Fall 2009 Writings

Class Walk

5 Fun Ways to Liven Up

an Otherwise Boring Walk Between Classes

The walk down the promenade can be a lonely, boring prospect.  What is one to do with the obligatory 10 minutes of down time between classes?  Sometimes people socialize or review it up for their next class.  Others might get creative and count all the squirrels they see or avoid the cracks so their mother doesn’t have to be rushed to the hospital.  But if you really want to make it a memorable experience, if you really want to leave a lasting impression to students of Southern, if you really want to make life exciting and make people wonder, then try some of these ideas.  They’re bound to transform an otherwise dull walk into one of your favorite times of the day.  Go ahead, try one.  I dare you.

The Extravert Advantage  This is a game that requires a friend or two who are heading in the same direction as you for several minutes.  The rules are simple: whoever knows the most people wins. 

When you see someone whose name you know, call out a loud greeting for them to hear, preferably in your competition’s ear.  This is not only a great incentive to get to know and remember names, but it also makes people feel good.  There’s nothing like a sudden start due to someone throwing your name down the promenade as loud as they can. 

                  Note: do not be afraid to utilize highly embarrassing nicknames.  This heightens the feeling of embarrassment and acceptance.  Also, it’s just more fun for you.

Signature Casts  This activity is a great alternative to actually breaking your arm.  First, find a friend who shares your route.  Then, grab a scrap piece of paper and a writing utensil, preferably one that writes in a bright color.  Next, tape the paper around your forearm to make an impromptu, albeit flimsy, “cast.”  Finally, speed down the promenade acquiring as many signatures as you can.  Whoever has the most by the time you reach your destination wins. 

                  Note:  this can be adapted in many ways.  For example, you could try Quote Casts to see who gets the funniest quote.  Or State Casts, to see who can locate residents from the most, or craziest, states.  As you might imagine, there are a plethora of different versions.

Obvious Messages  As the astute observer will notice, this activity is the opposite of, say, secret messages.  The idea?  Take a load of chalk and write your friends messages on the promenade.  Instead of being secret, they will probably be quite obvious.  Think of it like updating your Facebook status or doing some sidewalk text messaging.  For a different spin, try to start a deep philosophical conversation with random students.  (The downside: say goodbye to your favorite chalk.)

                  Note: it is advisable to check the weather beforehand.  Rain often washes away chalk, effectively erasing your message.

End of Time Training  This is a tried and true trick of the trade.  Ask Bjorn Harboldt.  Impress fellow Adventists with your wilderness survival techniques by pulling out fruit, soy milk, or if you’re lucky, ice cream, from the bushes.  At this point, you might be spewing, “How in the world..!”   Patience.  Allow me to explain. 

First of all, this works well on a day when SA is handing out fruit at the Student Center.  Say… apples.  (If you missed SA’s free fruit, fret not, this is still quite possible with your own apples.)  You nab a couple o’ them apples, grinning powerfully and uttering passionate thank-yous as you continue your march.  Soon, at a location of your discretion (thick shrubbery works best), secretly slink that scrumptious apple into a memorable hiding place.  (Memorable is key.  If you forget where you hid it, all is lost.  Literally.)  Later that day, return with some friends and act really hungry as you near where your apple is hiding.  Then, as if in a moment of utter desperation and curiously sudden insight, thrust your hand into the hiding place and yank out your truly terrific treat to tout to your taken aback friends.   

                  Note: technically this can work with any food.  However, caution is to be taken, especially during the warmer months, due to ants and other such disreputable insects that thrive on hidden treats. 

Collegiate Choir  This adventure is likely to be more enjoyable with a couple friends to help.  But I double dare you to try it on your own.  It’s simple, really.  As you walk, decide on a well-known, catchy song.  Then, sing it so Ooltewah hears it.  Presumably, other students will love the song so much that they will be unable to refrain (pun intended) from joining in with gusto.  See how many people you can get to join your choir.  You might even ask Julie Penner to walk with you one day, then suggest a little game of truth or dare (*wink wink). 

                  Note: inviting Mrs. Penner may not be worth your time (or hers for that matter) because, although she is a spectacular singer, she is busy, and to arrange to meet just to walk to another class is probably a bit overkill.  Of course, if the chance ever arises, please do not hesitate!