Residence Life
Pilots Prevent
March 16, 2021
It can be hard for college students to spend a holiday away from home, especially when you’re midway through the semester and can really use a break. But with most of the country still unvaccinated and new COVID variants emerging, it’s just as important than ever to remain vigilant and adhere to COVID safety protocols instead of giving in to the temptation of a cheap flight this Easter.
“A lot of our students decided to take the opportunity to join us on campus because they want the traditional college experience,” says Brittani Klindworth, director of Corrado Hall. “If we want to continue to have this opportunity then we have to work together, and if that means don’t travel, it’s a fair ask.”
Of course, nothing feels normal and traditional this year, but that doesn’t mean Easter is canceled and campus life can’t be fun. “I do everything I can as a hall director to remind them that just because it’s not the traditional experience like they pictured, doesn’t mean they can’t get out of it what they want to. And just because there are restrictions, doesn’t mean they have to be in a restrictive mindset. It doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with the people you love.”
The key, says Klindworth, is to get creative.
Take, for example, how Corrado’s residence hall team has given its traditional events a COVID-safe spin without losing an ounce of fun: Pi Day got a Christmas Eve mashup, complete with the chance to throw pies in the resident assistants’ faces. A marathon karaoke night went outside under pop-up tents, as did “Eat that Grub,” a stomach-churning game where contestants bet on eating an unseen item in a bag in as few bites as possible.
“People have strong stomachs I’m telling you,” says Klindworth. “One time someone ate 10 cotton candy flavored Twinkies in, like, eight bites.”
This Easter weekend, the residents can look forward to Hall Olympics, where each floor competes in a series of physical feats as a team for bragging rights. Past Olympics had things like puzzle races, relays, and sports games, but this year they’ll mix things up to keep COVID safe. “There’s usually a soccer game, but it’s harder to stay distanced, so we’re talking about doing human Foosball instead.”
In fact, each and every weekend, the resident assistants of Corrado put together some kind of fun programming for their residents, and they’re not the only ones. Every hall with students living in it is finding creative ways to have fun together on the weekends.
“Halls typically have stuff going on but there was a bigger emphasis this year because of COVID,” says James Peña, Wellness Education & Prevention Program Coordinator for Residence Life. “It’s a way to maintain some type of connection and belonging.”
For those who need a break from campus, trips to Forest Park, the Gorge, and the coast are all low-risk activities, and Outdoor Pursuits is ready with any gear they might need. Of course, it’s important to wear masks if sharing a car on a day trip.
“We’ve all given up so much during COVID,” says Peña, “and we’ve done that to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable in our society. But we’ve also proven there are many ways to socially connect and still physically distance. It just requires a lot more creativity.”
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