As the beginning of a new school year approaches us, I reflect on my time at Endicott College and gawk at the fact that I am a rising junior. How? Where did the time go? What have I missed out on? What can I anticipate to come this year? Other than the wonderful experiences at this beautiful coastal campus, the atmosphere here is just GULLtastic. All of those lucky enough to be on this campus are supportive, friendly and respectful of the "Gull Code". With that being said, for all of the future visitors of the Endicott College campus, here are a few tips on how to be a proper Gull at Endicott.
1. If you aren't wearing Endicott apparel, do you even go to Endicott?
If you aren't stocked up on Endicott gear by the time fall orientation is over freshman year, then you're doing something wrong. Every time there's an open house, or focus day, or move-in/out day or even anything involving perspective students, you better expect to see lines around the block coming from that infamous bookstore. It's THE PLACE to stock up, see what's new, and add to your growing spirit apparel pride. Gulls all over campus (and actually even abroad) wear anything and everything Endicott related just so they can showcase how fortunate they are to be an Endicott student. But other than selling you overpriced, high quality (compared to amazon/eBay) textbooks that you'll never use, the bookstore is the best place to 1. get all of your "Endicott Gull" apparel and 2. make your school blue-and-green pride extremely apparent and noticeable.
2. The dress code to be a Gull usually is within these four concepts.
-Professional: you either have an important presentation, are attending an interview later in the day, or you just like to dress up and feel important. Don't worry = you'll do great!
-Sporty: you need to be able to show off and let everyone know that you go, are going to and/or went to the gym at some point during the day because you are #fit. Like I said before, Endicott apparel is accepted and appreciated.
-Preppy: it doesn't matter what the weather is, what season it is or what time of day it is. Sperry, Vineyard Vines or Polo is something you won't go a moment without seeing, wearing or desperately wanting something to be as preppy as the rest of the people at this school.
-Homeless: It happens. It's college. Sweatpants, sweatshirt, and no bra paired with your way too worn out moccasins. Whether you pulled an all nighter studying for a Mussachia test, got too into your Netflix show at 5 am, or you just don't feel like putting on actual clothes today. It's all good. Be comfortable. We won't judge you, envy you maybe, but definitely not judge.
3. Beware: Endicott Food
You know, a lot of relatives, friends and even teachers warn everyone in or going into college about gaining the notorious "Freshman Fifteen" and then having to spend the next three years sweating it all out at the gym. But at Endlcott that doesn't exist. I'm not completely sure but I'm pretty sure the food here at Endicott makes you lose weight, so hey if you're confident enough (about my testimony) eat as much of it as you want; that is, if you don't mind spending the rest of the night on the toilet because that happens too. But hey, shit happens. Literally. Then again, maybe it's the seven cookies that just called your name upon leaving Callahan that prevents the crappy situation. Who knows? Just be sure to also have enough food in your room for those days (we all have them) where Callahan is just not worth it and too far of a walk to even get yourself out from under your covers. I will say this at least: the Lodge is a pretty fantastic place to get food - although they can be a bit pricey - if you take advantage of their swapable lunch option, you will never be disappointed (or fifteen pounds heavier) as they do have very healthy and delicious choices. Other than that, it's a great place to go on the weekend for your middle-of-the-night cravings. YUM!
4. Whatever you do, use your full ass.
Dedication at Endicott is a very popular thing. I'm not sure if it's the required internship and career opportunities that are being offered at every turn, or if it's how supportive those around you are to see you achieve anything. But to be able to fit in at Endicott College as a proper GULL, you need to be able to be a dedicated person. As I say this, you need to keep in mind that half asses will not be accepted or entertained around this campus. Opposite from other schools I have heard of, if you make light of a career situation here you are actually frowned at and looked down on because of how big of a deal dedication, success and constant improvement all are at Endicott. So please, whatever you do, use your full ass when doing tasks that will benefit you.
5. Surround yourself with great gulls.
The last thing I'm going to say about being a proper gull here at Endicott is that you need to surround yourself with amazing people. And honestly, that's not a hard thing to do. At all. (Almost) every person I have met while on and even around this campus have made an impact on both my day-to-day activities as well as my long-term investments in life. I know the same thing will happen to you and you will be forever changed once you step foot onto this campus as an "Official Gull". Us gulls stick together no matter the circumstance and we put on a strong face, sympathize with others around us and try to eventually make the campus happy and healthy again. Part of that package, however, is that you need to be a great gull in return. That means holding doors for people (which is a huge thing at EC), supporting your friends in their decisions (even if you may not agree) as well as helping the girls you met at Einsteins yesterday get into Townhouse 9 even though you're the only person they know there. It's just the gull-y thing to do. And we all respect it.
I hope this information helped explain to you how crucial being a proper gull at Endicott College is to your success, enjoyment and long lasting memories once you're out of here and out in the real (scary) world. Endicott is ready to help you and encourage you to do what you want and accomplish your dreams as long as you're still willing to put in commitment and effort.
P.S. It's a great day to be a Gull = your new catchphrase.
