There are four weeks of school left, and you just converted meals into $500 worth of flex points. Now what? Well, you have some options. You could sprint over to the C-Store, fingers crossed that the Sour Patch Kids bin is full, buy out the lot and give yourself the sugar-high of a lifetime. You could also buy enough Red Bull to kill a grown crocodile. But maybe there are some better ways you could spend those flex points.
Flex for Food
The first option is to convert some of those excessive points into credits that Collegiate DECA can use for meals for those in need. This supports local families who are less fortunate, but it will also give you a positive feeling for helping others out.
Jump-start summer shopping
Are you traveling this summer? Moving into an apartment for that internship? Maybe moving back home with your family? Regardless of your summer plans, chances are you won’t have Sodexo around every corner (thank goodness).
Consider purchasing some items that can help you get through part of the summer. Microwavable meals, cereal, drinks, crackers, canned food and even snacks like chips and salsa would be a good place to get started.
Pay it forward
There are many ways to pass along some of your flex points to make other people’s day. One way to do it is by sitting in the Olmsted Coffee Shop during a weekday morning rush of caffeine enthusiasts. As they step up to the counter to order their macchiatos, mochas and lattes, offer to pay for their purchase.
This option works especially well with upperclassmen, faculty and staff that were planning on paying “real money” (aka not flex points). They will be thrilled when you pick up the bill.
Drake Relays
Whether students know it or not, in addition to the endless extracurricular shenanigans that go on during Relays, there is an actual track meet taking place. Students may or may not know that flex points can be used to make purchases at Drake concessions stands at all home athletic events, including Relays.
This is coming pretty late to the party in terms of the other athletic seasons, but take advantage of it now. Head over to the track for an afternoon of events, show your Drake ID to get in and then buy popcorn for everybody in your section. You will be all set to cheer on the elite athletes from around the country with hotdogs, candy and drinks in hand.
Liquidate it
How could you turn your flex points into “real money”? You can do it by re-selling the products you purchase. In past semesters, students have purchased Red Bull by the case and then sold it to local bars. Though you may sell the product for less than you paid in the C-Store, your result is cold hard cash that doesn’t expire at the end of the year.
