Over the years during finals week, we’ve had staffers spend 24 hours at the library and at the HUB and share their experiences.

One day, I realized that the Arboretum has yet to be lived in for 24 hours, and inspiration struck. Given that my apartment and most of downtown State College currently has no power, the timing couldn’t be anymore perfect.

I’ve decided to conquer the impossible and live in the good ‘ole Arb. Follow along for my 24-hour adventure, as I touch some grass.

Live Blog

8:27 p.m.: Here. We. Go.

8:30 p.m.: I got here around 8 p.m. with fellow staffer Noah Flenard. Right when I got here two other staffers were waiting for me with a hammock and everything. Real ones.

8:37 p.m.: Nothing beats watching a sunset in a hammock. Immaculate vibes right now.

8:38 p.m.: Ladies and gentleman…Onward State stud Fernando Martinez Ruiz De Esparza has arrived as moral support. Wish me luck.

8:43 p.m.: JUST IN: Fernando has just informed me that this is his first time ever in the Arb. Still trying to wrap my head around how that’s humanly possible.

8:54 p.m.: It’s getting pretty dark, but vibes are still high. I never want to leave this hammock.

9:38 p.m.: It’s been about 45 minutes since my last update. We have quite the crew now, but had to relocate. Shoutout Noah for getting us snacks from Findlay Commons.

9:41 p.m.: Two more staffers, Ella and Melanie, have joined for moral support.

9:48 p.m.: Right now, we’re just laying in the grass and vibing. Peak.

10:27 p.m.: The seven us are in the bowels of the Arb, exploring the wooded paths. Kinda creepy and scary out here, but we still ballin’.

10:39 p.m.: Two hours down, 22 to go. Just found a new hammock spot. Time to set up shop.

10:50 p.m.: HAMMOCK TIME!!!

11:14 p.m.: Noah is joining me in the hammock. Two peas in a pod, for real.

11:49 p.m.: Starting to hear some noises out here in the middle of the woods. At least I got my gang with me.

11:56 p.m.: Spoke too soon. Someone queue “All By Myself” by Celine Dion.

12:06 a.m.: The hammock is hammocking. Currently stargazing and contemplating life as hour four nears.

12:40 a.m.: I’m really starting to feel the cold, and really regretting only bringing two blankets. Meanwhile, two more visitors are en route, but it appears they are lost in the Arb trying to find me. I’m deeper in these woods than I thought.

12:51 a.m.: Just left the hammock to find my visitors, but my phone is on 3%. Let’s hope I can make my way back.

1:07 a.m.: Update: found them! And, Ryan brought me more snacks!

1:38 a.m.: Still alive, for those wondering. Just laying in the field and yapping. Almost forgot this is the whole point.

2:07 a.m.: The journey back to the hammock begins NOW. Ryan left, but Maggie is sticking out the night with me. We’re in this hike together.

2:19 a.m.: Still haven’t found the hammock spot, and my shoes are soaking wet. Good grief.

2:22 a.m.: Nevermind, we’re back (somehow)!

2:49 a.m.: Time for bed. Good night, world! Hopefully we don’t get hypothermia.

6:05 a.m.: We randomly woke up as the sun was starting to rise, and witnessed a pretty nice view. AND, we survived the night! Back to sleep, now.

7:55 a.m.: Woke back up to say bye to Maggie, then back to sleep.

8:30 a.m.: Half way there!!! Got woken up by this construction guy chopping down trees. He probably thinks I’m homeless. Okay, back to sleep now.

9:46 a.m.: Rise and shine!!!!

10:03 a.m.: More visitors!!! Siroty and Juice have arrived. The best people to wake up to.

10:27 a.m: 10 hours to go!

10:45 a.m.: Proud and honorable managing editor Joe Lister has arrived. About damn time.

11:16 a.m.: Took down the hammock and relocated to the Bird House.

12:04 p.m.: This is hands down one of the best spots in the Arb. Onward State legend Cooper Cazares got here not too long ago, and we’re yapping in front of another great view.

12:28 p.m.: This guy is giving a tour of the Arb, and made a pit stop in the Bird House to talk about carpenter bees, maple trees, and everything else in sight. Feeling: educated.

12:39 p.m.: JACK SCOTT JUST PULLED UP. Brought me a coffee, too. Life is good.

1:39 p.m.: Spent the past hour exploring the pond with the fellas. Honestly being here for this long isn’t that bad, especially with this beautiful weather and the company with me. 17 hours down, seven to go.

2:12 p.m.: For the third time, I’m once again alone. Time to lock in and get some work done.

2:40 p.m.: Lock in time was interrupted by the one and only Fernando Martinez Ruiz De Esparza. Let’s hope I can get some work done (he’s a D1 yapper).

3:22 p.m.: My allergies are starting to kick in, and bugs are starting to bite, but staying strong. Only five hours left of this expedition.

4:03 p.m.: Just got some more visitors, and we’re eating the Cane’s they so kindly brought for me.

4:22 p.m.: Now, we’re walking around, looking at all the pretty scenery the Arb has to offer, as I enter the final four.

5:17 p.m.: After a nice long walk, I’m back at the Bird House to lock in again. With a headache looming, I’m starting to feel it now. The sky is getting a bit darker, and winds are kicking in — looks like a storm is brewing. But there’s only three hours to go until freedom!

5:51 p.m.: It’s starting to lightly drizzle. Might have to relocate to the cave soon if it picks up. Rain, rain, go away.

6:49 p.m.: Mother Nature answered my prayers, and the rain has stopped! Staying locked in on some work until the end, while taking in the scenery. I have about one hour left until my mission is accomplished.

7:30 p.m.: I’m finally at the home stretch and will be back to reality soon. Dare I say I never want this to end?

7:39 p.m.: Taking one last walk around the Arb to soak it all in. What an eventful 24 hours.

7:57 p.m.: Now, the rain is really starting to kick in. Hibernating in the cave for the last minutes of my expedition.

8:13 p.m.: And just like that, my 24 hours is completed. Goodbye, Arb. Thanks for treating me well these last 24 hours (and last four years). This was quite the experience, and I would hands down do it again, but I’m graduating. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without all my visitors who helped get me through this adventure. Until next time, Arb. I’ll miss you.