When you’re young, the whole world seems magical. Hearing stories of Santa Claus; going to Disneyland; everything seemed fantastical. There was a deep mystery to the world and my brain was free to create grandiose explantations for how things worked. One I reached adolescence, I was disappointed to realize that my childhood experiences were made possible by people, not magic. I felt frustrated that I had lost my sense of innocence because I felt as though I could no longer dream or wonder. I’ve come to realize over the year that the hard work others put into making an experience special is more magical than I ever could have imagined.

Bryn Mawr’s traditions often work like this. Nothing can capture the awe you feel during the swinging lights of your first Lantern Night or the excitement to wake up at 7AM to have strawberries and cream on May Day during your first year. When you are an upperclassmen, you realize just how much work goes into making these traditions so special. Lanterns must be ordered, food must be catered, emails must be sent; the administration, traditions mistresses, and student body must sort out all of the details. It can be extremely stressful to plan these events, but it’s all worth it when you see the first-years’ eyes light up in joy and remind you of your own experiences. It makes you appreciate all the work the upperclassmen did when you were a first year student and now you get to pay it forward.

Bryn Mawr is a community like none other and I’m proud to be apart of it. I have seen true magic in the overwhelming love and effort put into making this place so special. One of my favorite parts about Bryn Mawr is the active role that each class gets to play to make traditions happen. Thanks so much to the Hell Week committee, the traditions mistresses, dining services, housekeeping, facilities, Student Activities, and all the upperclassmen who worked so hard to ensure the new members of our community are welcomed during Hell Week. It’s painful to think about leaving in a few months but I have complete faith in the classes below me to make sure Bryn Mawr becomes a home to every new student, staff, and faculty member.