Month: September 2016

Let’s just jump right into this one, yes?

Perhaps you’ve heard of the phrase “safe space.” A safe space is usually referring to a discussion, a room, an event with an open atmosphere. What I mean by that is people in these rooms and discussions are encouraged to speak their minds, to share their stories with no fear of judgment. These spaces are vastly important, because without them, there are not many other spaces to fully and freely express oneself.

Holy Cross, like many other institutions, still does have some way to go in terms of having more and more similar spaces as the ones mentioned above. However, I can say that these spaces do exist on campus. Surely there are not always going to be people who share the same views or backgrounds and that can lead to tension. What many organizations and groups on this Holy Cross campus emphasize is the importance of “agreeing without being disagreeable” or the adage “agree to disagree.” I am most inspired when I attend an event where people from all different faith traditions, political standpoints, and cultures are having open and respectable dialogue. These events are needed when the atmosphere in the nation often seems so divisive and quite frankly, terrifying. These events provide a great deal of comfort to many during such times.

Examples of some of these open discussion events within this first month at Holy Cross:

1. The Art of Difficult Discussions: “Themed Parties”

2. Ignite: a workshop series focused on the experiences of women of color in predominately white spaces

3. Screening of the film “Profiled,” a documentary regarding police brutality and racial profiling, as well as a Q&A with the producer Kathleen Foster

4. A Social Justice retreat this upcoming weekend at the new contemplative center

And much more.

My last point is a phrase I’m hearing more and more often. I was talking with a peer on my way to the Ignite and we were discussing how wonderful it was to have such a workshop. I said I was so happy to have a “safe space.” My peer smiled and said, “I prefer saying brave space.”

I thought that was so powerful. There is such power in safety, in feeling that when you stand up or speak out, you will still be supported and comforted by those around you. You can be brave, because you have a ton of people rooting for you.

Yes, not everyone is on this brave space bandwagon just yet. There are still those students who aren’t necessarily actively rooting for everyone, still those who refuse to look beyond their own views and beliefs. However, I think the Holy Cross community is taking those essential steps toward the bandwagon’s door. My evidence? The photos posted below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, the blog take-away is: There will always be issues in the world at large and on the Holy Cross campus. Nonetheless, I will find people, groups, and even faculty who are willing to discuss and discern these important issues with me. I will find my brave space on the Hill. 

 

To quickly quote Chance the Rapper, “…and we back.”

Indeed we are. I’m so excited for my third year in Wheeler and my third year at Holy Cross. Living as a junior in a first-year residence hall might prove to be difficult at times, but I also think it will also be an interesting and incredibly fun experience.

Having lived on the same floor for three years, I’ve learned some important (and cliche) things. I’ll share them with you below:

1. Friends come and go: Quite literally, many of my friends have gone out of Wheeler. But literal aspect aside, though some friends are forever, the friend group you develop your first year aren’t always your friends for the rest of your college career. So don’t be afraid to meet new people and be open to new experiences.
2. The more things change, the more they stay the same: Each year, aspects of Holy Cross change. It can range from people going abroad and seniors graduating to new athletic buildings and exciting new school courses. Even in Wheeler, some traditions have changed. However, the same Holy Cross community and shared love still remains.
3. You’ll get the hang of it eventually: This can often be hard to believe, but it’s very true. When I first arrived on campus, I was quite nervous and I definitely wasn’t blogging right away. It was only after I got more comfortable with who I was and who I wanted to be that I decided to start blogging. And look how far we’ve come!
4. Love your neighbor: Again, this is not the easiest thing to do for some people. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is. Something I’ve learned time to time again in my life and especially here at Holy Cross is that the more love you spread, the more love you feel. A small smile or a nice note can go a long, looong way.
5. Work hard: Work hard in the classroom, of course, but also make sure you’re working hard on maintaing both your physical and mental health. College can be overwhelming, so make sure you’re being kind to yourself. Please?
6. These are the best years of your life: yeah.

 

I’m so excited to learn new lessons with an incredible Wheeler staff (see below) and a wonderful third floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, blog take-away is: I’m going to learn A LOT at Holy Cross, especially inside the classroom. However, often times the lessons outside of class are even more important.