Friday night I was invited to the first 21 and up Pindar Field Dinner of the school year. Pindar Dinners are a chance for students to meet with other students outside of their friend group. Pindar Dinners allow students to have free flowing conversation outside of academia, while having a chance to dress up and eat a four course meal. Each dinner has a theme and all the food obviously fits the theme. The theme of this dinner was Fall.
This was my second Pindar Dinner. Although I get invited every year I did not attend my freshman or sophomore year because I was nervous about meeting new people and I was nervous that I would not fit into the "elite" atmosphere. However, taking a leap of faith my junior year I found myself enjoying my first Pindar Dinner. Luckily, I had a few friends at my table which helped soothe my shy nature.
The speaker of this Pindar Dinner spoke about treason. He opened up to us and discussed that he had changed his name, religion, and occupation in the last twenty years, something he never thought he would do. He used this theme of treason to imply that life is full of possibilities and that the changes in our life make us who were are. I found the topic to be interesting especially in the face of graduating in the spring. Another theme he touched briefly on was the power of “millennials” to change the world because we demand accountability.
I was lucky enough to have the speaker seated at my table. The conversation, as well as the wine, flowed freely (and trust me, there was a different wine for each course). Although I only knew one person at my table I found myself getting more comfortable and adding to the conversation. I was still uncomfortable with the etiquette associated with such a fancy meal. I knew that the silverware went from out to in but that’s where my knowledge ended. However, I was not the only one. Most of us were baffled at a skill that I believe has been lost to most of my generation. I don’t think that that’s necessary a bad thing but I wish I could learn the proper table etiquette.
Overall my Pindar dinner went really well. It was fun, I met some new students, and had stimulating conversations. For those of you debating whether or not you should attend a Pindar Field Dinner, I would undoubtedly say yes! It might be a little awkward and out of your comfort zone but it is worth it…plus the food definitely beats Val any day of the week.
