Settling In

The first few weeks of classes are a test for most students. There is the re-acclimation to classes of course, but there is also a clear cultural distinction between home life and living on your own again. This Labor Day weekend, I have the opportunity to reflect on all the school and social events I have worked with so far.

Rally in the Alley is a live music event hosted by Theta Chi. There were three groups that came out to play. What was wild was the timing. Two days before the event, the headliner canceled and we (Theta Chi) we very fortunate to have some talented volunteers come forward. Attendance was the higher than past years and it was cool to see all sorts of Greek life sitting on the porches as the music projected to all of the Affinity Complex.

SPC hosts a number of events for students. Last week, we provided tacos from Jalapenos to anyone who came to the Tundra. It is incredible how fast the food disappeared. It only took an hour for a few hundred students to clean out our entire supply! I didn’t end up eating there but judging by the turnout, I’d say things were rather successful.

After Tacos on the Tundra, I went back to the Theta Chi hut and took on one of the hottest peppers in the world. I ate a ghost pepper. It's an experience I don't recommend unless you enjoy being ill for a few days. The initial heat was so intense that it was instantly difficult to breathe. Milk helps for a moment, but the real pain came after the heat disappeared. I had an upset stomach for about 36 hours.

Of the three experiences this week, I’d say that Rally was my favorite. I love tacos, but I was working the event so I didn’t get to enjoy it as much. I think it’s pretty obvious why the pepper wasn’t fun! What have you been up to these first few weeks? I hope the start of your school year was full of new experiences!