Classes Bond During Thursday’s Class Activities Day

Seniors gathered in a large circle by the Goel Center for Theater and Dance last Thursday, passing around balls of clay that would soon become little pots for succulents in their new rooms. Others joined in an impromptu jam session that showcased the musical talents of faculty members and students.

These were only two of the many activities students engaged in with members of their grade during last Thursday’s Class Activities Day.

For the preps, their day started at 8 a.m. as they boarded buses to the Browne Center at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Partaking in team building activities centered around the ropes courses, they learned more about one another and started friendships. 

Prep Lally Lavin noted how friendly everyone was as she sat on a hammock and talked with her classmates during lunch. “[The activities] really helped us get to know each other because the conversation was flowing, and we were all interested in each other and our hobbies,” she said.

Similarly, prep Scott Johnson appreciated how the activities fostered long-term connections among his classmates. “It was really cool getting to know everyone in my group,” he said. “If I see them passing by, I definitely wave to them and say ‘hi.’”

Meanwhile, the lower class stayed on campus, participating in a variety of orientation activities including an Escape Room event, a game of Speed Friending and a Goose Chase scavenger hunt.

For many, the fun and success of the games mostly depended on the activity and people’s groups. According to lower Grace Ding, “Speed friending was probably the best activity because you got to actually meet new people.”

Lower Ben Ehren expressed his disappointment in the rushed nature of the activities. “I made one [close connection] but not while doing the activities,” Ehren said. “I thought it was a bit forced.”

Ding also admitted, “Although Speed Friending was probably the best activity to get us to meet each other …  I think that you quickly forget who’s new, who you’ve met.”

Still, many lowers, like Kiesse Nanor, enjoyed the overall experience. “I definitely wouldn’t know some people if we hadn’t done the activities,” Nanor said. “I would do it again if I had the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, uppers participated in an outdoor education program, completing one mandatory and chosen activity. Upper Dillon Mims recalled, “I started the activities by doing a section of the required ropes course called the ‘High Y.’ It was fun! Two people climbed onto the high wire and had to work together to reach the other side while everyone on the ground was belaying (and encouraging) them.”

Other exciting activities included assembling a go-kart within 45 minutes and racing it with other go-karts, according to upper Zoe Barron. Although her group did not finish their go-kart, Barron concluded, “The activities were a good segue into life at Exeter. Having a day to chill with your friends and classmates is nice since those are the people who you’re going to spend a lot of time with, after all.”

Finally, the class of 2020 partook in an on-campus leadership workshop and field day. Seniors first gathered in the field house to listen to speeches by Reverend Heidi Heath, History Instructor Hannah Lim, Music Intern Jerome Walker and Health Instructor Brandon Thomas about different forms of leadership.

Senior Patty Fitzgerald recounted how the speakers emphasized that leadership can be in many forms, from appreciation to courage. “Some speakers had us think of people who had made an impact on our life, and even find them if they were in the room.” she said. “It really opened everybody up to discussion.”

After the seniors broke off into groups to form and share vision statements regarding leadership, they socialized outside through field day activities. “There were activities from bean bag toss to looking at the sun through a telescope,” Fitzgerald said. “I got to catch up with a lot of people, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.”

In particular, senior Alexander Kish enjoyed the pinch pot making and succulent planting. “It was great to chat with people and meet new people as we all worked at forming our own unique pot,” he said. “I found these pots served as great conversation starters when walking around between the different lawn games.”

Director of Student Activities Joanne Lembo, who organized the events, expressed her hopes that Exonians would continue to bond over these memories. “Being able to stand to the side and watch large groups of students laughing, engaging and beginning to make connections with each other is what this day is all about,” Lembo said. “I have spoken to graduates who have said to me ‘I met my best friend at Exeter that day!’”