For the class of 2027, the Hillsdale County Farmers Market is opening doors to new friendships and a deeper community. 

Freshmen Sophia Miller and Maria Graziastroik, who live next door to each other in Olds Residence, met during orientation sessions but quickly started grabbing meals and attending mass together. Last Saturday morning, they visited the market together after mass. 

With coffee from Jilly Beans in hand, they were some of the first arrivals.

“When we got there, some vendors were still setting up, so we did a couple of laps,” Miller said. “But I remember the first thing I saw was the stand of sourdough bread. I got so excited because it’s what I eat at home.” 

Other items that caught their eye were earrings from Zoe Ray, cranberry mustard, and a cherry pie.

“We didn’t end up getting the cranberry mustard because I didn’t know what to do with it, but before fall break I’m definitely going to buy some and take it home to try,” Graziastroik said. “We kept saying that for Christmas or Parents Weekend we have to get paraphernalia for family.”

After returning to Olds, the friends gathered for a taste test of bread and pie in the lobby. 

“We had a big taste test, which was so fun,” Miller said. “We cut up the pie and everyone had a little slice of pie and cut up the garlic sourdough loaf and toasted it.”

The duo is already planning to make the Farmers 

Market a staple in their schedule. Next weekend, they intend to invite more friends and try new foods.

“I heard the Amish have really good pastries and scones,” Graziastroik said. “So I want to get them next time.”

Miller and Graziastroik’s outing is nearly identical to a trip junior Monroe Beute made with friends as freshmen. After walking to Rough Draft, they toured the various stands and returned to Olds to taste test pastries and fresh peaches. 

“As a freshman, I discovered that going to the Farmers Market is a great way to not only interact with the Hillsdale community but also cultivate my own friendships,” Beute said. “It’s so easy to reach out to a friend and ask if they’d like to get a coffee and check out the stands!”

Now, Beute’s purchases always include a bundle of flowers.

“I always buy fresh flowers because they help turn my room into a home,” Beute said.

For Miller and Graziastroik, talking to locals at the market and getting involved in campus events are turning Hillsdale into a new home away from home for them. 

“Hillsdale College really wants students to get out into the community,” Miller said. “I think the Farmers Market is a perfect way to do that.”