Each year the College celebrates the beginning of fall with Fall Weekend, when parents of current students, as well as many alumni, visit campus for a weekend full of events, performances, lectures and more. This year I helped run a booth at HarvestFest, an annual event where clubs and organizations on campus raise money by selling apparel, baked goods, or crafty items. My dad was able to come on Saturday and my mom came on Sunday. It was nice to be able to see both of them and to catch up in person instead of just on the phone. I was also able to reconnect with friends who graduated, it is always nice to see them as well. I was not the only one who appreciated the weekend. Check out this video of students, parents, alumni and friends who enjoyed it as well.
With final exams only a few days away, Conn students are busy scouring research materials for projects and papers. (It will be open when we return from Spring Break!), so we aren't able to browse the stacks like usual, but all the library's books and resources are still available. I went behind-the-scenes and into the construction zone with library staff to see how our book requests move from Shain to the temporary circulation desk each night.
On Nov. 11, 2014, outside Harris Refectory, the Connecticut College Chamber Choir and Orchestra gave the community an unexpected treat. Passersby were invited to try their hand at conducting the Hallelujah Chorus, a preview for the choir and orchestra's concert that weekend.
Video edited by Dana Sorkin '16
As the two senior staff members of The College Voice, Connecticut College's student newspaper, Editor-in-Chief Ayla Zuraw-Friendland '15 and I attended the American Collegiate Press' annual National College Media Conference. This conference allowed us to meet journalism students and professors (as well as many professional journalists) and gave us new insight into how we can continue to improve all aspects of The College Voice.
Fall Weekend is one of the busiest weekends on campus, with no shortage of events, lectures and activities. The East Asian Studies Department hosted renowned Japanese floral artist Yuji Ueno, ateacher at the Nagaoka Institute of Design in Tokyo. Ueno demonstrated his craft for courses during the day and then in a most unusual location: President Bergeron's front lawn. The event drew a large crowd of onlookers who watched in silent amazement as his stone sculpture grew to be even taller than he is.
One of the most unique places on campus is the Barn, a former squash court where MOBROC — Musicians Organized for Band Rights On Campus — bands can practice and perform. I hung out with Canopy as they practiced. Check it out!
Each year, Camelympics pits residence houses against each other for a day of spirited competition. There are so many different ways to participate, and I decided to represent my house, Windham, by playing Connect Four. I came in second place. Windham came in second place in the overall competition, ending the daylong event in style.
I returned to campus a few days early to help capture Arrival Day for the Class of 2018 and transfer students. It was a long day and brought back many memories of my arrival four years ago. Take a look!
During finals, it's easy to spend hours and hours in your room or the library studying, writing papers and completing final projects. May is one of the most beautiful months at Conn, and it's nice to step outside, even for a little bit, and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful trees. Matteo and I took a break from studying to drive into New London and spending some time by the Thames River, visiting our favorite spots in town before we head out for the summer.
Napkin Notes at Conn are a unique way for students to let know how they're feeling about the food. Almost every note gets a response from the staff. While Dining Services can't always accommodate everything, like my friend's request to have our famous chocolate chip cookies at every meal, but the staff is usually able to find a way to make sure the majority of the requests are met.
As an arts editor for The College Voice, our campus newspaper, I work closely with both my writers and my fellow editors. The Voice is a resource for students on campus to vocalize their opinions from everything from a favorite event or concert to more serious concerns. I sat down with other staff members to see what advice they would share with incoming students.
I joined the women's club rugby team my freshman year, and since then, it's been a whirlwind of practices, games and team bonding. This year, along with the men's team, we hosted two fundraising games to benefit breast cancer research. While the two games were just for fun, we hope to help raise awareness on campus and make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Some friends and I headed down to Dayton Arena to catch the annual Club Hockey vs. Coast Guard game. It always proves to be one of the most exciting games of the year.
For the first time in a very, very long time, I auditioned to be a cast member of a school production. In this case, it was Connecticut College's production of "The Vagina Monologues." The show comes together in less than a week, making the experience tiring, exciting, but most of all, incredibly rewarding. It all manages to come together in the days leading up to the show.
I sat down with Gabby Arenge '14 to discuss her involvement in Curriculum reVision Week. With an awesome turnout, good things are certain to come of this great, weeklong community dialogue.
On February 8th, I attended the Green Dot hockey game to help raise awareness about Conn's Green Dot program. The program works to end to sexual violence, interpersonal violence and stalking. The game always draws a large crowd and is one of the only sporting events I've seen where people wear colors other than Conn's traditional blue and white - in this case, it was bright green for a great cause.
My friends Alysha and Alysia give me the rundown on their Dance Fitness class. It's definitely something I'll be checking out in the coming weeks. Good music, good people and one crazy workout.
On The Can, the weekly publication by the Connecticut College Student Government Association, is, without a doubt, one of the most-read publications on campus. It's a little bit quirky, and filled with upcoming event advertisements, student profiles, puzzles and trivia.
It's comforting to know that I can learn more than just academics here at Connecticut College. I now know a little bit of self defense, thanks to the Martial Arts Club.
Sustainability at Connecticut College is much more than "going green." It's part of the academics, the student organizations and the big-picture mentality on campus and I got to talk with students who are leading the charge.
