As a sophomore, traditions are still fresh in my head. For some, traditions are really fresh in their minds, and for others, traditions are just more petty events to keep in the back of their minds. I belong in the middle of these two groups--I am not entirely enthusiatic with traditions but I did like attending them as a freshman. What irks me most is that if I do express any minor dissatisfaction with traditions, I get creamed with lectures or get an offended look. Is this really what traditions is about?
Surprisingly, I have met many students who are not fully into traditions. Unfortunately, these non-fanatics of traditions usually feel a bit of disgruntlement from others who are enthusiasts. This disgruntlement may not be expressed directly but we can detect their discontent through things they say, things they do, and the way the act. We can feel the pressure when we're in a large group and hear from everyone else that they had a blast during, for example, Lantern Night. When everyone looks to you and you tell them you didn't have as much fun as they did, they either ask you why with a bit of harshness or give you a look of pity. Peer pressure doesn't help us feel any better about traditions.
Many of us who belong to this group of non-fanatics respect and like the idea that our school has traditions. Though we may not know the words of Sophias, we enjoy the singing vicariously when we see others singing with a huge smile on their faces. We understand that traditions is what makes Bryn Mawr so unique, and it may even be one of the reasons why we decided to come here. If we do express dislikes about traditions, it doesn't mean we lack school spirit or hate the school, it just means that we don't like an aspect of traditions. However, there are times when we feel uncomfortable with some of the more "cultish" and "childish" events. But we don't hate others because they love traditions nor would we look at them differently. We shouldn't be overwhelmed with guilt for feeling differently about traditions when what is expected of a Mawrtyr--traditions exist to make our time here more pleasant and special. But shouldn't we decide for ourselves how much we want to enjoy Parade Night, Lantern Night, Hell Week, or May Day? Wouldn't we enjoy ourselves more if the feelings were genuine and not forced upon us?
So please, next time a freshman or anyone doesn't seem 100% ethusiastic about a tradition, don't give them looks or make them feel bad. Instead, respect their opinion. If they don't want to participate, don't force them. It creates even more anxiety, especially for freshmen since they are new to this campus and may not feel comfortable as a Bryn Mawr student just yet. Make them feel welcomed and let them know that it's their decision, and their decision only, to attend any traditions events. If you really do want them to go, tell them about your own wonderful experience or invite them to go with you. Don't feel bad if they still refuse to go. Just remember, in every Mawrtyr's mind, fanatic or not, there will always be at least one worthwhile memorable traditions experience in our minds after we leave Bryn Mawr. If you don't believe me, I dare you to find a senior who will tell you they feel otherwise.
1. Proofreader's Notes
1.1. Notes from two interviews for the article: do not post
got two words that sum up exactly why im not the worlds biggest fan of traditions: (but you probably already knew that) i dont need traditions to be stupid and have fun, basically my dislike is a personal preference and im entitled. i did all of them last year and enjoyed myself when i voluntarily commited myself to something, but a big problem with my traditions experience was other students being overtly rude and pushy towards "being a certain way" or what they called my, "being a bad mawrter" i appreciate bryn mawr for a variety of things, and traditions are encompassed within what bryn mawr is, however i dont like the feeling of being in a cult... or being chastised for heaven forbid, not enjoying myself enough! what is enough???? ive had tons of fun at bryn mawr, with and without traditions...isnt that enough?People come to our school because of it she didn’t go to school for traditions like a lot of people did personal preference…a lot of peole do appreciate the traditions to me, very girly you don’t see it in coed schools “what century are you living in” very backwards every school has their own traditions almost like a campaign, they talk about it on tours…we have a lot of it senior steps not really upheld cultish than cool songsmistress… very cheesy like latern but the way it’s presented like the colors like a sorority you can relate to in some way okay not into traditions, feel a bit of traditions if not into traditions, something wrong with the person…almost like you don’t have enough school spirit we don’t have mascot, how come no one attends the sports if we supposedly have school spirit we are so stuck on traditions like concept of tea but too girlie teas (makeover, spa, very danty folicy things) not against htem but not gong ho abouet it don’t belong in the school because of it now it’s junk for the passing down of things Hell week like initiation purposely boycott certain things because I’m rebelling against the fact that this is what people think BMC is about I don’t want to encourage renausiance idea, of weirdness mini pledging
***unused paragraph for article: My customs group got along relatively well. We ate together at all meals whenever possible, hung out in each other's rooms, went to classes together, and spent leisurely time with one another. On the other hand, we were divided into two groups when it came to traditions--one group was full of passion for traditions and another group who were indifferent. Depending on the tradition, I would float between the two groups.
