Hello my dear students! Welcome to the class I call "UR 201: Happy Halloween!" Fall is always one of my favorite seasons in Rochester and celebrating Halloween at Rochester is another one of my favorite things to do on campus! Follow me and let's find out what's unique about Halloween at Rochester!
My Halloween celebration started when I went to the Haunted Hayride, put on by Class Council, with my entire hall and friends. On the weekend before Halloween, I got on the bus and left campus with a bunch of Rochester students, ready to be scared.
When we arrived at the designated site, the day was getting darker. We lined up and walked in a warehouse one by one. My heart started to beat faster and I held my friend's arm tighter as we were walking through the tunnel.
As we got settled on the wagon, the Haunted Hayride began! As we drove by the woods and warehouses, people wearing scary masks would suddenly jump out and try to scare us. I was really scared when a "Texas Chainsaw Killer" suddenly jumped on the wagon and tried to drag my legs. On the other hand, while I was screaming, my friend was laughing because of my dramatic reaction. The Haunted Hayride was a lot of fun, but it was just the beginning!
On October 31, CAB (Campus Activity Board) organized tons of activities for students, such as the Scare Fair in Rush Rhees Library, late-night s'mores, and face painting. During Halloween, students can go to the top of Rush Rhees and get a holistic view of River Campus. This is a special opportunity since the spot is only open during Halloween and senior week. I enjoyed some hot cider and donuts while watching some "ghosts" walk around the library.
However, the most interesting thing I've done this Halloween was to volunteer at the "Greek or Treat" event. This event provided an opportunity for kids in the Rochester City School District to come to campus to trick-or-treat. Every fraternity house on campus was decorated and candy was prepared for the children. As a sister of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, I volunteered at Alpha Delta Phi house and accompanied children as they trick-or-treated. We helped brothers of Alpha Delta Phi turn their house into a haunted house and the brothers were dressed up as ghosts.
When the children came in, one of the brothers told them a fictional story and encouraged them to find the "ghosts" around the house so they could get candy. All of the kids were very excited and a little bit scared at the same time.
My job was to wait for the kids and help them relax after going through the haunted house. Some first graders ran up and seemed very scared so my sorority sisters and I turned on some music and danced with them. The kids relaxed very quickly and enjoyed dancing with us. We also played "Simon says" with them and the kids all loved it!
Halloween at Rochester is full of fun and excitement. I not only got to experience this traditional holiday in a unique way, but also did some memorable community service. This is part of what Rochester offers its students: great cultural experience and service opportunities for others!