By Ryan Allen Wight, Copy Editor
Opening Day felt like a historic event. The sophomore student leaders rose bright and early because duty called, and they had to bring the hype that wasn’t there last year. Being the true stars of the day, the first year students and their families had emerged from this past year harrowed by worry, trial, and their online education experience.
Yet, a cheery atmosphere awaited the arrivals, and it came with them too! The move-in mood rang of encouragement in tandem with Deliso’s chimes. Families looked bright and expecting — fittingly, the day was too warm.
Blue-gold polos and khakis set the Peer Advisors (PAs) apart as they worked this extraordinary day with that exuberance, which is so ordinary for a PA. Quietly, the U&ME mentors assisted their mentees all day, ever dedicated in the clandestine work of everyday saints. Everywhere I walked, Western New England University staff and students weaved about in their collective effort to receive, bless, and settle our new members.
The mood seemed comforting for all involved, especially the parents. Mothers and fathers expressed sentiments ranging between “we’re excited!” and “so far so good” — nothing but respect for cautious optimism! One father emphasized to me how “very welcoming” everyone was, and how touched he was by the efforts of staff and students.
Another parent remarked that moving in was “easier than expected.” Well, that’s what we want! Most notably, when asked if Opening Day was going well, a dad responded, “Give me a hand with this tv.”
One of the Peer Advisors told me during the day that “the students look happy and they look energetic; and that’s all I could ask for.” I also heard tales of competitive games and Opening Day socializing in U&ME. On the whole, the Move-in Mood burgeoned with enthusiasm and fun.
The day occurred in two shifts. Families towards the front of the alphabet came in the early morning, and the rest moved in during the early afternoon. Peer Advisors lined the roads on campus, directing cars and families where they needed to go.
In front of the Dining Commons, Families were received and checked in — and there was no shortage of joviality during the process. Behind the Campus Center, staff greeted cars and helped them navigate campus.
Seeing the Peer Advisors straggling back to their rooms all sweaty and sunburned, I knew it’d been a successful day. The day’s undertaking proved difficult, gritty, and conquerable. And there was happiness to show for the work.
