InGeneral Fall 2021

TURNING A NEW LEAF.

FALL 2021 ISSUE VOL 19, NO 1

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COVER STORY

The InGeneral staff highlights the new changes on campus as the pandemic begins to settle down.

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DOWNTOWN LEX

YAK IS BACK

PROFESSOR-ING

Some new businesses have arrived in downtown Lexington.

The popular gossip app has made its way to W&L’s campus.

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W&L faculty share why they are excited for what seems to be a normal year.

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ISSUE 19.1 FALL 2021

InGeneral is Washington and Lee’s only student life magazine. We are an entirely student-run publication (independent of the Journalism Department) dedicated to showcasing the activities, opinions, and interests of W&L undergraduate students. InGeneral is published biannually, releasing one issue at the end of both Fall and Winter Term.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ann Douglas Lott ‘22 MANAGING EDITOR

Emery Wright ‘22 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Langley Steuart ‘24 PUBLICIST

Ellie Thornton ‘23 STAFF

Jamie Spanfeller ’22 Lauren Newton ‘22 Katie Larkin ‘22 Lea Borner ‘22 Everett Heebe ‘22 Mimi Sherrill ‘23 Townsend Dotterer ‘23 Kelsie Westmoreland ‘24 Kaylin Jury ’24 Bella Hodge ‘25 L AYO U T A N D D E S I G N

Jack Eason ‘22 Todd Echols ‘23 Fraley Williams ‘24 Kaylin Jury ‘24 Bridget Osas ‘25 PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Galvez ‘22 Todd Echols ‘23 Townsend Dotterer ‘23 Amy Qian ‘24 Fraley Williams ‘24 Cover illustration by Gabriela Gomez Misserian '21.

Back cover film by Ann Douglas Lott ‘22.

TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OR FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT

ATTN: InGeneral

Magazine John W. Elrod Commons Washington and Lee University

DEA R REA DER S,

I

firmly believe that whoever first decided to build the town of Lexington must have first settled here in the fall time. The Shenandoah Valley’s autumnal technicolor is something to admire. In fact, the turning of the leaves is my own equivalent of flowers blooming in the spring. This is the time of year when our beloved little town flourishes most, as does W&L’s campus.

I always liked going back to school.There’s this sense of newness and excitement to everything, and this year—in a faltering pandemic state—it feels like everything is new again. As I write this letter, over 98% of our student body is vaccinated, and we haven’t had any student cases of COVID in weeks. Business in Lexington is thriving, students are socializing without fear of snitch culture or punishment, and the speaking tradition seems to slowly but surely be making a comeback. After a winter hiatus, so is InGeneral.

A year ago, InGeneral experienced a muchneeded aesthetic and content transformation. I say much needed because it seemed like W&L was at possibly eleven different crossroads. Most importantly, the campus climate was tense as we grappled with the consequences of our university’s history and the limitations of living in the worst stages of a pandemic. We at InGeneral pushed for open and critical conversations about diversity, the honor system, and, most importantly, change. One year later, we are hopeful that these conversations will continue without ceasing and that the evolution of W&L is one for the better. You could almost say we’re turning a new leaf. That’s the theme for this issue. Yeah, we couldn’t help but take advantage of the fall imagery. It just totally made sense.

This issue has a refreshingly positive perspective of W&L as we look to the future. Our staff briefly looks back on last year’s experiences, but we choose not to dwell on the negative too much in our excitement for the new year. Instead, we celebrate the new additions to our campus and community and the return of some traditions that the pandemic robbed us of last year.

I want to thank our exec team and entire staff for all the hard work they put into this issue. W&L students will understand that extracurriculars are not easy to factor into our academic lives, and this group’s enthusiasm for campus journalism and their creative talent were unmatched. Emery, you are a wonderful editor with an endless supply of original ideas. And Langley, your eye for design is spectacular, and you have dedicated so much time to this issue. We are so fortunate to have such an all-star team.

I have been working with InGeneral since the fall of my freshman year. It’s been so rewarding to watch this publication grow into what it is today, turning one new leaf after the other.

It’s season 19 of InGeneral. We have a new cast, plotline, and outlook on life at W&L. Action.

An Douglas

C O N T E NTS

W&L

SMILES AGAIN

SUMMER HAPENINGS Three sophomores sailed a raft down the Mississippi. Weed was legalized in Virginia.

Some students traveled while others stayed in Lexington.

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A RETURN TO PRE-O

C OVE R STO RY

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A new year brings new and exciting things to campus. After our COVID year, things appear to be looking up.

Various pre-orientation trips build a sense of belonging and community among first years on campus.

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P U M P K I N C H O C O L AT E CHIP MUFFINS, OH MY!

S M A L L T O Wfrom N , N EBaker W PLACES Dispatches Downtown Lexington is bustling with the addition of a few new businesses. A pilates studio, game store, and book shop are just some oa few these exciting new busineses.

Mimi Sherrill ‘23 shares one of her favorite fall recipes, melt-in-your-mouth muffins that are sure to please any crowd.

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A SOPHOMORE CLASS LIKE NO OTHER

Being a freshman during the COVID year was not easy. InGeneral hears from the current sophomore class about a freshman year of quarantines, lockdowns, and sanctions.

YAK IS BACK The controversial app has returned to W&L’s campus (any many other schools) after a few years hiatus. The danger of anonymity poses a risk to W&L’s friendly culture and honor system.

PANDEMIC

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With most study abroad programs being cancelled last year, the university is encouraging as many students as possible to take advantage of such an enriching opporunity.

InGeneral dives into the iconic history of the beloved holiday at W&L.

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STUDY ABROAD IS BACK

PROFESSOR-ING IN A

Professors and coaches alike are excited to get back into the groove of a normal teaching year and sports season after the limitations that were put in place last year.

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HALLOWEEN HISTORY

B R E A D D AY, B E S T DAY A farm in Raphine, VA, has become a favorite weekend spot among students.

With its own bakery, farmers market, and fresh-picked flowers, Seasons Yield Farm makes for the perfect escape.

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SU M M ER

SUMMER HAPPENINGS LANGLEY STEUART ‘24

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HILE SOME STUDENTS REMAINED ON CAMPUS ENJOYING FEWER COVID REGULATIONS, others traveled.

Chris Tucker ’23 studied mountain bluebirds in Missoula, Montana. A few students even made it abroad, studying in Europe. Camilla Beeley ’22 stayed in Lexington as a Levy Neuroscience Endowment Fellow. Under the supervision of Professor Jenney, she investigated the correlation between drug dependency and food status in the Rockbridge and Bath Country areas.

One group of students took another approach to their summer, embodying the summer of freedom. On June 1, McCoy Patterson ‘24, Jak Krouse ‘24, and Ned Newton ‘24, with the help of Lily Miggins ’24, built a raft in San Antonio, naming it Tequila Shark. Within a week, the three of them began their journey on the Red River.

They floated down the Mississippi River all the way to New Orleans.

They equipped the Tequila Shark with the necessities: food water, gas, airhorns, and instant coffee. They encountered many difficulties but also had the time of their life, experiencing nothing like this before.

“After we finished, it was the greatest feeling ever,” said Newton. “I felt like I could accomplish anything after all that I went through to complete the trip.” Their summer adventure continues into fall term as they begin the process of making a documentary that they expect to debut in December. They also created Tequila Shark merchandise and donated proceeds to the Hurricane Ida Relief Fund through the Red Cross.

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FALL 2021

AFTER WE FINISHED, IT WAS THE GREATEST FEELING EVER. I FELT LIKE I COULD ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING AFTER ALL THAT I WENT THROUGH TO COMPLETE THE TRIP. —NED NEWTO N ‘2 4

Also this summer, Virginia and W&L students experienced a taste of freedom that they were not used to since the pandemic.

As cases lowered, people encountered a brief time without masks and less regulations.

Many took advantage of this freedom by traveling, doing research, and going on wild adventures. Even weed was legalized in Virginia, adding to this sense of summer freedom for some.

Adults over the age of 21 are now legally allowed to possess and cultivate cannabis plants in Virginia, making Virginia the sixteenth state to legalize weed. The law took effect on July 1. However, public use of the drug is prohibited, and weed is still prohibited on W&L’s campus since the school follows the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.

Many students worked their summer away, researching and studying just like during the academic year. Nico Sacchi ‘22 worked with Dr. Marsh in Lexington researching salamander population genetics.

“It was a really great experience because we acquired important benchtop skills,” said Sacchi. “But we also had the opportunity to spend time outdoors as part of the research.”

In addition to research, Sacchi and her roommates took advantage of the serene Lexington summer, spending a weekend kayaking down the Maury.

This past summer was filled with excitement as the world adjusted to normalcy. W&L students were able to capitalize on this and fill the few months with new discoveries and adventures. By August, students could not wait to return to campus, prepared to apply their summer experiences to the upcoming semester.

OR I E NTAT I ON

A RETURN TO PRE-O

T

BELLA HODGE ‘25

HE PRE-ORIENTATION TRIPS, designed to ease first year students into independence as college students at Washington and Lee, are unlike that of any other university. A week spent backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, a trip through Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia learning about racial injustice, an archeological background to history sites, a program volunteering within the community and a trip based around sustainable development all set this school apart. But, how did this year’s trips help first year students assimilate into their newfound college environment?

There’s no doubt that spending a week with a small group on one of these trips forms an unparallel bond among participants. It did just that for first year Whitt Nuckols.

“The Appalachian Trail was an amazing experience because it gave me the chance to meet so many new people,” said Nuckols.

“Getting to see familiar faces on campus once I returned helped with the transition [into life as a college student].”

Those backpacking on the Appalachian Trail faced 3 days of rain from Hurricane Ida, which brought problems that only created deeper bonds within groups.

Mountain Lake South trip member Renna McNair said, “Sitting in the shelter with my group while there was a torrential downpour allowed us to learn new things about the people in our group we would’ve never known otherwise.”

The smile of a familiar face on campus during the first few weeks of classes has helped a lot of students have a smooth transition into this new way of life, especially for those who knew no one coming into school.

Students also say that having an upperclassman leader from their trip to go to helps them to feel more integrated into the school and gives them a chance to expand friendships outside of their class.

Will Mitchel, a volunteer venture participant, shared that the trip allowed him to ease into college in a low-risk environment and experience things like the campus kitchen that he wouldn’t have otherwise seen.

A variety of trip offerings has certainly made for an exciting freshman arrival to campus this term.

THE SMILE OF A FAMILIAR FACE ON CAMPUS DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF CLASSES HAS HELPED A LOT OF STUDENTS HAVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THIS NEW WAY OF LIFE.

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C O MMUNITY

SMALL TOWN, NEW PLACES KATIE LARKIN ‘22

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S STUDENTS STARTED TO TRICKLE INTO LEXINGTON IN LATE SUMMER, they quickly became aware of numerous new businesses nestled in the familiar brick of downtown. A seemingly record-breaking number of new spots have appeared in recent times, all of which provide unique products and experiences. These fresh new spots offer an exciting sense of novelty to our downtown and will hopefully inspire a greater sense of community engagement with the student body. Pandemic-induced business shutdown has become a nationwide issue, so this recent influx of businesses is an encouraging first step towards economic and social rebuild.

Electric Pilates, located on the corner of Nelson and Jefferson, adopted an older building and decorated its exterior simply but effectively, with small lightning bolts and encouraging expressions. Their fitness classes include pilates, yoga, and meditation—all contributing to a healthy body and mind. Opportunities for group exercise are already in great demand on campus, and the opening of this establishment has only increased the availability. What’s more, its central location is widely accessible to students living both on and off campus.

Just Games Lexington, located across the street from Electric Pilates, goes beyond its name by offering frisbee golf supplies and fandom products alongside its vast collection of games. The shop’s open floor plan and energetic atmosphere invite customers to stick around, and their communal spaces are often filled with people playing games. Students seeking an entertaining way to connect with others will find plenty to do within the walls of this shop.

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WE GENERALS TEND TO BE CREATURES OF HABIT, DEVOTING OUT TIME AND MONEY TO OUR FAVOITE BUSINESSES IN THE LEXINGTON AREA.

FALL 2 0 1

Legendary Eats, situated next to Sweet Things ice cream parlor, has made waves in the local community with its extensive sandwich menu and delicious homemade bagels. The supernatural charm of its theme—famous creatures of myth—shines in its menu (the aptly named Jersey Devil, for one, is a beast of a sandwich) and subtly designed t-shirts. I personally recommend the Garuda, which is a flavorful and heftilyportioned banh mi.

The Historian’s Books is located just up the road from Legendary Eats and supplies town with books about historical subjects. Lexington is a known history hotspot, and thus this new store fits perfectly into our town’s setting. Catering to history majors and buffs alike, this place is filled with plenty of exciting treasures.

We Generals tend to be creatures of habit, devoting our time and money to our favorite businesses in the Lexington area. Ordering takeout pizza can be brutal when no one can decide between Frank’s and Salerno, and Napa Thai lovers are fiercely loyal to their chicken fried rice. Exploring these recently opened options, however, is a worthwhile way to enrich the community and branch out. Take a stroll around town—the weather is getting cooler, the shops are open for business, and you just may discover your favorite new hangout spot.

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FOOD

RECIPE

THIS IS MY INVARIABLE ADVICE TO PEOPLE:

LEARN HOW TO COOK—TRY NEW RECIPES, LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES, BE FEARLESS AND ABOVE ALL HAVE FUN. — J U LIA CHILD

P U M P K I N C H O CO L AT E C H I P M U F F I N S

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MIMI SHERRILL ‘23 (@MIMZ_EATS ON INSTAGRAM) BRINGS YOU THIS PERFECT FALL TREAT! THIS RECIPE MAKES 12 DELICIOUS MUFFINS.

INGR EDIEN TS

I NS T R U CT IO N S

1 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled (or substitute melted butter) 2 eggs, at room temperature 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners.

FALL 2021

2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut oil, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Add the chocolate chips.

5. Divide batter evenly between the muffin tins. Bake for 23-25 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Enjoy!

W&L SMILES AGAIN

C OV E R S TORY

E ME RY WR IGHT ‘22

urrounded by birds chirping on a sunny urrounded by birds chirping on a sunny September morning, Matt Condon ’22 felt an awakened energy in the air when he returned to Washington and Lee this fall to begin his senior year. As he strolled past red brick buildings through the heart of campus, Matt smiled at passersby and realized that after a year-long hiatus, the Say Hey tradition had finally resurfaced.

“It’s been a refreshing change to walk around campus without masks on. I think it has gone a long way in restoringthe outgoing nature of the W&L community,” said Matt Condon ’22. “People are much more likely to participate in the Speaking Tradition and say hey without a mask on, and it’s always fun to be able to recognize friendly faces on campus.”

During the height of the pandemic last year, students on campus heard only the sound of their footsteps and heavy breathing as they trudged through a relatively empty campus. With a mask mandate that now only applies indoors, students can communicate verbally as well as with facial expressions outside of the classroom.

“I think it’s no secret that COVID-19 adversely affected the Speaking Tradition. There is definitely a social barrier caused by masks, and online classes generally kept students off campus more last year, causing the Speaking Tradition to fall out of practice,” said Condon. “With that being said, it’s been exciting to se see students saying hey more and more these days, especially among the younger classes at W&L who are experiencing their first normal year on campus.”

Faces no longer covered by two-layered masks, students can smile with more than just squinted eyes, rebuilding the friendly community that Generals know and love. Along with the Say Hey tradition, the return of indoor dining develops a lively, collaborative nature to students’ daily experiences on campus.

Tables inside and outside the Marketplace, Café 77, and the E-Café have returned, encouraging students to enjoy meals and study together on campus. The empty cafeteria and pavilions now surge with students crowding to grab a bite between classes.

Students bid farewell to paper to-go boxes from the makeshift dining service located in Evans Hall, while sorority women welcome dining services back into their home. Last year, Evans Dining replaced sorority dining, which included self-service meals three times a day inside sorority houses. In contrast, Evans Dining included a large staff that served students and prepared boxed meals for students in quarantine. Indoor dining in Evans often remained closed due to cases surging on campus.

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C OV E R S TO RY

any sorority members are relieved and grateful that sorority dining has returned this year for convenience’s sake,” said Delta CoPresident Tina Taylor ’22. “It provides great bonding opportunities for the sophomore pledge classes across sorority row that they have not yet had the chance to experience!”

Last year, only students living inside sorority houses could enter the buildings, and even soda machines were closed, inconveniently limiting residents’ access to drinking water on the main floor. Now, sorority members from all grades can regularly congregate to socialize, collaborate, and share meals, reunited as an organization that only met virtually last year.

The restoration of sorority dining reveals administration’s change of heart from last January, when the COVID Committee postponed the long-awaited virtual sorority recruitment. Though freshmen—who were eager to forge friendships outside their immediate dormitory hall—were very upset by this news, the COVID Committee feared recruitment would tempt students to break social distancing guidelines and meet in person.

This year, students’ social lives have been restored not only on campus but also off. In the first month of fall semester, Traveller reemerged from the shadows to safely transport students to and from off-campus gatherings.

The transit buses run on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., following the same route with student monitors on board to ensure safety and ease of access.

“I think Traveller is one of the greatest things W&L does. Trav allows students to not only prevent driving under the influence and promote safety, but also to take care of one another,” said Trav monitor Mansi Tripathi ’22. “I think Trav is the epitome of what W&L wants us to strive for: trust and integrity.”

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FALL 2021

THERE IS DEFINITELY A SOCIAL BARRIER CAUSED BY MASKS, AND ONLINE CLASSES GENERALLY KEPT STUDENTS OFF CAMPUS MORE LAST YEAR, CAUSING THE SPEAKING TRADITION TO FALL OUT OF PRACTICE. — M AT T C O N D O N ‘ 2 2

Traveller promotes the Promise Committee’s mission to stop and prevent drunk driving within the community. All students have access to Trav, which encourages Generals to be social while making responsible, safe choices. The return of Trav also includes students’ favorite drivers, friendly faces that, for many, are a sight for sore eyes after last year’s strict social distancing rules.

While old traditions have returned, students also arrived on campus to find pleasant surprises.

Construction on the first floor of Leyburn Library concluded after a year of power drilling, revealing the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning.

C OV E R S TORY

I THINK TRAV IS THE EPITOME OF WHAT W&L WANTS US TO STRIVE FOR: TRUST AND INTEGRITY. — M A N S I T R I P AT H I ‘ 2 2

New tables and modern chairs create an accessible area for student collaboration and collective focus, a vast change from the floor’s individual wooden carrells separated by bookshelves. Bright tones of blue and green replace shades of brown in the furniture and carpeting.

Open, airy space allows students to view Woods Creek through the ceiling to floor windows that bookshelves previously blocked.

“The [Harte Center] renovation creates a much better environment that what we had previously. It’s way less dark and intimidating, and a much more pleasant area to study in,” said Jens Ames ’22. “Everyone I’ve talked to seems to really like it.”

The Harte Center has also enabled the colocation of various student support services, meeting student needs in one location. On the first floor, students can find materials for research, meet with a consultant in the Writing Center, and receive guidance from peer tutors.

According to Emily Cook, Research and Outreach Librarian, the Harte Center not only provides a visual update from 1979 but also increases access to power.

Washington and Lee’s campus welcomes students back to a lively campus that encourages rather than punishes social interaction. While juniors and seniors open their arms back open to the school they know and love, freshmen and sophomores smile as the entire General community reintegrates throughout Lexington. on campus.

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THERE WAS A LOT OF LACKING SELFAWARENESS LAST YEAR. IT JUST SHOWED THAT PEOPLE WERE NOT HAVING A VERY GOOD TIME, AND IN THAT LIGHT, SOPHOMORE YEAR IS VERY DIFFERENT. —SAM GRIFFITHS ‘24

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FALL 2021

CL AS S OF ‘ 2 4

A SOPHOMORE CLASS LIKE NO OTHER

LAUREN NEWTON ‘22

HEARING FROM THE SOPHOMORE CLASS ON A FRESHMAN YEAR OF QUARANTINES, LOCKDOWNS, AND SANCTIONS.

W

hen McCoy Patterson ‘24 moved into Similarly, Sarah Kate Durkee ‘24 lived in a hall Gaines Hall last fall, he wasn’t prepared with the Equestrian team so was often alone when to endure a year of social regulations and the team practiced. rising tensions between students and administration.

“I felt like an outsider,” Durkee said.

This was an unprecedented time at W&L, and the Sports players benefitted from living in close freshman dorm halls that were once lively with voices quarters because it allowed them to bond as a team. were uncomfortably silent.

However, it also isolated them from other freshmen.

“I think the worst part was the expectation of what Stephen Murrin, a football player who lived in freshman year in college should be, knowing what a a hall surrounded by his teammates, said “It was seminal moment in your life it is for everyone. Like, actually pretty cool to know everyone around, but it you’re finally free!” Patterson said. “But, we were just was difficult at times to meet other people because of locked down in Gaines doing nothing but playing the constraints on social life.” poker and doing homework.”

As COVID regulations subside at W&L, Though they felt fortunate to attend college in the class of 2024 is adjusting socially, physically, person, many current sophomores and mentally. But that doesn’t couldn’t help but feel let down by change their feelings about their their freshman year experience. freshman year.

I THINK THAT THE WORST Their year began with a virtual “We were told that our PART WAS THE EXPECTATION Orientation Week. grade had a very different OF WHAT FRESHMAN YEAR “Freshman year O-Week relationship with the IN COLLEGE SHOULD BE, was...terrible. I guess that’s administration from the get-go,” the best way to say it,” Rowan KNOWING WHAT A SEMINAL Sam Griffiths said. “Our grade Blumenstock said. detested the administration: MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE IT IS Fortunately, the COVID from the COVID guidelines, FOR EVERYONE. LIKE, YOU’RE and the constant barrage of regulations allowed many FINALLY FREE! hallmates to bond easily. But, ‘high yellow, mid yellow,’ it was there was little opportunity to ridiculous.”

— M C C O Y P AT T E R S O N ‘ 2 4 socialize organically outside the “It was just terrible, dorms. everyone having to be paranoid “My friends were really all from their own school,” the people on my hall,” Connor Coleman ‘24 said. “I Patterson said. “I have a friend who fell asleep in think it was kind of unique because people on the hall their laundry room without a mask on and pub got super tight, but it was hard to know people outside safe came, knocked on the door, and gave him a of your little cohort.” citation.”

“It was fragmented in that all the sports were all Not only were tensions rising between students together in halls, all the states together in halls,” said and administration, but the paranoia surrounding Sam Griffiths ‘24 added.

COVID fostered animosity between students.

Sophomore Virginia Bernot was on a “field “All the covid complaining last year got so hockey hall,” but she herself didn’t play a sport. When tiresome,” Griffiths said. “There was a lot of lacking field hockey was in season, she felt lonely, unable to self-awareness last year. It just showed that people bond with her hallmates. were not having a very good time, and in that light, sophomore year is very different.”

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YI K YAK

YAKISBACK

EVERETT HEEBE ‘22

I

f you walk through Washington and Lee’s campus, chances are that any shoulder you peek over will be lit by a bright green screen on their iPhone. It’s safe to say that the app Yik Yak, which claims to “anonymously connect with everyone within five miles,” has taken our university by storm. It can appear to be all in lighthearted fun; however, it’s worth looking into the app’s troubling history to evaluate the potential dangers that it poses to our community. Many W&L students have taken to Yik Yak to bond over common experiences both on and off campus. In the thick of midterm season, students complain in unison about the university’s heavy workload.

Some even posted about their common struggles with the dining venues on campus, inciting laughs. Aside from these shared frustrations, many students reminisce about funny moments from the past weekend’s events. All these remarks are posted anonymously, taking away the pressure of likes and comments that other social media apps are defined by. This type of validation is replaced by “upvotes” and “downvotes,” all contributing to a user’s “Yakarma.” However, this doesn’t mean that Yik Yak is all fun and games.

Yik Yak was banned from the App store for four years and has only just returned in August of 2021. Several specific incidents, along with an overwhelming sense of “toxicity” due to bullying and harassmentcaused the ban. For example, harsh threats were made on the app at a schoolin Massachusetts in 2014, ultimately causing the school to be put on lockdown. By 2016, users were encouraged and eventually required to add a social media handle, eliminating the anonymous aspect of the app.

IT’S WORTH LOOKING INTO THE APP’S

TROUBLING HISTORY

TO EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL DANGERS THAT IT POSES TO OUR COMMUNITY.

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FALL 2021

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fter resurrecting this fall, Yik Yak’s owners declare that “they’re committed to taking a strong stance against threats and other abuse.”

Yik Yak has implemented new precautions against bullying, such as strict “Community Guardrails” and the ability to ban users that violate these guidelines. It’s only a matter of time until these restrictions are put back on the app. While the W&L community is one that emphasizes trust and engagement between its students, it is not immune to these possible toxic influences. Incidences of targeting individuals and groups of people on campus, such as fraternities and sororities, has been a trend on the app amongst W&L students, along with ongoing back-and-forth between our campus and VMI students. It may seem to be all in good fun and often sarcastic.

Nevertheless, Yik Yak users in our community are at risk of crossing a line to the bullying and harassment that caused the initial shut down of the app.

FACU LT Y

PROFESSOR-ING IN A PANDEMIC JAMIE SPANFELLER ‘22

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s masks were mandated, six feet of distance required, and gatherings limited, university faculty members were faced with challenges far beyond their initial job descriptions.

Women’s Track and Field Coach Dana Freeman explained the stress that accompanied the frequently changing safety protocols.

“As a track and field coach, there’s always an awareness of a student athlete’s health and safety, but last year that awareness was heightened significantly.”

Faculty members developed an exaggerated responsibility to protect their students in a way that was previously unimaginable. Suddenly, professors had to completely alter the nature of theircourses and learn virtual software that allowed for distanced learning; coaches had to adjust practices to match the university’s six-foot distancing guidelines.

“There just was that heighted awareness of the little things that we had to do on a day-to-day basis to keep the student athletes safe and healthy beyond what we would normally think about,” Freeman said.

Professor Jeffrey Barry reflected on classes taught in a pandemic setting “which required a very significant change,” specifically for classes incorporating hands-on activities such as group work, he said.

In more ways thanjust physically, our close-knit community struggled as a result of isolating safety measures.

“Lecturing synchronously via Zoom is not a great experience ... It’s also much harder for the professor to have the momentum to lecture because we are not getting that feedback from students,” Barry said.

Student engagement inspires him and his colleagues and “makes [them] better teachers.”

As an educational environment that prides itself on strong studentfaculty relationships, losing in-person bonding was detrimental to the community’s social life.

“It was hard to get to know my first-year advisees last year because I only met them virtually,” said Barry, “I’m concerned that more students perhaps fell through the cracks.”

Similarly, the ability to train alongside a supportive sports team was threatened of being taken away at any moment. Freeman explained how losing the cross country and indoor track seasons were disappointing, precautionary measures due to rising Covid-19 numbers.

WE THOUGHT WE HAD A PLAN, AND WE NEVER KNEW WHAT REALLY WAS COMING NEXT. ­— C O A C H D A N A F R E E M A N

“We thought we had a plan and we never knew what really was coming next,” Freeman explained.

A year later, in a predominantly vaccinated community, Freeman is grateful for the increased protection and reduced restrictions. She beams in excitement, anticipating the return to the track for the indoor season this October.

“We are months ahead in terms of the team chemistry,” Freeman said, noting that “the opportunity to come together as a team outside of practice is one of the biggest benefits” to a return to in-person instruction, as well as having all three seasons to compete. She looks forward to “seeing the joy on [athletes] faces!”

Professor Barry hopes to form bonds with students and colleagues, as his classroom returns to an almost normal setting. The revival of casual conversations walking around campus previously prevented by our virtual world excites him.

“Everybody who has experienced college in the last couple years has had a remarkably different experience than any generation before them,” said Barry, “It could build a lotof resilience.” Though strengthening our tech savvy skills was not a waste.

“It’s important for the university to figure out how to offer some type of virtual environment for students because the workplace is increasingly going or has gone virtual,” Barry remarked.

Luckily, as we remodel our definition of “normal” on campus, students and faculty alike have proved to be adaptable and perseverant in ways previously inconceivable.

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CA M P U S CU LTUR E

HALLOWEEN HISTORY: W&L K AY L I N J U RY ‘ 2 4

T’S NO SECRET THAT W&L STUDENTS GO HARD FOR HALLIWEEN. In the past few years, we have seen (maybe a few too many) purge masks, space cowboys, and Cher Horowitz costumes. We love to get creative,we love to dress up, and, thankfully, we love to document it. So, let’s journey into Special Collections to see just how drastically W&L Halloween has evolved. And, if we are lucky, we may get some inspiration for our own costume trajectory.

The first records of Halloween celebrations date back to the early 1940s, where the addition of a mask to casual attire constituted a respectable costume. These store-bought disguises, while limited in selection, provided one important element: anonymity. For fifteen cents, W&L students could get into trouble without the risk of identification. This led to wild, vaguely-mentioned parties documented only with snapshots of smashed jack-o-lanterns left to rot on porches.

Mask wearing carried on to the 1960s. Photos taken during this period show students as Spiderman, Mickey Mouse, and Paladin.

Each year, the most popular characters from movies or television flooded the streets of Lexington, headed towards the annual fraternity Halloween parties.

By the late 1980s, the draw towards anonymity weakened. Instead of masks, students opted for cat ears,cowboy hats, and wigs. With their faces exposed, Generals took more pride in their costumes.

Impressively detailed princesses and punk-rockers replaced the generic clowns of the 40s. The wide variety of new costume options inspired by pop-culture led to a sense of individualism. Hence, group costumes made scarce appearances.

I

WE LOVE TO GET CREATIVE, WE LOVE TO DRESS UP, AND THANKFULLY, WE LOVE TO DOCUMENT IT.

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FALL 2021

he late 80s also seemed to be the time for students to introduce sexy costumes to the Halloween norm. Women, just recently allowed into the university, elected to dress up as sexy maids or bunnies while men chose to go as shirtless pirates or superheroes.

As women started to matriculate in 1985, W&L publications began to record the first instances of couples’ costumes on campus. In 1994, a couple was captured attending a party in the “cow-and-farmer” costume that remains a fan-favorite among partners today.

T

t the turn of the century, the W&L campus saw a surge in group costumes. In years like 2005 and 2006, most documented costumes were themed for four or five students to match. However, larger groups like sororities, clubs, and sports teams also collaborated to take on Halloween as a team-building event.

Beginning in 2007, the competitive side of W&L made its way to Halloween. In the following years, many students would be crowned the winners of the coolest, ugliest, and least creative costumes. Unlike the trick-or-treaters of the past, W&L students of the early 2000s earned their costume bragging-rights. The 2007 edition of Calyx notes that instead of purchasing premade costumes, Generals “spent the days before [Halloween] scouting fabrics at Walmart and accessorizing at Totally Party and Goodwill.”

The era of DIY costumes was in full swing.

Today, Halloween costumes on campus draw inspiration from all phases of W&L’s history. Individual, couple, and group costumes brought to life with pieces from Amazon, Target, and Dollar Tree all make appearances on our beloved safe-ride transit, Traveller.

We have seen how dramatically Halloween costumes at W&L have developed throughout the past 90 years. Some were cute, some were lazy, some were boring. Regardless, I hope the costumes of this year make the cut for the class of 2100’s W&L Halloween history article.

A TODAY, HALLOWEEN COSTUMES ON CAMPUS DRAW INSPIRATION FROM ALL PHASES OF W&L’S HISTORY.

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S T U DY ABR OAD

I THINK IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO TRAVEL WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG TO LEARN ABOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES.

STUDY ABROAD

IS BACK

A

LEA BORNER ‘22

FTER YEARLONG TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS DUE TO COVID, STUDY ABROAD IS BACK ON TRACK AGAIN.

The number of international freshmen at W&L is higher than ever; there are 54% more international students incoming than the year before. 112 internationals from various countries all over the world currently study here. And the smaller yet mighty number of 25 W&L students are studying abroad right now, according to Cindy Irby, Study Abroad Advisor at W&L. Jensen Rocha ‘23, studies at the University of Lisbon in Portugal right now and says that it is a unique experience.

“Part of the reason why I came to W&L was because I wanted to go abroad. Because they have a lot of great opportunities. I feel like it is just a really important part of the college education process and I think it is really important to travel while you are young to learn about different cultures. And it is a really important part of you education to hear different perspectives on things and being in a different country, even one that also speaks English, gives you a lot of different perspectives,” Rocha said.

Rocha experienced some difficulties with visa restrictions and had to shorten her stay and first she couldn’t visit any restaurants or clubs, as they wouldn’t accept her US vaccination card. But now she solved the problem and got a European vaccination certificate and has a rather positive mindset.

“Just be prepared that there will be a time when you are annoyed by how everything is different. And also, be open-minded for a lot of experiences and perspectives in everyday things of life and in your studies,” she underlines.

Yes, COVID makes it harder to go abroad. And yes, there is more to worry about, such as harder visa conditions and travel restrictions, but I promise it is worth it! My survey amongst internationals showed that 80% had problems obtaining their visa. They either had to go to more than one embassy or worried that their visa wouldn’t be granted in time. Jensen also had to shorten her stay due to COVID. But they all made it abroad, and that is all that matters.

“You can do it. Just make sure you do a lot of research to figure out where it is best for you,” said Connie Okeke, international student at W&L from Nigeria.

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—JENSEN ROCHA ‘23

FALL 2021

2. THE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

HERE ARE THE TOP THREE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER APPLYING FOR A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM:

1. IMPROVING YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS

No matter which country you are going to, you will face language barriers. It is a common fear amongst internationals to not be understood or misunderstand someone. To be honest, that is a fear that often comes true. But the more you practice your language skills, the better you will get.

Never forget that you are not just going to a different country to study there, but to experience a different culture and see some new places. To live in another country for some time enables a student to get a deeper understanding of the culture rather than just travelling for a very short time.

It is our duty as global citizens to educate ourselves about the world, and what better way to do that than experience a culture firsthand?

3. IT’S GOOD FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Why do you think it looks good to have been abroad on your resume? Companies understand that spending some time abroad reflects that your character is stable, and you are open minded. Competences you learn from studying abroad are common skills for good teamwork and being a reliable employee.

Irby recommends every student to go abroad. “I really have never had a student come back and regret going abroad. They have all said its one of their best parts in college,” she says.

BREA D DAY

B R E A D D AY, B E S T D AY KELSIE WETMORELAND ‘24, MIMI SHERRILL ‘23, & TOWNSEND DOTTERER ‘23

W

ITH STRICT COVID PRECAUTIONS IMPOSED AROUND CAMPUS LAST YEAR, Washington and Lee students were eager to venture beyond Lexington city limits and explore the rest of Virginia’s natural beauty. Nestled at the top of the list of COVID-friendly activities for students, Season’s Yield Farm was an unlikely favorite. However, it soon became a staple for W&L students, and, though COVID restrictions on campus have loosened, the success of “Bread Day” continues to flourish throughout the community.

Started just five years ago in 2016 by Daniel and Fawn Shear hoping to ignite a “family-centric” business, the dream for Season’s Yield Farm began long before that when Daniel was on tour in Afghanistan.

His wife and co-owner, Fawn, sent him a recipe book that chronicled “one couple’s journey building a business around their passion for bread,” and from there the seed was planted.

Once Daniel left active duty and the young family moved to Raphine, Virginia, they were finally able to bring their dream into fruition and began creating the farm.

While the business has gone through many changes over the course of its short existence, today the couple hosts bimonthly “Bread Days” that are a staple to the community.

The couple’s original goal for Seasons Yield Farm was to provide a “full diet” of goods produced by themselves for their customers, yet nowadays their operations are centered around their baked goods.

Customers from all over pre-order their favorite treats including chocolate croissants, sourdough rolls, morning buns, and even house-made maple syrup.

However, the Shears have not abandoned their hopes of providing Seasons Yield customers with a “one-stopshopping” experience and have added a Farmers Market and made to order woodfired pizzas to their menu of offerings on Bread Day.

The fun doesn’t stop there though, as customers have the opportunity to stay at the farm in their two-bedroom Airbnb apartment that sits directly above the bakery and coffee shop. This is a great option for anyone looking to spend time in the Lexington area, and it puts you right at the center of one of the greatest attractions that the area has to offer.

Everyone who attends Bread Day— whether as a hungry customer or a farmers market vendor—exudes a positive energy that exemplifies what it means to be a part of this small, united community. W&L students have had a major impact on the success of Seasons Yield Farm, and their continued enthusiasm and kindness are crucial to making sure that the pipe dreams of young couples like the Shear’s are realized in their fullest potential.

Check out Bread Day at Seasons Yield Farm in Raphine, Virginia to support your local businesses, snag some delicious treats, and make a weekend tradition that you’ll be sure never to miss.

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 I N G E N E R AL MAG AZINE

John W. Elrod Commons Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450