Now that Spirit Week has ended, we reflect on the wonderful events we went to and the delicious treats we ate. Let’s recap all that we did last week, shall we? In case you are new to the Spirit Week concept, it is when we at AU participate in various events that show what our school is all about. Spirit Week includes multiple events and activities that everyone can enjoy, along with basketball games sprinkled throughout the week. The week usually contains loads of snacks, which is one of the best ways to get people excited about anything.
It all began on January 15: the week was kicked off with a stellar Talent Showcase at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Throughout the years, the Talent Showcase at AU has been a phenomenal way to show(case) all the talent our campus offers. This year included many singing performances, a poem, and even a gravity-defying performance by our gymnastics team. In between the acts were a variety of games in which the audience could win prizes. The prizes included Amazon gift cards and vouchers for the ice skating event taking place on January 28. While celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, some hit the slopes for fun in the snow at the Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Resort. On Tuesday, students dressed up in their best Andrews merch and blue and gold to take pictures at the Student Life Center. Wednesday brought donuts galore, and many students wore their comfiest pajamas. Of course, Spirit Week wouldn’t be complete without the annual Dorm Open House. Excitement abounded as people showed off their creative rooms for the Best Room Contest. The winners for Lamson were Nora Martin (junior, English and psychology) and Beatriz Martins (junior, medical laboratory science), and the winner for Meier Hall was Jose Silva (senior, graphic design). Thursday was when we celebrated our brilliant and beautiful president, Dr. Andrea Luxton. On this day, people wrote notes to Dr. Luxton to wish her well as she enters retirement (we will all miss you, Dr. Luxton!). Friday included delicious snacks from the best class at Andrews: the sophomore class (yes, I am biased). We concluded Spirit Week on Saturday, January 21, with two thrilling basketball games and delicious food at the Wellness Center. We love our Cardinals basketball teams!
We have now recapped all of the awesome things we got to do during Spirit Week. Let us hear from some members of the student body and their thoughts about the week. Joshua Bell (sophomore, psychology) says, “I didn’t participate, but I think it was a fun week! It’s something that you can do even if you are stressed because it doesn’t take too much time out of your day.” Echoing Joshua’s sentiments, this week is a fun little surprise thrown in with our beginning-of-the-semester stress. It’s a great way to connect and show pride in our school. Isabelle Martinez (freshman, history) said, “To be honest, I didn’t really do too much with spirit week. It was not at the top of my mind. My suggestion would be to have more creative ideas and activities for next year.” Planning for next year, I think it would be interesting to see different activities in various locations across campus. That way, if someone is stuck inside Buller or the Science Complex all day, they may have a better chance of being able to participate in something even if they can’t make it to the Student Center. Zoe Gentles (senior, chemistry) said, ”I really enjoyed the Talent Show; it's a great tradition that I've loved for the past four years. And I really enjoyed the send-off for Dr. Luxton." The Talent Showcase is always an Andrews classic and something I know people always enjoy. The day for Dr. Luxton was heartfelt and a beautiful testament to her fantastic work while she has been with us at Andrews.
Spirit Week is over. But this doesn’t mean our excitement for this school has to diminish. Let us keep lifting each other up so this school can be the best it can be. Let us always remember to be World Changers every day of our lives.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.