InGeneral Winter 2022 by InGeneral Magazine

WINTER 2022 ISSUE

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VOL 19, NO 2

Peer counselors share some anonymous advice for students of all grades. We also take a look at what Headspace has to offer.

COVER STORY

Reflections

REFORMING GREEK LIFE

IF MEN HAD RHO GAMS

WORK HARD, WORKOUT HARDER

Students and speakers at the inaugural Greek Leadership Institute emphasized making Greek life a more welcoming space.

Recruitment counselors are vital to sorority recruitment. What if there was an equivalent resource available to men? 14

Student and fitness instructor Elizabeth Marshall ‘25 talks teaching group exercise classes in Lexington. 05

Issue 19.2 WINTER 2022

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. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Letter from the editor

Ann Douglas Lott ‘22 MANAGING EDITOR

Emery Wright ‘22 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Langley Steuart ‘24 PUBLICIST

Ellie Thornton ‘23 STAFF

Katie Larkin ‘22 Jack Eason ‘22 Elizabeth Mocek ‘23 Todd Echols ‘23 Mimi Sherrill ‘23 Kaylin Jury ’24 Sydney Heifner ‘24 Madison Karlin ‘25 Bella Hodge ‘25 L AYO U T A N D D E S I G N

Jack Eason ‘22 Todd Echols ‘23 Kaylin Jury ‘24 PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Galvez ‘22 Todd Echols ‘23 Fraley Williams ‘24 Front and back cover photos by Langley Steuart ‘24.

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

ATTN: InGeneral

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

DEA R REA DER S,

easonal depression is rampant on college campuses during the cold months. And oh my, did we have a cold, cold winter in Lexington this year. Multiple snowfalls, overcast skies, and a lack of energy have kept many of us inside our houses in hiemal slumber waiting for it to pass. I mean, the newly constructed Harte Center and açaí bowls at third year can only bring so much joy. We must get creative to keep morale high, and those days when the sun came out to play were some of my favorites of the year. That feeling when you feel the sun on your face in the wintertime, and it’s so warm for a second—I recently learned that there’s a word for that. Apricity. Isn’t that fun to say? We’ve been living for moments of apricity this semester. Now that our sense of apricity is evolving into excitement for the spring ahead, we’re getting restless. Just last week, the school’s mask mandate was done away with, and since then there has been a major uptick in conversation, smiling, and optimism for the future. And we have so much to look forward to: a Fancy Dress (otherwise known as a real event), seeing what people in your classes actually looked like under their masks, th euphoric feeling of running on a treadmill in the gym without a mask, and the return of social events from years past (or for some, another Wednesday night). The InGeneral staff has been reflecting on what brings on the warmth and in what areas it has been lacking. That’s why our theme for this issue is reflections. Many of the stories in this issue reflect on the current state of our school and what’s to come.

Thanks to all of the staff who participated in this issue—our first winter issue in three years. Maybe someday we’ll actually produce more than just two issues per year, but until then, we have some hard-hitting topics like spring cocktails, study abroad, and fancy dress. In all seriousness, though, this issue also has some fantastic commentary on W&L and features students who make this place so wonderful (shoutout to Elizabeth Marshall ‘25 and the Trav monitors). I encourage you to read everything in here, but also pay special attention to the visual elements because we have some incredible photographers and layout designers, and InGeneral is as much a visual publication as it is a written one. I have a deep appreciation for the joy and creativity this publication has brought me since I first joined as a photographer the fall of my freshman year. It’s still very young, and has plenty of room for growth, as I’m very sure it will in the years to come. Happy flipping,

An Douglas

C O N T E NTS

SNOWED IN Tales from students and professors on their snow days in Lexington—the good, the bad, and the snowed-in.

COCKTAIL HOUR AT MIMI’S

C OVE R STO RY

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An anonymous advice column from some of your very own peer counselors. Also, what is Headspace, and how can students benefit from it?

Mimi Sherrill ‘23 shares her go-to spring cocktail recipe. Get your shaker ready!

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G N E X T D O O R ?

H O P O N T H AT B I K E !

Has anyone else noticed the construction going on at VMI? InGeneral got the scoop on the project.

Elizabeth Marshall ‘25 is only a freshman and has already established herself as quite the talented fitness instructor in Lexington. Hear her story and what keeps her motivated.

Dispatches from Baker

IF MEN HAD RHO GAMS FD 2022

Rho Gammas play a fundamental role in formal sorority recruitment. Todd Echols ‘23 contemplates the possibility of having a male equivalent to recruitment counselors for men who are considering joining a fraternity. 14

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Hear stories from students who have and are currently studying abroad this year for the first time since the pandemic hit.

REFORMING THE GREEK SYSTEM

Only the senior class has ever attended a Fancy Dress. Will the “night at the museum” be worth the hype?

RIDE-ALONG Jack Eason ‘22 spends a Friday night riding along on Trav.

At this year’s inaugural Greek Leadership Institute (GLI), student leaders discussed and learned about how we can make the Greek system more inclusive, among other topics.

12 INGENERAL

WI N T ER

“Bring on the snow!”

L AN G L EY ST EUART ‘ 24

t feels like snow and salt have been covering Lexington for over a month now. Many students relish in the snow by sledding around campus and building snowmen on the colonnade. Others go for walks or stay inside to enjoy hot chocolate and the warmth with friends. Some students from the south remain in awe of the frozen water. One group of students was quite adventurous and went night sledding. Lily Miggins ’24 and friends trudged out to the gazebo by the Outing Club Barn at 9 p.m. one night. “The sledding itself was super fun, because the hill is so tall, but climbing back up is a challenge,” said Miggins. “When I went, I somehow didn’t flip or move at all and made it down the whole hill!” Miggins recommends hiking out to the gazebo next time it snows, hinting at it possibly being the best hill to sled down on campus. While snowstorms in January brought a lot of excitement to W&L’s campus, they also created issues for many students. Lexington prepared for one particularly big winter storm during the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Stores in town closed in advance and the city prepared by distributing salt on the roads. With cold temperatures continuing, it seems the snow does not want to melt. Despite the fun the snow brings, it also presents challenges. Driving is always a big issue during winter storms. For those who live off campus,they must shovel their own driveways. Many run into problems getting their cars outof the snow. Frances McIntosh ’22 lives off campus, and she and her roommates had a hard time getting their cars out. “Only one of the five people living in my house has a car with a four-wheel drive, so with our steep driveway we only had one vehicle that could leave our house.” McIntosh and other off-campus seniors’ experiences prove that winter storms have become an inconvenience to students and present problems arriving to campus. Everyone prepares for winter storms in their own ways. While some run to the grocery store, others, like Professor Mayock, are accustomed to the snow. “We don’t do much preparation for snowstorms, except making sure the cars are in the driveway so the city plows can make it down the street,” Mayock said. “We’re from Philadelphia, and we say, bring on the snow!”

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With a town full of people from various regions, it is interesting to see the different reactions residents have to a snow day in Lexington. I find that the snow always brings joy to the miserable cold months of January and February. Whether you enjoy the sight of it from your window or love to get knee deep in it, the white blanket that covers the ground always puts a smile on students’ faces. And regardless of the issues snow presents, it never fails to bring the W&L community together.

A SNOWY GREENHOUSE ROAD.

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L E X I N G TON

Downtown Developments KAT IE L A R KIN ‘2 2

onstruction next door at Virginia Military Institute has slowed travel between downtown and East Lexington, often blocking North Main Street. What was once an unremarkable empty lot has become an impressive concrete and metal structure, clad in the trademark VMI gray-green façade. Though potentially unclear at first glance, this site will be VMI’s brand new Aquatic Center, whose location is conveniently located next to the preexisting Corps Physical Training Facility. The site was formerly home to the Knights of Pythias building, which was owned by the American Legion and served as a well-known hub for Lexington’s African-American community. This historic structure underwent relocation in 2014 to make way for the CPTF, and the new Aquatic Center will be physically connected to it. The construction project, costing approximately $44.2 million, will be the second natatorium built in Lexington in the last five years. Washington and Lee’s own aquatic facilities were built in 2017 and cost the university $22.4 million. Close proximities between Generals and Keydets have historically resulted in the sharing of spaces and resources, but ongoing campus improvements on both ends might lessen the degree of interaction between these student bodies. Finding space in town is particularly scarce given the small size of Lexington, and athletic activity is often affected by this predicament. Exercise on Woods Creek Trail can be interrupted by cadet drills, and the Track & Field team practices at VMI’s indoor track during inclimate weather. With these developments, it appears that both campuses are aiming to alleviate some of these overlaps by providing individual spaces.

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This construction project is one of numerous plans for expanding and upgrading the institute’s facilities. Many of these projects are cosmetic ones that aim to update the exteriors of buildings. VMI’s spruced-up appearance has been matched by W&L’s brand-new Duchossois Athletic Center, which opened in late 2020 and has provided ample space for athletic, administrative, and academic endeavors. The new building preserves the historic appearance of the Doremus Gymnasium, and the familiar columned exterior still presides over Canaan Green. However, resources on the inside are vastly improved; the updated gymnasium facilities, fitness center, and coaching staff offices are a few of the perks enjoyed by students, staff, and Lexington residents. Coming in at nearly $48 million, this project was the final objective of the Honor Our Past, Build Our Future plan, a $542 million venture.

S T U D E NT S

Hope On That Bike! E

LIZABETH MARSHALL ‘25 GREETS ME ON ZOOM WITH A WARM SMILE. Her bright turquoise, rounded glasses match her cheerful spirit. Both Covid-19 positive, we are separated by just a few of the designated quarantine houses on Mclaughlin street. This weekend, I was supposed to attend one of Elizabeth’s first spin classes at Flex Fitness Studio, a popular spot in Lexington for indoor cycling and strength training. Although Elizabeth is rather new to teaching spin classes, she has quite the experience in coaching others. Since she was thirteen years old, Elizabeth has been teaching horseback riding classes in her hometown. When I ask what inspired her to begin teaching spin classes, she responds with a soft laugh. She speculates that perhaps her natural knack for teaching group exercise led her to seek some outlet to continue this hobby in college. Once she got her group fitness instructor certification and came up with a killer playlist, she was all set. A typical class of Elizabeth’s, held in either one of our university fitness rooms or Flex Fitness Studio in town, ranges from eight to fourteen people. Elizabeth especially enjoys the ambiance of Flex and would say that most of her regulars agree. The bright lights and stellar speaker systems create an exciting atmosphere for the high-intensity class. She crafts her playlists prior to class and works hard to match her song selections with different parts of the spin routine.

M AD I S O N K AR L I N ‘ 25

Elizabeth likes to “pack a lot in a class” and structures her classes around speed and climb periods, resistance training, toning, and core to work the upper body. She likes to make sure everyone gets a “good sweat” in and that they leave with a “post workout glow.” In her free time outside of classes, Elizabeth often listens to music while she rows. By singing the songs out loud, she determines how much energy she can reasonably exude talking during the class. This skillful tactic not only builds up her endurance, but it also makes for a fun karaoke workout.

ELIZABETH AND HER GOLDEN DOODLE, GEORGIA

You should continue to work out as long as you feel good and do your best out there. ELIZABETH MARSHALL ‘25

Elizabeth is asked often about what advice she would give to a first timer. Her main advice is to “just show up!” She empathizes with people who are afraid to come to their first spin class; there is no denying that it is scary. Don’t worry, Elizabeth says she is just as utterly exhausted as you are during the workout, and she is the center of the room, mic’d up, and lit up by the spotlights. “You just have to push yourself to get started,” she says. She strongly recommends speaking to the instructor prior to class to let them know that it’s your first time, as they can give you helpful advice, show you the correct form, and help you avoid injury. Elizabeth believes that “you should continue to work out as long as you feel good and do your best out there,” and it’s “perfectly okay” to take a break if you are feeling overwhelmed or pushing yourself too hard. She emphasizes that no-one is judging you for putting your health first, and everyone needs a break sometimes. Her favorite part about teaching spin class is the reward she receives from being a part of each participant’s health journey. Whether they spin for “tiny, random, silly, or serious reasons,” Elizabeth takes comfort in knowing she is helping them to reach their goals. Whether she is in the weirdest mood or has had the worst day, she can always count on “hopping on the bike to feel great.”

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Refreshing.

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C o ck t ail h our a t Mimi’s

R ECI P E

“

I feel most at home in the kitchen. My favorite thing in the world is making food for the people I love. — M IM I S HERRILL ‘ 2 2 , A K A @ M IM Z _EATS O N IN STAGRA M

Citrus Tequila Smash I NGRE DI EN TS

INST R U CT IO NS

1 1/2 oz of your favorite tequila 1 oz blood orange juice 1/2 oz pomegranate juice Juice of half a lime A sprig of fresh mint, plus more for garnish Seltzer water for topping it off

In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, blood orange juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice, mint, and some ice. Shake! Service over ice with a sprig of mint and top with seltzer water. Enjoy!

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C OV E R S TO RY

A Strong Support System

e love Lexington, but in the shortened gray days of winter, mental health on our campus is more important than ever. Creatures of perpetual motion find themselves indoors more often, sickness seems to spread quickly, Greek recruitment for both men and women inevitably creates momentary discomforts, and many students opt to overload their course schedule leading to more work. Thankfully, students tend to help students. The Peer Counseling (PC) staff and its fearless leader, Dr. Luder, remain determined to aid the freshmen during their first Lexington winter. And the upperclassman—what about them? While upperclassmen have the wisdom of a year or two, or three, under their belts, this doesn’t mean that they have ceased experiencing difficult times. In January, W&L announced that all students would have free access to Headspace through the school. Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that is helpful whether students are dealing with stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and negative outlooks, among other issues.

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E LLI E T H O R N TO N ‘2 3 & AN N D O UGLAS LOT T ‘ 2 2

“Headspace is the perfect app for W&L students and college students in general because it offers choices for what kind of self-help an individual wants, as well as offering the chance for self-help without the pressure or fear of seeking out a counselor or other professional,” says Abby Feigenbaum ’22, Programming Chair of Active Minds. “Headspace also hits on multiple facets of mindfulness and self-help to attract every type of person: meditation, podcasts, guided movement, and focus training for studying.” The PC team consider themselves a support system to all in need. Listeners, problem-solvers, friendly faces —this group of students is in the business of being there for the student body no matter the age or phase.

We’ve teamed up with the PC staff to provide students with information about mental health resources, impart some advice, and finally, remind everyone that a general always pulls through.

C OV E R S TORY

P EER COU N SE LO R NA IL A RA HMAN ‘2 4 & FRESHM A N SA MBR I D H I TULAD H AR

Q: What do you wish you could tell your freshman self? A: Everyone finds their place on campus! For some people it takes a week, for me it took almost the whole first year. Don’t compare your adjustment to college to that of others—you are going at exactly the right pace for you and will feel settled soon enough. A: Relax and get to know as many people as possible without worry because you’ll end up finding your people in time. Q: What's the best piece of advice you have for a senior? A: Soak up every minute and make extra time to spend with the people that you love—especially those that you might not call or text on a regular basis! A: Don’t give up on the impact you can make and the wonderful people you haven’t met yet here at W&L. Q: What are the best resources for upperclassmen who don't have PCs? A: Trusted friends are invaluable. If those don’t seem to be easily accessible to you, the new “Let’s Talk” series by the counseling center allows people to drop in and talk to a professional each day. Check out the website for location and times. A: Become friends with a PC! Haha. Also, reaching out to the counseling center, using the online apps, and surrounding yourself with wonderful people who make you feel good. Q: What would you say to someone who is feeling stressed about having an overwhelming amount of schoolwork? A: Do what I like to call a “brain dump”—set your phone aside and just write for 10 minutes about everything that is on your mind. By putting it on paper, you don’t have to worry about keeping it all in your head and can easily check things off as they get finished. A: Take a deep breath and be proud of what you can accomplish, but make sure that you prioritize yourself and your sleep. You are forever, and schoolwork is temporary.

On a campus this small, it seems like everyone knows everyone else’s business. But we are actually very talented at hiding our struggles and negative feelings from other students. This makes it more difficult for us to spot our friends who need support. Be mindful of the headspace those around you might be in and remind yourself that you do have excellent resources on this campus who want to see you succeed.

Q: How can students who may be feeling lonely find a strong support system at W&L? A: Loneliness is tough, and every student probably experiences it to some extent at some point. Find an activity you love and get plugged in or ask a PC to help connect you with people that you might like. A: Reach out to meet up with people you’d like to get to know better and join the clubs and organizations that you are passionate about.

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FAN CY DR E SS

A Fancy Night

ancy Dress is a night that only the senior class has had the chance to experience. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, Fancy Dress draws in a huge audience from the Washington and Lee community, including undergraduate students, law students, and alumni. This year’s event will take place on March 26th in the newly renovated Doremus Gymnasium. Over the past 115 years, Fancy Dress has only been cancelled on one other occasion in 1946, right after World War II. In other words, the comeback after a twoyear hiatus is sure to be a night to remember. The theme for the 115th Fancy Dress is Night at the Museum, which will feature an exhibit of the university’s student art. Ticket sales for this highly anticipated event have seen an overwhelming amount of success, with only a few tickets remaining after the first four days of tabling.

BELLA HODGE ‘25

The event is entirely student-planned and organized by a committee of gennies from each grade, allowing the event to appeal to the entire school. While many things have changed since the first ball in 1907, Fancy Dress continues to surge on with just as much excitement as years past. Senior Dalton Grauer ‘22 remembers his freshman year Fancy Dress as “a unique and memorable experience that brings on a similar excitement that high school prom does.” This year’s “night at the museum” will feature a return of the beer garden, red carpet, and live music. The freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will experience this event for the first time together —an experience that will be unlike any other. “This is a can’t-miss event, and the team has been putting in a tremendous amount of work to make sure it is the best one yet,” says Fancy Dress committee member Lainie Pilant ‘25.

Tiny Museum A curated collection of student works rivaling those in the National Gallery:

LANGLEY STEUART ‘24

MAZIE GOODLETT ‘23

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RUTH DIBBLE ‘22

Foreign Affairs ELIZABETH MOCEK ‘23

fter a brief halt in study abroad opportunities, W&L students are finally revisiting the opportunity to learn overseas. Students who studied abroad during Fall Term have returned to campus to share impactful lessons and reminisce on their time spent outside of the United States. Many more students have elected the study abroad option for Winter Term and are already making unforgettable memories. As COVID continues to affect the world, many wonder what the 2022 study abroad experience looks like. Fortunately, W&L students have reported that COVID’s impacts have been minimal— if it has impacted anything at all. During the fall, Sam Van Belle ‘23 studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. While she was abroad, restrictions loosened up by the end of September. She believes the only major impact COVID had on her experience was the need for extra preparation when visiting neighboring countries. “It could be stressful with traveling because every country had different restrictions and protocols in dealing with COVID,” Sam says. Despite the challenges, Sam was still able to travel throughout Europe, and her favorite spots include the Amalfi coast of Italy and Iceland.

S T U DY A B R OA D

Do not be afraid of being uncomfortable because that is where you learn and grow the most as a person. SOPHIA SMITH ‘23

Sam had hoped to study abroad in Italy, but she chose a different program due to COVID. “The program I originally planned to participate in had been cancelled the year before, and the start date for this year was pushed back,” she says. Sam didn’t want to risk losing her abroad experience, so she opted for the program in Denmark. While abroad, she saw how people in other cultures lived and developed independence in doing activities alone. The takeaways from her experience’s were unchanged despite COVID restrictions. Sophia Smith ’23 is currently spending Winter Term in Toulouse, France. Like Sam, Sophia feels that COVID has not significantly impacted her abroad experience. Restrictions in France resemble those in the United States, including a mask mandate (at the time this article was written) and requirements of digital vaccination proof in public places. Sophia has spent many of her weekends exploring other European cities; one of her favorite weekend trips so far has been to Rome, Italy.

Although she may be abroad while the pandemic continues worldwide, Sophia says she is having an invaluable experience; she has improved her French language skills as she speaks it with her host family. Her favorite class, titled Masterworks of French Art, allows her to visit museums, churches, and other nearby towns with her classmates. “Never say no to any experience or invitation to try something new,” Sophia says. The abroad opportunity has definitely not disappointed. Sam and Sophia, like many other students, made the courageous decision to study abroad during pandemic. W&L students questioning their study abroad plans due to COVID can feel comfort in knowing that they can still have a memorable experience. “Do not be afraid of being uncomfortable because that is where you learn and grow the most as a person,” Sophia says.

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G R E EK LIF E

The Inaugural Greek Leadership Institute

SYDNEY HEIFNER ‘24

GLI

WORK IN G TO INCO R PO R AT E GR E AT ER D IVE R SIT Y A N D EQ UA L IT Y IN TO T H E G R E E K SYSTE M

n the days before students were set to return to campus for Winter Term, members of the Greek leadership community traveled to House Mountain Inn to participate in the first ever Greek Leadership Institute (GLI). The two-day retreat included incoming sorority and fraternity presidents as well as members of W&L’s Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Interfraternity Council (IFC). Run by Dean Kyle McCoil and Leah Beard, the retreat’s goal was to foster an increased sense of harmony in the Greek community. GLI helped to create a more open and productive

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dialogue surrounding diversity and inclusion (or lack thereof) in the Greek system. Students spent multiple days participating in a variety of activities and seminars that touched on topics ranging from personal values to running an effective meeting. One memorable activity for many participants was the strengths and values exercise, which allowed members of each respective leadership team to get to know each othermore personally. Hannah Grace Galbreath ’23 said that these activities helped her understand “the other women’s strengths and values and how we as

a group can use that information to run the Panhellenic exec team effectively.” Hannah Grace will be serving as the VP of Recruitment this year and says her goal is to ensure that recruitment is as “inclusive, safe, and stress-free as possible.” These experiences, however,were just the tip of the iceberg. GLI allowed members of Panhel, NPHC, and IFC the chance to get to know each other in an off-campus setting and think critically about problems affecting our Greek community. Furthermore, the retreat created bonds within the individual leadership teams that will make for a

The Greek community naturally alienates African American students, lowincome students, and international students because they may not “fit the mold” of the average sorority or fraternity member.

smoother transition phase, and more productive and proactive councils. Arguably, GLI’s most impactful speaker was W&L’s Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Engagement, Tamara Futrell—better known by her students as Dean T. Dean T discussed the fundamental issues built into the foundations of the Greek system and how W&L’s Greek community nurtures these injustices. By perpetuating (even subconsciously) the exclusion of certain demographic groups, the Greek system is catalyzing the

problem rather than creating a solution. Specifically, the Greek community naturally alienates many students of color, low-income students, and international students because they may not “fit the mold” of the average sorority or fraternity member. This, Dean T argues, is something that needs to change. Overall, GLI greatly impacted everyone involved and is an experience that Dean McCoil plans to continue for Greek leadership teams in the future. Throughout the

retreat, Dean McCoil explained that while Panhel, NPHC, and IFC would not change the world in one day, it is possible to make a significant impact on the Greek community through these leadership roles. “The interactions that we all shared at GLI is going to allow for communication between groups to be much easier,” Hannah Grace said.

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G R E EK LIF E

Rho Gams... but like, for guys THE N EED FO R F R AT E R NI T Y R ECR U I T M E N T A D ISO R S TODD ECHOLS ‘23

very fall, first year students This issue is one of the areas this year’s’ IFC arrive on Washington and Lee’s wants to address. Under the Panhellenic campus expecting a lot of things. system, Rho Gams have proven to be successful College courses, new roommates, and in helping first years with their recruitment orientation week are all some of the exciting experience. A similar program designed for new experiences first years look forward to. male first years could prove to be beneficial in However, something more unexpected also the overall recruitment process,” says Hughes. begins as soon as the first years arrive: fraternity The benefits Fraternity Recruitment Advisors and sorority recruitment. Recruitment is a can provide have been proven by the success of the confusing process, made even more so Sorority Rho Gams. Like Rho Gams, by the fact there is no system currently in the Advisors would be a confidential place to help first year guys to navigate it. and unbiased resource to talk to and ask The role of Rho Gammas, or Rho for advice on how to navigate rush. It Under Gams, in sorority recruitment has proven is difficult for first years to talk to their the current to be beneficial through the years for both peers, who also might not understand first years and upperclassmen. It is time system, there is the process, or to upperclassmen, for a fraternity recruitment equivalent to a lot of confusion who might have their own biases. Rho Gams to be introduced so that first “Rho Gams help the first years in a and a lack of years are not left in the dark any longer. lot of different ways,” says Rho Gamma information One of the issues with the current Claire Grant ‘23, “But I think one of among first years system of fraternity recruitment is that the simplest and most underrated ways who decide to the informal process begins as soon in which we are able to assist them is participate in as first years arrive during orientation just by listening. Creating a space where Greek life. week. This causes confusion among they can talk about their preferences first years, with many not knowing and problems is an integral part of WILL HUGHES ‘24 that they are being rushed. Fraternity a positive recruitment experience.” Rho Gams, or Recruitment Advisors, Through organizing “Meet the Greek” would be able to help their advisees events and directing the first years understand how to navigate rush through the formal recruitment week from the beginning, rather than just letting in January, upperclassmen in fraternities would them figure it out on their own along the way. benefit from having Recruitment Advisors as Every year, many first years are left in the dark well. It would decrease the workload of the rush on the recruitment process, resulting in a higher chairs and help them to meet more potential new chance of them being excluded from the system. members who they might not have otherwise met. As W&L strives to have a more inclusive Greek At the Greek Leadership Institute in January, the System, implementing Fraternity Recruitment IFC began to discuss what a Rho Gam equivalent Advisors would be a new way for the Interfraternity for fraternity recruitment could look like. Council (IFC) to help advance inclusion. “The IFC has touched on the idea briefly,” Will Hughes ‘24 is a member of the IFC said IFC President Ty Powell ‘23. “I see how who is interested in the potential benefits it could potentially be beneficial by making Fraternity Recruitment Advisors could provide. things easier on the first-year students rushing “Under the current system, there is a lot of fraternities, but we’re still in the early stages confusion and a lack of information among first of discussing the possibility of a program like years who decide to participate in Greek life. this and what it could potentially look like.”

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DI GI T I ZE D MAP O F LE X ING TO N, R EC O LO R E D

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T RAV

Flight Attendants of the Apocalypse JAC K E A S O N ’ 2 2 S P E N D S A N I G H T R I D I N G A LO N G O N T R AV

beloved familiar service has returned to the streets of Lexington this year. Traveller Transit, a service provided by the Traveller Safe Ride Program, was reinstated at the beginning of fall term after a months-long absence. This return has been celebrated by students as a part of larger efforts at W&L to keep the campus community safe. A large part of social life and more commonly known as Trav, the program provides safe rides to

9:45 The excitement and anticipation in the Traveller headquarters, located in one of the third-year civic buildings, were infectious when I arrived around 9:45. The monitors, dispatchers, and dispatch drivers slowly filtered in, donning their iconic blue Trav jackets and greeting each other. There is an obvious friendship and comradery amongst the students who work for the program. They talked about their craziest stories, favorite Trav t-shirts, and what they expected for the night.

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students on and off campus at night. While the majority of W&L students will use the service at some point during the academic year, few truly understand the inner workings of the program. What most see at night are buses that move in and out of the fog, picking them up and dropping them off. I wanted to take a deeper look at what goes into the service, so I followed the program on a Friday night last month.

10:00 As 10:00 approached, the lead monitor for the night, Senior Mansi Tripathi, began the group’s meeting. The group shared information about which offcampus houses were throwing parties and then ended with a huddle before they headed off to the six waiting buses.

I was paired with sophomore Ben McClure and veteran driver, Cheryl, who commutes all the way from Portsmouth. The night began slowly without many riders, which Ben and Cheryl explained was due to freshmen pledge drivers doing most of the transportation to parties during Winter Term. Ben and Cheryl both shared an enthusiasm for working for the program, even on the busiest of nights. “I used to drive a school bus,” joked Sheryl, “This is quiet by comparison.” The night of my ride along, however, was fairly calm. There were a few full buses heading home from Windfall Hill, but things never got wild. The pace of a night working Trav is an interesting one. There are moments of complete calm, where the bus is empty, and the only sound is the hum of the engine. Then, a group of students piles onto the bus, either filled with excitement of the night to come or trying to get home or to co-op as quickly as possible. Students, at least during this night, were respectful and seemingly grateful for the service, most taking time to thank Cheryl and Ben as they exited the Bus.

I used to drive a school bus. This is quiet by comparison. T R AV C H E RY L

2:00

12:30 After taking a quick break at Sheetz, the Ben and Cheryl emphasized that this was a quiet night. Ben described a typical shift as much more hectic. “You’re dealing with a lot all at once,” he said, “It’s a lot of multitasking.”

The night ended as slowly as it had started. The buses arrived back at third year and dropped off the monitors around 2 a.m. As we all went our separate ways, I left with a better understanding of the operations and ethos of the organization. While the monitors are employees and do get paid, they are very invested in the program, both for the safety aspect and for the excitement. The job brings them wild stories, exciting nights, but also lots of comraderie for holding what may be the strangest job on campus. “I like to call myself the flight attendant of the apocalypse,” McClure says. INGENERAL

 I N G E N E R AL MAG AZINE

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