Schneider Hall Fills with New Students, New “Stuff” as a New Year Begins

by Brandon Kerr, Academy Avatar

What am I forgetting?

The majority of students coming to the Academy for the first time frantically asks this question countless times before move-in. They check and recheck their boxes and bags, ensuring they do overlook something of importance. Each student tries to bring items to the Academy that will help them to feel comfortable, prepared for classes, and more at home during their stay.

On Sunday, the unpacking process began. The student Community Leaders (CLs) helped incoming student transport their belongings from vehicles behind Schneider Hall to place where they would call home for the next many months. While helping unload, several of the students look over their peer’s possessions.

“Oh my gosh! That’s so cool! He has a pirate chest!” shouted Sydney Combs (Laurel, ’11) elated at the site of another student’s wooden trunk. Several times a unique piece of furniture turned out to prove as an effective ice breaker, sparking conversation between the CLs and the arriving students, with parents often being involved as well.

As students settled in and boxes emptied on Sunday, several of the new juniors could be seen sporting their personal treasures. “Dude, how awesome is this?”, asked Austin Taing (Warren, ’12) showing off his Pokémon towel to his suitemates.

Rebecca Brown (Nelson, ’12) proudly sported a silver necklace. Upon further inspection, it became apparent that it was more than just a fashionable piece of jewelry. One of her favorite possessions, the necklace consists of a D20 (a twenty sided die) wrapped in a spiral of silver, functioning as a pendant. “I feel like it just screams geek, but I still think it’s pretty cool.”

As a school that is often considered—if jokingly–to house only geeks, it’s strange to find that some of the most striking items are completely unrelated to academia. Rose Nash, residential counselor, commented on how she thinks the most unique items are often those with a “strong, and personal background.” Students often bring baby blankets, woven baskets, stuffed animals, or other items worthless in all regards but sentimental. Many feel that they help relieve homesickness, and help to make their room feel more comfortable.

Adventure Week, August 2010, Austin Taing, belongings, brandon kerr, Class of 2012, Fall 2010, nerdy items, possessions, Rebecca Brown, Rose Nash, stuff, Sydney Combs