One Last Freshman Experience

By: Rachel Masselle '14

As my freshman year draws to an end I think about all the wonderful first experiences I had here at Elmira College. My first dorm experience; my first college classes; my first all nighter; my first job (or in my case – jobs); and my first mental meltdown. There is, however, one experience I was not anticipating this year and that was going to the Elmira Drive-In.



For those of you who are as ignorant as I was about Drive-Ins, they are places where you can watch movies from your car! Apparently they were big in the 50’s, but lost popularity and are now scarce, or in my area non-existent. At any rate, my friend, Danielle, and I had been talking about things we could do to celebrate the end of our freshman year and we decided to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (cause once wasn’t enough) at the Drive-In.

We pulled up and saw this old concrete entrance, painted purple (of course!), and it just reminded me how historic Elmira, New York really is. Between Mark Twain, the Drive-In, the actual town of Elmira, and let’s not forget Elmira College herself there is so much history existing here. For someone like me, who has always had an interest in history, it literally made me have an epiphany. In that moment I knew I was in the right place. In the car, sitting next to one of my best friends, and putting another experience under my belt I knew I was where I belonged. Out of all my choices in life Elmira College has been by far my best one and I am so blessed to be a student here.

As for the Drive-In I can’t wait to go again next year. It was so nice to be able to lay back in the passenger seat, put my feet up on the dashboard, and get a good dose of the quirky Captain Jack Sparrow with one of my best friends. It was an absolute great way to end the year and a wonderful, yet surprising experience. Plus, it’s cheaper than going to an actual theatre (bonus!).

And so my freshman year ends, leaving me both happy and sad. I’m happy that I am done with freshman writing, core, community service, and my first year of encore. Now, I can look forward to really diving into my majors. I’m also happy to be going home to see my family. After six weeks away from them I always miss them terribly and feel like I have to go see them. And yet I am sad to say goodbye to the friends I have made here, especially the Seniors, who will not be coming back next year.


This year has been a whirlwind. I’ve had ups and downs, joys and sorrows. But one thing is for certain I will never forget my first year at EC.

The Fountain

By: Paige Kleinfelder '14


For the past few days the temperature has crept higher and higher, causing EC students to try to find ways to keep cool. The Campus Center and Library are always good places to consider because these two buildings have air conditioning. But, with meal card amounts dwindling, staying in the Campus Center can lead to buying extra snacks and having no money for the last few days. The library poses problems, as well. First there is the problem that if you don’t have anything academic to do, you feel out of place. Then, if you are anything like me, warmer weather has brought out your louder side, which is not well accepted in places that are meant to be quiet and reserved for studying.

However, my friends and I have found a refuge from the early summer heat while still enjoying being outside. The Elmira College Fountain!


There have been dozens of class gifts, going back to the beginnings of the college, but the fountain, the class gift of 1951 and 2001, is by far my favorite. Whether I just want to sit and read a book with my feet cooling off in the water or need a place to meet up with friends, the fountain is the perfect place.


Everyone enjoy the last few days of Term III and I will see you in the fall!