Successful First Semester for REC

The Resident Event Committee (REC) is now one semester old. And I would say with confidence that this was a very successful first semester. Events were planned and executed by six student coordinators. I believe this is the key to its success—student activities planned by students.

The REC’s initial goal was to bring their resident community together while adding a layer of social experiences on week nights. Why week nights? The majority of boarders have a very predictable lifestyle. Resident students attend classes, participate in their after school activity, go to dinner in the dining hall, spend some time with friends and then head back to the dorm for study hall and an evening in the dorm. The study hall routine happens Sunday through Thursday nights. I believe REC shook up the routine and enhanced the boarding lifestyle.

Big Little Sisters connected girls in first-year Cooper House with upperclassmen girls in Regester and Thornwood Houses. Through a variety of activities—movie nights, Jandy’s frozen yogurt run, a Halloween party, etc.—girls spent time together that would not have naturally connected. Freshmen rarely have a class with juniors. They don’t sit together in the dining hall. But the majority of them will live together next year. So not only do the girls experience fun activities together, they may be sharing a pizza with their future roommate.

Intramural Sports offered residents a regular Wednesday night after study hall activity. We started the year with sand volleyball and ended the semester with 3v3 basketball. We had inter-house teams, co-ed teams, house teams—it was wonderful to see residents participate in friendly competition in a variety of sports. It was also fun to watch the participants referee and hold each other accountable.

Coffee House had an outstanding performance night. The Growl was transformed into a musical venue with desserts, coffee and hot chocolate. The audience truly appreciated and applauded their day and resident peers’ ability to share themselves through their voices and instruments. We have so many students and faculty in our community with musical gifts, it is nice to offer them an opportunity to perform in a casual, supportive environment.

The REC’s successful first semester comes from students planning for students. Our coordinators want to offer events and activities their peers want to attend. The student leaders make the magic happen. As the adviser to the REC, I feel very lucky to be their secretary, personal shopper and consultant. I can’t wait to see the many directions the REC will grow over the next few years and the impact it will make on our family of residential students.