Tricky Weather and Sweet Treats

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14

I was shivering walking across campus yesterday with my arms folded and my coat pulled close around me. It was one of those moments I ask myself questions that would be pointless to ask someone else. “Why is it SO cold?” And then I realized that it was November 1st. It wasn’t September or even October anymore. All of the leaves have fallen off the tree outside my dorm room window, and I have requested that extra winter coats, gloves, and scarves be sent from home.

Besides being affected by the cold weather, I have realized that campus is starting to feel like a place I belong. For weeks, I felt labeled by the ‘14 that follows my name on every piece of paper I have to sign or hand in. But nine weeks into school, I am truly a part of EC.

One event this week in particular really showed me what the students here are able to do for the Elmira community, while also bringing together our own college community. There are a lot of events held by EC that bring specific groups together, whether it is a club, a dorm, a class, or a sport. This past week, Columbia dorm put on their annual trick-or-treat and haunted house. My roommate and I, along with two friends, passed out candy to the hundreds of children who stood in an endless line in and around our dorm. I love Halloween because of all the costumes that people think of or find. However, my favorite costume of the night was a staple for girls on Halloween: The Little Mermaid. There were other ones too: an amazingly intricate owl costume, a few boys being eaten by Jaws, numerous super heroes (I could proudly name every one), along with lots of vampires and monsters. There were dozens of faces that lit up as their bags filled higher with candy. My room was often full of laughter and comments about costumes, the long lines, and even the fire alarm that inconveniently went off during the night. It was a really fun night, and I am so glad I live in Columbia to be a part of the festivities.

Now that students of all ages have put away their costumes, eaten too much candy, and stayed up too late, it is time to get back to normal (with the addition of warmer coats).