Good morning! This week has been hectic, to say the least. It seems like every day has been jam-packed with activity: starting classes in earnest, Wellesley traditions, and spontaneous College fun alike. It is so easy to get lost in the shuffle of work here between demanding classes and clubs that want all you have to give, but there are certain moments when everything seems to fall into place, and you remember why you came here: that is how I would describe this entire weekend.
Friday started off with Lake Day, a Wellesley tradition where SBOG (the Schneider Board of Governors) holds a huge carnival on the Severance Green to give students a break from studying. When I tell you I needed Lake Day, I needed Lake Day. My first week of real, honest to God class had left me all used up like a tube of toothpaste- a condition that can only be cured with free kettle corn and conversation. This year’s theme was summer camp which meant plenty of tattoos and friendship bracelets to go around (see above for my friend and I’s works of art). Once we were bored of the festivities, I scurried over to the chapel lawn to grab Shabbat dinner with the Hillel and play sushi jump with the rabbi’s kids. Saturday was spent catching up on all the work I missed during Lake Day because the grind never stops here. That night, however, was the quintessential college night. I am talking apple crisp, banana grams, puzzles- the kind of Saturday I am sure you all are looking forward to. I know it sounds boring, but I was so glad to have that quiet time with a close friend to really get to know each other and relax after the week.
All these festivities pale in comparison to the real reason I am writing this blog though: Flower Sunday. For those who do not know, Flower Sunday is the oldest tradition at Wellesley and is designed to help first-years adjust to college life. Every freshman who wants to participate is matched with an upperclassman who leaves them notes and gifts throughout the week in preparation for the big reveal on Sunday, most often accompanied by a bouquet of flowers. Everybody dresses in their finest floral frocks, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life puts on a sweet and sappy ceremony, and the dining hall fills with fresh berries galore. My Big was personally matched with me by my wonderful RA. She is a Peace and Justice Studies major (because we have that major at Wellesley, we are just that cool) and is focused on education- the perfect fit for a first-year who came in as a poli sci major but now wants to teach preschool. She also loves coffee, just like me, allowing us to get to know each other over a nice cup of joe on Sunday. I really do pity the other first years because, no matter how perfect their Big is, they all pale in comparison to mine. Because my Big is not just one amazing human, she leads a dynasty. Our picnic lunch was a total of 10 people from every class, including all her former Littles and their current Littles plus her best friend and their dog. It doesn’t get much better than that.
The agenda for this week is packed with papers, mock trial meetings, Sukkot festivities, and I am sure plenty of spontaneous fun. I want to write more about the “typical day” at Wellesley, but it feels like there is no such thing. I am finding something new and exciting to write about every week, things I desperately want to share even if they aren’t “typical.” I guess that is the charm of Wellesley? You never know what is coming your way.
Until next week,
Jessie