InGeneral Winter 2023

WINTER 2023 ISSUE

 COVER STORY

VOL 20, NO 2

A blast from the past! Join us as we review Fancy Dress fashion through the decades. We also include fashion predictions.

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Let the Good Times Roll

PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT

GET AWAYS

SPEND THE DAY WITH ME

Get to know your professors! Read about Beth Staples’ clothing company, RummyVintage.

Need a break from Lexington? We put together a list of places to visit for those times when you need to get away.

Ever wondered what it would be like to be on the EC? Spend a day with the President and Vice President of the EC.

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Issue 20.2 WINTER 2023

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

Langley Steuart ‘24 MANAGING EDITOR

Letter from the editor

Fraley Williams ‘24

DEAR READERS,

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Here at W&L, it is no secret we like to have fun: from the way we beg professors to have class outside to the passionate work students put into various clubs. We grasp at any chance to spice up the monotonous routine of classes. Thinking about the energy that erupts on campus with the spring flowers makes me smile. After a few months of colder weather and nights in the library it is time to come out of hibernation to celebrate our hard work, achievements, and wins.

The Winter 2023 issue brings you fun, spontaneity, and good times. So let the good times roll and celebrate with us. We dive into the liveliness of our campus, exploring behind the scenes of clubs like WLUR 91.5 and sports like the wrestling team.

Staff members offer ideas on recipes, new restaurants in town, and places to travel near Lexington that will spice up your spring!

It is time to get out of the January and February rut and be present in the moment.

During these colder months, it is common to hear friends complain how there is nothing fun to look forward to. I’ve been there and those words have definitely come out of my mouth when bogged down with work. But when I find myself in this headspace, I try to think of one thing to look forward to that will get me through the day. It can be as small as the new recipe you are going to try or the walk that will revive you after a long day of classes. So don’t wait around for

Kaylin Jury ‘24 PUBLICIST

Ellie Thornton ‘23 STAFF

Jenny Helwig ‘24 Catherine McKean ‘24 Lily Schiffman ‘24 Stefanie Chiguluri ‘24 Mads Kwasnik ‘25 Alyssah McGuire ‘25 Jacqueline Welsh ‘26 L AYO U T A N D D E S I G N

Catherine McKean ‘24 Lily Schiffman ‘24 Alyssah McGuire ‘25 PHOTOGRAPHERS

Todd Echols ‘23

Front cover illustration by Alyssah McGuire ‘25 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

the good times, make your own fun in the everyday moments.

Whether it is inviting some friends over and cooking together or going for a drive enjoying the scenic views, InGeneral delivers it all. Additionally, what’s more fun than fashion? We cover Professor Staple’s clothing company and review the past fashion of Fancy Dress. So put on a dress or a suit and get ready to dance the night away at the upcoming 2023 Fancy Dress. Dance away the stress and worries and rejoice in the good times.

Thank you to our exec team and our staff members who worked hard to present to you the fun and spontaneity of our 20th volume.

Celebrate your achievements, your wins, and celebrate being together because time tends to slip away in college so you might as well let the good times roll.

Cheers,

Langley

C O N T E NTS

WLUR 91.5 FM Have you ever wondered what goes on in the WLUR studio? We have the inside scoop!

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SPRING CITRUS BURRATA

C OVE R STO RY

SALAD Mimi Sherrill ‘23 shares an easy and colorful appetizer. Invite some friends over and make this recipe in less than 15 minutes!



Walk through the past decades of Fancy Dress dresses along with fashion predictions for the upcoming 2023 Fancy Dress.

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THE WRESTLING TEAM’S SWITCH The last sports team to switch to the ODACs. Hear from current players and coaches about how the switch is affecting the team.

Dispatches from Baker

FEB BREAK CATC H - U P 03

PROFFESOR SPOTLIGHT

Tales from students on their travels during Washington Break. From Mardi Gras to traveling outside the country, W&L students do it all.

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You might know Professor Staples as an English Professor or the editor of the Shenandoah, but have you heard of her clothing company, RummyVintage?

TRAVEL INSPO

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Is Lexington feeling too small? We have a list of travel inspo for everyone - the ourdoorsy, the boujee, or the stressed.

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LEX BOWLS MEETS LEX Have you tried Lexington’s new açai bowl place?

Check out its origin story.

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TA K E A Q U I Z !

S P E N D T H E DAY WITH THE EC

From the Lenfest staircase to the Cadaver tunnels, which W&L hidden gem should you check out? Take this quiz to find out!

A special look into the everyday lives of the EC President, James Torbert ‘23, and Vice President, Peyton Tysinnger ‘23.

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INGENERAL

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S T U D ENTS

Tuning Tuni ng in to WLUR 91.5 FM CATHERINE MCKEAN ‘24

L

isteners of WLUR 91.5 FM will have picked up on several Lnew and exciting changes made to Washington and Lee’s public radio station throughout the 2022-2023 school year.

The first of these changes is a change in leadership. The station, which seeks to provide listeners with “diverse programming” including music, news, and commentary is now in the hands of W&L’s Journalism Department rather than the school at large.

The second, and perhaps, more important change, is a mass expansion of student shows at WLUR. At the beginning of fall term, there were only seven student-led segments on the air.

Now, there are at least 50 shows, with new segments being added every week. The station is also newly available 24/7, with a blend of cohesive music (primarily adult contemporary) selected by the station’s music directors playing when there isn’t a segment scheduled.

Kate Dewing, ‘23, is one of the two student music directors, and has been with WLUR since her first term at W&L. She loves “having that hour or two in the studio to relax” and encourages others to get on the air too - “You have the freedom to make it what you want it to be!”

Kate also enjoys getting to share her music and finds that flexing her “radio personality” for her listeners, which often includes her parents, is always fun. As director, she is happy to help DJs starting out and is very proud of new student programming.

Lily Miggins, ‘24, has also been with WLUR since her first term at W&L, and her show is easily one of the most recognizable on the air. Lily knew she wanted her own segment before she came to school in order to express her passion for playlist curation (she has over 200 public playlists on Spotify!) and interest in the stories behind music.

Now a WLUR veteran, Lily is thrilled that she has inspired others to get on the air and that others are getting a chance to find their voices as DJs. “Radio is a great way to practice public speaking, confidence, and personal development, and it’s such a fun way to spend your time,” she says of her experience. “There is always room for more people in the music world.”

Shannon Tozier, ‘25, started their own segment this fall after spending several sessions sitting in with their friends. They love to share their unique music taste through hours of curated playlists made up of songs and artists that have historically been given “the silent treatment.”

Drew Leydig, ‘25, is WLUR’s newest segment host, and is giving the radio a try after seeing his friends, including Lily Miggins, run their own shows. Although he was a bit nervous, having never DJ’d or been on the air before, he was excited to share new music with listeners and mastered the radio controls in no time. “It’s been great so far!” he said after his first show.

Listeners can tune in to the live broadcast by visiting the WLUR 91.5 FM webpage found at wlu.edu/wlur/music/listen-now. The full weekly program of student segments can also be found on that site as well as on the @wlur95fm Instagram account. Interesting in DJ-ing? E-mail scross@wlu.edu.

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WINTER 2023

what’s playing?

Director’s Pick Aural Pleasure is Kate’s collection of newly discovered music that she has listened to over the past week. She describes it as “any combination of indie, alternative, and rock with some Motown thrown in - it’s very random, very stream of consciousness, but all linked together.”

Fridays 1-2 PM

Tried and True Music with Miggs has a different creative theme every week, with themes ranging from movies to roads to names.

The curated songs are pulled from every genre under the sun and accompany the stories Lily tells. Her most featured genres are indie and pop, with the Beatles and Rex Orange County often working their way into her playlists.

Thursdays 9-10 PM

Hidden Gems The Noisy Treatment shines a light on a collection of eclectic “indie” songs and artists (primarily singersongwriters), such as Mantaraybryn, Annika Bennett, and Andrew Montana that have been hidden away by mainstream media.

Fridays 4-5 PM

New and Noteworthy Drewtunes! is a hand-picked selection of “tubular” music, with a focus on a different genre and group of artists every week accompanied by Drew’s commentary on why he enjoys the songs picked for each segment.

Tuesdays 12-1 PM

S P OR T S

The Final Switch

STEFANIE CHIGULURI ‘24

Some of the teams and individuals in the conference are some of the best in the nation right now. Being new doesn’t mean it’s going to take a while to be competitive.

NATHAN SHEARER

The Generals wrestling team was the final team at Washington and Lee University to switch to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference this past year from the Centennial Conference. Head Coach Nathan Shearer said he’s only seen positives come from the switch.

“What I’ve noticed already is that this is the first year our home matches have had a really nice turnout,” he said.

Not only have more students shown up to home matches, but also members of the Lexington Wrestling Club, a youth wrestling group that partners with the Generals, have too.

Shearer said it has also been an exciting season from a competitive standpoint.

“Some of the teams and individuals in the conference are some of the best in the nation right now,” he said. “Being new doesn’t mean it’s going to take a while to be competitive.”

The team left the ODAC Tournament with the team title and 135.5 mat points on February 11th. The Generals tied their regular season record (5-1) with Averett University and Roanoke College. The three teams were named tri-champions of the first ODAC Wrestling Championship since 1980.

Seniors Ryan Luth and Riley Parker were returning All-Americans for the team. They agree that the switch to the ODAC has been overall positive.

“It’s teams that everyone recognizes now,” said Parker.

“It allows us to wrestle more duals closer to home or at home,” said Luth.

Shearer said they have represented themselves as strong leaders on the team on and off the mat.

“I never think they’re going to lose any time they wrestle,” Shearer said.

Parker (125), Luth (157) and fellow senior Matt Majoy (285) each claimed their weight class at the ODAC Tournament and Luth was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament after recording 18.5 team points from a technical fall, pin and major decision win.

As the Generals wrestlers continue to look toward claiming some national titles in the post-season, they hope the support will extend beyond Lexington.

With their ODAC win, they will again face less familiar teams to the studentbody in NCAA regional and national competition.

INGENERAL 3

S T U DE NTS

P R O F E S S O R S P O T L I G H T: W

hile Washington and Lee has its run of talented students, our professors are often overlooked. You may think you know everything about the staff here at W&L. But have you ever considered what your professors do off campus?

Meet Professor Beth Staples. On top of being an Associate Professor of English, a mother of two, as well as the Editor of the Shenandoah Literary Magazine, Staples also has a hidden passion for fashion.

Staples owns a vintage clothing company run on Etsy called RummyVintage. She found that opening Rummy was just what she needed to combine her interest in storytelling with fashion.

If you thought that only professional vintage shoppers can find the best of the best, think again. Staples has found everything from a Chanel two-piece suit to a Gucci pullover at a Goodwill while browsing on an average day.

And sometimes for Staples, the best vintage finds aren’t exactly what she would wear, but what someone else would find amazing.

While living in Arizona as a graduate student, Staples found herself going to estate sales and thrift shops during her free time to peruse the racks of vintage and unique clothing. Staples would drive north to Suncity, Arizona, a town that was booming with estate sales almost every weekend. Though not an obvious treasure box, these estate sales are where Staples found some of her most prized pieces.

“Finding the right estate sale is just so much fun,” Staples said.

“It’s like a peek inside someone’s secret history.”

After collecting a wardrobe of pieces from many decades and histories of their own, she decided it was time to do something with her collection. Staples opened RummyVintage on Etsy in 2012 in hopes of sharing some of the amazing pieces she had picked up over the years.

“Once I told myself I would open an Etsy shop, I gave myself permission to buy anything I liked, even if it didn’t fit me.”

While always having an interest in fashion, Staples found that starting RummyVintage was another way to connect with her grandmother. The name “Rummy,” in fact, stems from her

IN THE CL WE TALK A HAVING STOR MAKES ME SA BEING THRO THE IDEA OF A SECOND STORIES CON

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BETH STAPLES & RUMMYVINTAGE

FRALEY WILLIAMS ‘24

childhood memories of playing the card game with her family and especially with her grandmother who inspired her interest in fashion.

“Everyone in my family knows that if they have something that they don’t want to throw away, they will give it to me. I’m the keeper of the relics.”

Staples decided to host a pop-up shop in Lexington in February hoping to sell some of her vintage finds. Many of the items at the sale had not been uploaded to her Etsy site and were waiting to find new homes.

The pop-up shop was more than a success with Lexington locals and Washington and Lee students pouring into the room with wall-to-wall racks of decade-old clothing.

Staples had many more sales than she anticipated.

“I think it went better than I could have hoped for. I really didn’t know if students BETH STAPLES would be interested and there were so many enthusiastic shoppers!” she said. “I’m excited to see the clothes around campus.”

It is obvious from the items on RummyVintage, that each one has a unique story of its own. Staples realized early in her vintage clothing journey, that shopping vintage was just another way of storytelling.

Being the Editor for Shenandoah and an english and creative writing professor, storytelling is Staple’s forte. RummyVintage is simply another way of storytelling for her, but through clothing.

“In the classes I teach, we talk about objects having stories.

Something makes me sad about things being thrown away.” she said. “I love the idea of things having a second life or their stories continuing.”

LASSES I TEACH, ABOUT OBJECTS RIES. SOMETHING AD ABOUT THINGS OWN AWAY. I LOVE F THINGS HAVING LIFE OR THEIR NTINUING.

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INGENERAL 5

THE MET GALA OF Lexington:

A look into the fashion of Fancy Dress through the decades MADS KWASNICK ‘25

I

n 1876, the Southern CollegianWashington and Lee’s former student-led magazine- called the ball a “Fancy Dress Hop”; in 1907, it was dubbed a school dance conceived from a measly $42 of leftover theater funds. With each coming year, the annual Fancy Dress ball at Washington and Lee has increased its volume of budget, music and, of course, its extravagant dresses. Historically known for its rebellious flare-dancing late into the night, thousands of guests, and gaudy attire- Fancy Dress was fun, attractive and adored by all its attendees.

As I dove into Special Collections here at Leyburn Library to learn more about the history of this magical night, I realized that to describe these dresses as simply ‘fancy’ is nothing short of a crime. Even as I looked back into the 1920’s, women pushed the contemporary fashion trends of the time; women wore colorful gowns, draped with textures of all kinds, decorated with veils, flamboyant jewelry, and dazzling heels. This was, and continues to be, the Met Gala of Lexington, Virginia.

Much like Vogue’s famed Met Gala, Fancy Dress holds a different and unique theme each year. From 1916’s Court of Louis XIV theme to 1984’s Lost Cities of Gold, each theme holds an authentic flare that is full of historical and cultural significance for all who attend.

Washington and Lee’s most classic and lavish tradition never disappoints, and there is no doubt that next year and the years to come will be no exception.

Despite Fancy Dress’ contemporary dress code of prom dress and suit attire, the ball has seen an array of unique dress codes. From theatrical costumes to large crinolines (the big wiring under midevil dresses), each coming theme brought immaculate outfits. Taking a look at the INGENERAL 6 WINTER 2023

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C OV E R S TORY

The element of attire has always been at the heart of this event - we love dressing up!

all photos via WLU Special Collections and Archives

Fancy Dress website itself, it describes the fashion trends reflected in the various themes: “1933’s Ball of the Grandees depicted the royal court of Phillip IV of Spain. Costumes were fashioned after those made by the Spanish painter Velasquez.”

Interestingly, the fashion sometimes represented current world issues rather than attention to style: 1939’s Knights of the Golden HorseShoe saw a unique dichotomy between pop culture and political climates. “Students wore costumes reminiscent of the “Roaring 80s” at the 1940 Fancy Dress.

Fancy Dress officials dressed up as Kentucky politicians.” While nowadays students dressto-impress more than go all-out with a costume, the element of attire has always been at the heart of this event- we love dressing up!

In the pop culture decades of the 90’s, 00’s, 10’s, the themes both reflected the attraction and growing integration between Hollywood culture and fashion. For example, costumes slowly transformed into the less uniformed, more informal attire we see today. It was less common for Fancy Dress attendees to wear costumes, but rather elegant dresses worn by their favorite Hollywood celebrities.

1990’s Great Gatsby party saw long, elegant black dresses, pieced together with light headpieces and dainty pearl necklaces. The attention to detail draws a distinction between the formerly more gaudy costumes seen in past decades. 2000 was a prime example of the shifting themes from historically derived themes to more mainstream with the theme, Luck INGENERAL 7

C OV E R S TORY

and Luxury, Destination Vegas!

Attire no longer reflected historical significance best emulated through costume, but rather current fashion trends that spoke to the Vegas aesthetic. While themes still often hold historical, cultural and theatrical significance throughout the 2010s to now, the themes are more for marketing the event itself rather than a dress code.

Recently, the 2023 Fancy Dress went underway: The Greatest Show.

Similar to 1997’s Under the Big Top’s invitation, the invitation presented a graphic of the Colonnade transformed into a red-and-whitestriped circus tent. The event sold over a thousand tickets in just two days, never losing popularity over the years. As students and faculty picked up their tickets, we were given a ribboned wrist band for the

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event, along with an option to purchase a package: a shirt, sticker, and other gifts accumulating to about 5 items. My fashion predictions for 2023, like each year past the 80s, are based on what I believe to be the most popular contemporary fashion trends. I imagine long, semi-form fitting maxi dresses with delicate yet intentional textures from stores like Revolve and Lucy in the Sky. While we did see similar visions amongst the beautiful dresses, it would be ludicrous to put all women, in any Fancy Dress event, into a box of fashion conformity. Each woman holds their own unique element to themselves, in addition to their cultures, interests and more. All should anticipate this beautiful night, celebrated with truly special creative expression.

INGENERAL

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L E X I N G TON

LEX BOWLS MEETS LEX

LILY SCHIFFMAN ‘24

L

exington restaurants smoothie bowl place in town. bowls and smoothies are inspired are hard to beat. We Knowing Lexington’s lack of by various Lexington-y or don’t have a lot of options, açai bowls, they decided to college-y things. Lex Bowls has but every restaurant we have move to town and start their options like ‘The General’ bowl, is delicious. Until recently, business. Amie is a retired ‘The Keydet’ bowl, a ‘Spring Lexington has lacked some high school math teacher who Break’ bowl, and even a new ‘The staples, specifically an açai wanted to change things up by Hangover’ smoothie. My go-to and smoothie bowl place. Yes, starting Lex Bowls. is ‘The General bowl,’ obviously, we have Food-side açai bowls Amie’s background as a high with chia seeds and chocolate on the weekend at third year, school teacher lends insight plant-based protein add-ons; but those bowls just don’t into the layout of their shop. it’s so good! Not only are the always hit. Back in October, She wanted a large open-spaced bowls delicious, but Amie and Lexington got its very first real store where people, especially the rest of the staff are so warm açai restaurant: Lex Bowls, students, could get an açai bowl and welcoming, truly embodying and soon to follow its second: or smoothie, hang out, chat, Lexington’s small-town friendly Appalachian Sage. Not only and get some work done. Since charm. If you haven’t stopped were we blessed with one açai she was used to being around in for a bowl or smoothie while bowl place, but now we have students, she wanted this to finishing that paper you have to two incredible options to continue. Lex Bowls’ layout write, then you’re truly missing choose from! has been highly effective for out!

What sets Lex Bowls students looking for a place apart from other places is to study, and the free-wifi their actual açai base. Lex continues to draw in more Bowls uses pure açai puree, students. Local businesspersons which is not necessarily the also come to Lex Bowls to enjoy norm, as many other açai a sweet treat and for a change of places add water or mashed the office environment. bananas for extra flavor and to On any given day, Lex Bowls prolong their supply of açai. is filled with students and I can attest that their açai is locals. The initial customers at delicious and their expansive Lex Bowls were Washington list of toppings, add-ons and and Lee students, but recently, modifications truly lets you many SVU students have been customize your bowl. making the trek to try the I got the chance to talk bowls and smoothies as well, to one of the owners and seemingly splitting the college founders of Lex Bowls and customers’ draw between the hear a little bit about their two universities. Amie said mission and how they started. that VMI students are just now Lex Bowls was created by a finding out about Lex Bowls, husband and wife duo, Amie which she finds funny and and Greg Phillips, whose surprising considering “our son son recently graduated from went there and is the whole VMI. They fell in love with reason we started Lex Bowls.”

Lexington from visiting their They are very glad their VMI son over his four years at VMI clientele is increasing, though, and got the idea from their nevertheless! son, who often complained Similar to the old cocktails at about not having an açai or Taps, some of the names of the

“

What sets Lex Bowls apart from other places is their actual açai base.

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R EC I PE

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R ECI P E

CITRUS BURRATA SALAD If you are looking for a refreshing spring appetizer, try this recipe that is full of colorful ingredients. This is an easy appetizer that you can whip up for friends and family in less than 15 minutes! Follow Mimi Sherrill’s ‘23 ‘food blog on Instragram - @mimz_eats - for more inspiration.

INGREDIENTS For the Salad: •

For the Dressing:

assorted citrus such as oranges,

•

1/4 cup of olive oil

blood oranges, and grapefruit

•

juice of one lime

•

burrata or mozzarella cheese

•

juice of one orange

•

fresh herbs such as basil, mint, or

•

1 tbsp of honey

dill

•

a pinch of salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Assemble the salad, layering the citrus on a plate and top with burrata or mozzarella 2. Garnish with fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper 3. To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients together and drizzle on top of the salad INGENERAL INGENERAL 11 11

WHICH ?

U O Y E AR What’s your go-to Coop order? a. Black Bean Quesadilla b. Bacon Sunrise c. Tenders and Fries d. Oat Milk Latte e. Grilled Chicken Sandwich

What’s your dream minor? a. Film b. Quantitative Bio

What’s your favorite color?

c. Math d. Creative Writing e. Anthropology

a. Sunset Orange b. Navy Blue c. Forest Green d. Lavender e. Pale Yellow

When does your first class start?

Which club takes up most of your time? a. WLUR Host b. Outing Club c. Mock Con d. Fancy Dress e. Campus Kitchen 12 WINTER 2023

a. 9:15 b. 1:30 c. 11 d. 8:30 e. 12:15

Who is your favorite W&L icon? a. Mr. Rupert Johnson b. Trav Dennis

What colonnade building are you?

c. Dudley

a. Washington

d. Pub Safe

b. Payne

e. Tridey

c. Chavis d. Tucker e. Newcomb

You’re studying. What library floor are you on? a. Third b. Leyburn? Never. c. First

Where’s your homeaway-from-home? a. Theme House

d. Fourth

b. Gaines

e. Second

c. Glees d. Third Year e. The Creek

What scent screams W&L? a. Fresh-Cut Colonnade Grass b. D-Hall Eggs c. Gaines Common Room d. Back Campus Trail e. Hillel Bagels

Mostly A: Lenfest Stairway Mostly B: Cadaver Tunnel Mostly C: Commons Roof Mostly D: Belfield House Gardens Mostly E: Mattingly House Porch INGENERAL 13

T RAV E L

WASHINGTON BREAK A glance into the unique week-long break offered by Washington and Lee

A

s the excitement of returning back to W&L after winter break fades and is replaced with the steady slog of Winter Term, students needed only to keep their eye on one date—Feb. 18.

The 18th was the first day of February Break, otherwise known as Washington Break, which serves as a breath of fresh air after six weeks of hard work. Unlike during Fall Term, where one must fit their plans within the two days they get off from classes, February break provides a whole week of opportunities to travel, learn, or decompress. From traveling to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras Celebration or staying on campus for sports, W&L students do it all.

Although many students opted to either stay on campus or return home between the 18th to the 25th, some took advantage of all that break has to offer. Sierra Johnson, ‘25, went to Colombia to experience the Carnival of Barranquilla with friends from her classes.

Carnival is a folkloric celebration in Colombia that features unique cultural expression through dancing, music, and floats.

“It’s the same week as Feb Break which we found out on accident,” Johnson said. “We were talking one day and we joked about going somewhere all together for Feb Break and we wanted to go to South America, like a Spanish speaking country, that’s warm with beaches.”

Meanwhile, Franziska Schima, ‘23, went to Northern Florida with the Outing Club with a group of 8 students for a snorkeling and 14 WINTER FALL 2022 2023

JENNY HELWIG ’24

camping trip. The Outing Club offers students the ability to get outdoors in a range of ways, from short day-hikes to week-long adventure such as this one.

Schima is an exchange student from Germany who is taking classes at Washington and Lee for the Winter and Spring terms. She said that she hasn’t gotten to see much of the United States yet, and is glad that Washington Break provided her with the opportunity to travel while she is here. “This seemed like a good opportunity to do that! And because everything is organized, you don’t have to worry about anything,” Schima said.

Emma Shaughnessy, ‘24, went to New York City as a party of the Advertising, Marketing, and Communications Career trip which took students to New York City.

Students on this trip got ot travel to 14 offices and learn from alumni all across these fields. Schaughnessy said that the New York trip has helped her explore her career options.

“I signed up because I know I want to go into a creative field, but I am not exactly sure if that means advertising, marketing, or PR,” Schaughnessy said. “I want to go see

what it’s like to be in an office, and connect with W&L alums.”

Feb Break can be a time not only to explore your interests, but a chance to connect with friends. Since it’s uncommon for universities to have a February Break, W&L students can visit their friends studying abroad or attending other colleges.

Whether we went off exploring the world or hung out at home, one thing will be certain—we’re all feeling a little more at ease since returning back from Feb Break.

G R E EK LIF E T R AV E L

GET AWAYS:

where to go when you need to get away

JACQUELINE WELSH ’26

A

ll within an hour of Lexington, each of these locations offers a variety of activities for anyone who needs a break from school. Often getting off campus is the best way for students to reset mentally.

Any of these spots would be a great place to spend a Saturday alone or with some friends.

For the boujee or a special occasion: Nestled between the mountains of western Virginia, that many of us have come to know and love, is the luxurious Omni Homestead Resort. Located only an hour from campus in Hot Springs, the resort boasts a world-class spa, rich history, immaculate vibes, and a plethora of activities you can’t find in Lexington. If you visit in the summer, you can golf, ride horses, swim in one of the many pools, zipline, or try skeet shooting.

Their ski slopes and ice rink are open in the winter, as is the cozy hot tub. Day passes are available for the ski lifts.

The spa is available year-round and has a few affordable as well as many high-end services. There are multiple on-site restaurants that offer a variety of cuisine options.

Unique Homestead experiences include dancing in the formal ballroom with a live jazz band and indulging in teatime in the lobby. Any time of year, staying at the Homestead is a magical experience.

For those with busy schedule: Ecco Adesso is a family-owned farm winery 20 minutes from campus. The sprawling grapevines and mountain views are the picture of tranquility. The vineyard offers unique guest retreats, private event spaces, hiking trails with springs and waterfalls, orchards, a wide selection of local snacks and wines. You don’t need to be 21 to enjoy this winery. Pack a picnic at the front desk and soak in the views of the endless mountains while lounging in adirondack chairs. A new addition to the vineyard is the group of bell-wearing sheep that keep the grass short, and visitors have fun observing the adorable sheep as they sip their wine and eat their crackers.

Cost: $259 minimum (for a one-night stay) $59 one day skiing lift ticket

For the outdoorsy: Situated on top of a mountain an hour from campus is Wintergreen Resort. There are hundreds of condos, guest rooms, houses, and suites available for adventurers to stay in and multiple restaurants to enjoy. There are a combined 30 miles of hiking trails at this mountain resort with stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains.

Skiing on the 26 slopes is the main attraction at this location in the winter, and day and night passes are available. For visitors in the summer, there are indoor and outdoor pools and a lake to cool off in. The Plunge is a stretch of high-speed tubing that operates yearround. This resort also has a spa that has more modest prices than other luxury spas. If you’re looking to be active and get out of Lexington, Wintergreen is the place to explore.

Cost: $184 minimum (for a one-night stay) $40 night skiing lift ticket $75 8-hour skiing lift ticket

For those who need to clear their mind: Get into your car. Pile in with your friends. Pack a picnic. Drive to Highway 39. Let the river guide you through the mountains. Stop at a picnic table rest area.

Enjoy a meal as the sound of the Maury River lulls you into a more peaceful state of mind. Goshen Pass is one of the most beautiful places in Lexington, and it’s a great spot to put your feet in the river—or you can even jump in.

Spend 20 minutes driving or two hours. Letting your mind wander as you watch the river is a good mental reset before finals.

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S T U D ENTS

SPEND THE DAY WITH EC MEMBERS MEMBERS: JAMES TORBERT ‘23 & PEYTON TYSINGER ‘23

ELLIE THORNTON ‘23

A Day with Executive Committee President and Vice President: James Torbert and Peyton Tysinger As Seniors, the year buzzes with graduate school applications, job interviews, theses, capstones, and the final push to complete majors and minors. Peyton Tysinger and James Torbert face the same Senior-year stressors but have one huge distinction from the rest of the study body: James and Peyton act as the President and Vice President of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee represents the student body, presides over our renowned Honor System, and manages student government and organizations. With the rest of the E.C., Peyton and James help students navigate anything from the worst-case scenario, an honor violation, to an exciting milestone, a new club. Both participate in other extracurriculars, like greek life, sports teams, and different academic societies on campus. A typical day with these two is undeniably packed, but both strive to incorporate balance, time for friends, and physical activity among classes, homework, and E.C. duties.

JAMES’ DAY DAY JAMES’ In addition to being the President of the Executive Committee, James is completing his senior thesis for his philosophy major as well as completing his capstone project for the law, justice, and society minor by spending a semester with the Community Practice Legal Center at Washington and Lee’s Law School.

MORNINGS James will normally start off his day with coffee and breakfast at the Tea House. Especially after Coop and D-Hall closed for renovations, the Tea House has become the new goto for morning coffee and a bite to eat. He then heads to his class at 9:45, Religion 104: Secularity, Disenchantment, and Religion. After class, he normally eats lunch at his fraternity house.

AFTERNOONS After lunch, James goes to his PE class, Health and Wellness. “Each class brings something different: a spin class, a TRX workout, or a walk around campus. This P.E. also 16

WINTER 2022

focuses on proper nutrition and wellness. “All in all, it’s a very wholesome class and a good break from the day,” James says. Next he has his PHIL 493: Decision Theory class until 3:00 for his philosphy major. After class, he has a little bit of free time to do homework and work on his thesis. Because of evening EC meetings, dinner is on the earlier side. James frequents Evans Dining Hall or Fieldside to catch a quick oncampus meal.

EC BUSINESS EC meetings can take up most of the evenings; even after a long day of classes and work, the EC meets to tend to our honor system, support student organizations, or address any issues of student government. The Executive Committee dedicates enormous energy and time to representing the student body, and it’s one of James’ favorite parts of the day.

PEYTON’S DAY DAY PEYTON’S Also a Senior, Peyton acts as the Vice President of the Executive Committee. Peyton brings infectious positivity to everything she touches on campus… and she has a hand in many things here. From the women’s field hockey team to the Connolly Entrpreurnership Society, Peyton dedicates herself fully to each endeavor, making her an irreplaceable member of all her teams.

MORNINGS The morning commences with a cup of tea. For this VP, the day starts early on account of morning classes. So, Peyton packs up her cup-to-go and heads to campus.

CLASSES This semester, Peyton is taking two ECON classes to complete her major.

The rest of her schedule consists of Puzzles and Code Breaking, and Graphic Design, two classes Peyton refers to as fun and different from her typical courses. In between classes, Peyton tutors for ECON 100. Students come and go with questions, and Peyton spends the downtime completing some of her own work. Now that Peyton has reached the end of her ECON major, she cherishes the opportunity to help students either exploring or entering the Economics department at Washington and Lee.

EC BUSINESS In the course of a typical day, various students will message Peyton with questions about student organizations and spending budgets. Peyton oversees all of the finances for the Executive Committee, so she serves as the point person on all related matters. She relays information, helps solve issues, and constantly communicates with the Executive Committee Treasurer, Diya Shreenath, and the Executive Committee Studen Organizations liaison, Chaeyon Jang. She nimbly navigates as many issues as possible, often leading to impromptu meetings with the rest of the E.C. If any honor code violations arise, Peyton, James, and Eli Samson quickly convene to discuss. Peyton’s Executive Committee duties require immense communication and a passion for serving the W&L community; lucky for us, she dedicates a significant amount of time each day tending to E.C.’s business and keeps things running smoothly for the student body.

EC MEETING in progress

EVENINGS Time permitting, Peyton squeezes a workout into her busy schedule. But, as James mentioned, E.C. evening meetings can take up significant time.

A typical evening includes a few hours of meetings, but when Peyton finds herself with an open night, she enjoys cooking a good meal or spending time with her roommates. Peyton finds balance in a busy schedule, and makes time to unwind with friends.

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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