2016 Gatton Move-In Day

By: Emma Reed

The decorations were set and the commons rooms were spotless for probably the last time this year. All thirty senior leaders were sitting on the wall outside of Florence Schneider Hall eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new juniors. We had already received a lecture about not swarming the car, but our excitement overtook us as the first car pulled up. Within minutes the student’s stuff was in their room and ready to be unpacked. As more cars pulled up we treated them much the same way, eagerly greeting each one wanting to find wing-mates and friends alike.

With the exception of waiting for lunch, most of us kept this enthusiasm about our new friends for the whole day. Soon as we could blink, every student was moved into Florence Schneider Hall. Then the magic began as we watched the juniors turn their blank walls into expressions of themselves. From the nerdy but beloved posters and the traditional signatures from friends back home to even the unique goose, we watched in awe at the creativity and imagination.

After a crash course on being a Gatton resident for the juniors and well-earned nap for the seniors, the bustle began with floor meetings, meal swipe tutorials, and more bonding. It’s finally beginning to feel like home again. With chatter and laughter in every room and a potential friend around the corner, Florence Schneider has become as much of a home as Bates Runner was to us. I for one can’t wait for the adventures all of us have in store.