriad of student groups on campus who are polishing their acts and flawlessly executing their crafts, all deserving of standing ovations.
This year I’ve gone to my fair share of shows — shoutout to my friends who’ve been killing it on stage this year! — and after each one, I eagerly anticipate the next. On Thursday, Feb. 13 — and yes, Thursday is the new Friday, so it’s technically considered the weekend — I went to Something Extra’s annual Valentine’s Day show, and it was something extraordinary. A brilliant synthesis of singing, performance and comedy, the show had me laughing out loud, snapping my fingers and dropping my jaw in awe at the talent of this group.
That being said, there are so many student shows happening all the time! Plays, musicals, concerts and more will undoubtedly afford you the opportunity to have a show-stopping weekend!
Museum Visits
If you’re an early bird on the weekends — and when I say early bird, that will generously include anyone who wakes up sometime before 1 p.m. — there are plenty of fun daytime activities to partake in. When you want to procrastinate your work but still engage in an intellectually stimulating activity on a Saturday afternoon, museums are the place for you. Rather than staring at a blank screen as you try to start your essay, perhaps staring at some artwork or curated displays will help transform your procrastination into inspiration for whatever assignment you’ve been holding off.
The weekend before winter break, I took a trip to the YUAG with my Modern Greek class, and we explored the museum’s expansive collection of artwork, focusing our attention to the specific works we had studied earlier in the semester. Seeing the pieces in person and exploring other hidden treasures in the gallery instantly made my weekend more colorful.
If art isn’t your cup of tea, though, try making your way over to the newly renovated Peabody Museum — that is, of course, assuming you can brave the wind tunnel that is Prospect Street to make it up Science Hill and to the museum. I have yet to check this one out, but I’m already adding it to the collection of next weekend’s activities, and you should too if you want a perfectly curated Saturday afternoon.
So, how are you planning to have a worthwhile WKND?