The Beacon

I am a freshman. As I’m writing this, I have been a Roberts student and resident for 19 days. Here are some observations I’ve made so far through my “fresh eyes,” in the form of a list. 

1. My brother is a student here, and I grew up in the Rochester area, so I’m familiar with Roberts. But being a student feels vastly different from just visiting.
2. Adjusting to being in college and living on campus can be difficult. The secret is, other freshmen probably feel homesick, overwhelmed, or confused, so if you feel that way– you’re not alone!
3. Although college involves different classes, more responsibility, and living here all the time, college classes feel like previous years of school (but maybe better).
4. I’m still learning the art of swiping my student ID. Interestingly, different scanners require different swipe speeds.
5. Garlock offers some wonderful food! 
6. There’s lots of great nature I get to see around campus, like trees, flowers, and numerous squirrels.
7. As I walk to classes, I must remember to give myself enough time to get there, but I also get to appreciate being outside.
8. I enjoy chapel! It’s a nice opportunity to focus on my spiritual life. It’s also cool to see a majority of the student body in one place, especially on Wednesdays.
9. There are some very kind and welcoming people here on campus, both students and faculty, which has been a highlight of my time here so far.

Sometimes I wish that I wasn’t a freshman, and I could skip to the part of college where everything makes more sense. But that’s not how this works, so for now I will try to savor the moment while it lasts, and enjoy the novelty of viewing things through my new, fresh(man) eyes.

Happy All Hallows Eve season! Whether your religious beliefs allow you to celebrate Halloween or not, the Church has undeniably been involved in its history. Halloween originated as a pagan holiday called Samhain that celebrated the end of autumn. In the 8th century, the Church created the religious holiday All Saints Day or All Hallows Day to commemorate the Saints (but more specifically martyrs) of the Catholic Church. This celebration was originally set on the Sunday after Pentecost. About a century later, the Church moved the date closer to Samhain. This holiday now falls on November 1st. The preparation for this holy holiday, called All Hallows Eve, was later shortened to Hallowe’en. The Church chose a time near a pagan holiday, which inevitably led to the integration of the two. However, trick-or-treating originates from the Christian celebration, not the pagan! 

Trick-or-treating originated with beggars asking for food (traditionally cakes called “soul cakes”) in exchange for prayer. People would pray for the dead and for Christian martyrs on this day. Many still do! Legend even has it that jack-o'-lanterns were left out by early Christians to help light the way for lost souls. Many of the religious ties from this holiday have been lost in popular culture, but the fact remains that for many Catholic people this day holds great significance. Many fast on this day. Perhaps a fast before we collect our candy could help us keep the day holy while still enjoying the secular aspects of this popular holiday?