Spel-Bound is quickly approaching! For those who do not know, Spel-Bound is Spelman College's version of an Admitted Students Weekend and according to a host of current students, this is the event that inspired them to pay that hefty deposit and officially become Spelmanites. As a previous Spel-Bound attendee, I understand the nerves and excitement that fills your body as you imagine yourself walking through the Spelman gates and feeling as if you are a student at Spelman College for the entire weekend. I decided to make this list of necessities for my potential Spelman sisters as they embark on this wondrous journey to 350 Spelman Lane.
1. A Sleeping Bag and Pillow
I'm sorry sis, but we do not have any spare beds for you. I know of some sisters who forgot their sleeping bag and had to make a makeshift cot out of extra sheets and blankets from their assigned Spel-Bound sister. Extra blankets are not a guarantee, so remember your sleeping bag and your pillow as well.
2. Headphones
You may want to listen to music, watch a YouTube video, FaceTime your friends, or even indulge in a little Netflix. Always remember your headphones!
3. Money
Trust me, you will want to purchase some items from the Spelman bookstore and when you are finally ready to spend money, you're parents/guardians may have already gone back to the hotel. Have money on you so you can spend whenever you want.
4. Your Phone
How else are you going to create an understandable long Snapchat story for the weekend showcasing everything that is Spelman College? I mean you also need to contact your family members in case of an emergency as well.
5. A Nice Journal
You may want to document your Spel-Bound experience in a journal in order to capsulate your experience. You will also meet many faculty/staff members and members of the student body and you should take advantage of this networking opportunity by giving and recieving contact information. Your phone may be dead due to all of the Snapchat-ing that you were doing, so bring a journal along as a precaution.
6. Your Laptop/Tablet
Deadlines are not built around Spel-Bound. Your Spel-Bound sister will be more than happy to connect you to the Wi-Fi in order for you to get your work done. Don't attend SpelBound and neglect your work for school. You still have to successfully graduate from high school in order to call yourself a Spelmanite. Just make sure that your device is locked up safely in your Spel-Bound sister's room during the day.
7. A DSLR Camera
This is mainly for my aspiring professional photographers or for anybody who enjoys photography. Spelman College has a beautiful campus and great shots can be taken by anybody with a great eye. If you do not have a DSLR camera, don't freak out! Using the camera on your phone to snap pictures is just fine.
8. Snacks
Meals are provided during Spel-Bound, but the cafeteria and restaurants on campus close after a certain time. You do not have the option to run to the refrigerator or pantry like you do at home. Have snacks ready for immediate relief.
9. A Bag
It is a given that you will have a suitcase, but you will need a bag to carry around throughout the day. How big or small the bag is is your own decision. Handouts will be given and you will be more inclined to loose your papers if you do not have a place to keep them.
10. Your Chargers
There is no going back home for a charger, especially if you live hours away from Atlanta, GA. Remember your chargers so you don't have to shell out money in the bookstore in order to buy a janky iPhone 6 charger. That money could have gone to a Spelman t-shirt in the bookstore again.
11. Weather Appropriate Clothes
Don't plan your outfits thinking that Atlanta is guaranteed to be "Hot-lanta". Check the weather for Atlanta and pack accordingly. Also, leave some space in your suitcase for items that you may purchase during your trip.
12. A Positive Attitude
You may not want to attend Spelman College, but if you do not have a positive attitude, how will you truly know if you enjoy the institution? Spel-Bound was a deciding factor for many students. It could be a deciding factor for you as well if you allow yourself to enjoy what Spelman College has to offer.
Spel-Bound is truly a memorable experience and you will tell people about your Spel-Bound experience as a graduating senior. Class of 2020, enjoy your experience at Spelman College before you officially enter the gates in August and your senior year is only a memory.
