Katrina Black '18

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. 

 

Hellooo from the INSIDE … of the dorm because it’s freezing outside. 

I know, so totally done with the “Hello” parodies, but I couldn’t resist.

Whenever I look at my posts from last year, I always laugh. Almost all of my posts had some phrase about how cold it was outside (and some posts were solely dedicated to this fact). The truth is, it gets cold. 

It’s cold, yes it is, but it’s also beautiful! If you are one of those people who hates the cold, but loves the scenery (me), then you’ll love this school! It already looks like Hogwarts, so when it snows and it’s gorgeous, you’ll fall even more in love with it.

Also, as I said last year, there’s a certain bond here at Holy Cross. Just like you bond with your sibling when you both dislike going to that one specific aunt’s house or how you and your friend became close from having mixed feelings about that one class, you too will bond with your Holy Cross classmates over how cold it is.

You and that student walking to the library share an unsaid, but understood sentiment and it’s honestly something that makes you a Holy Cross crusader.

Some pics of the beauty below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, the blog take-away is: Let it snow, man. Yes, it’ll be incredibly cold. Yes, I will probably have some mixed feelings about going to class when the temperature is below average, but hey, it’s okay. Everyone is enduring the knee-high snow and the seemingly super-strong wind. In fact, it’ll bring us closer. Body heat hugs, anyone? 

 

 

Oh, I’m awake alright. Hi, again!

The radio silence is now over. I spent all of my Winter Break at home with family, so I did my best not to check or use my electronics and the sort. I guess I was a little too good at doing that, since I did not blog at all. However, I’m back on the Hill and ready to let you in on all the happenings!

Well, for one thing, our good ‘ole friend work visited us all on the first day of classes (hence “spring awakening”). Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a unified reaction to the first day back from break. Everyone was walking around in a sort of daze, because though we all know Holy Cross is rigorous, we figured we’d at least have the first day back clear of any assignments. I myself found out that was wrong when my roommate told me she was emailed work the week before we got back to campus.

What am I saying? I’m saying get ready to work, ’cause Holy Cross is no joke.

BUT, that doesn’t mean all joking around is banned. Where Holy Cross is super strict about its academics, it’s even more hands-on about student involvement and development. Every time I return to campus after break, my heart gets a whole lot happier and my joy even greater. Every first day back feels like a huge welcome-back-surprise-birthday party.

I’ve been asked by more faculty and staff members than students how I feel about returning, how my day is going, how my break was, and honestly how I myself am. There have been so many programs in first-year and upperclassmen buildings, welcoming students back with open arms. Whenever I start to feel a little overwhelmed with work, I’ll text a friend to grab a bite to eat or I’ll reflect on that unexpected, but completely relatable anecdote my professor told in class.

Again, you might be thinking, what.is.she.saying?

I’m saying get ready to be work, ’cause Holy Cross is no joke AND I’m saying get ready to be welcomed, ’cause Holy Cross is super stoked…(to have you).

Last but not least, I want to mention some aspects of my job as an RA this year. The RAs returned a bit earlier than most students, to get the buildings ready and to review policies and the sort. I’m telling you, it was like a massive celebration seeing everyone again. It was like 6th grade class parties all over again, minus the debacle of deciding what two-piece to wear and the petty drama.

Anyway, we changed the themes in our hallway and I decided to go with a Disney theme for reasons that need no explanation. It’s Disney.

Here are some pictures below:

 

 

 

So, the blog take-away is: As Katrina has often written before, Holy Cross academics are serious stuff, but with the support of faculty, friends, and sometimes FOOD, I will be able to get through it. Sometimes balancing outside activities, the workload, and you know, being a human may seem impossible, but as the great Walt Disney once said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”