The other day, I was camped out on the second floor of the library when this guy approached me and asked if I minded watching his things while he ran downstairs for a minute. Of course, I said, "Sure!" and proceeded to keep my laughter bottled up as I continued reading. He was definitely a freshman. See, here at Witt, we have a certain way of doing things. We have our own little quirks and habits that make Wittenberg the wonderful home it is.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. We trust everyone.
In my case, I was shocked that anyone would even assume someone would have the audacity to steal their belongings. Call us naive, wide-eyed, or ignorant, but we trust each other. I've had friends plant their computer and books in a room in Hollenbeck while they head to Post for a couple hours, then come right back to their things, happy as a clam. This strategy probably won't fly in the "real world," but for now, it's all good.
2. We run around naked every chance we get.
I'm assuming streaking isn't really a thing at other schools. Pretty much any night in the spring or fall, we're game to streak. On a balmy April night, you're guaranteed to see shrieking, naked butts barreling down the Hollow and slowly traipsing back up the hill. Even our police officers are in on the hobby: we all know to hide our clothes lest an officer scatters them around campus.
3. Our secret societies make life interesting.
We've got secret societies and "secret" societies, and they've each got their own peculiar routines. Everyone knows them. Not everyone likes them.
4. Flair. It's a thing.
If you've been to Witt, you've seen our doodads. Whether it's a poptab, a washer, a roach clip, a rainbow, or a paperclip, everyone on campus knows what they mean and they ain't messin' with your clique.
5. We actually hang out with our profs.
When I came on a visit day in February of 2012, the tour guide told us he'd eaten dinner at his professor's house and I assumed he was just trying to entice me; it seemed like an idyllic little hook, but it certainly couldn't be a real thing. Boy, was I wrong. I've had Italian at my English professor's house, Thai with my senior seminar, and drinks with my Communication honor society. Our professors are nothing short of amazing.
6. Wally Witt is a health hazard.
It's like a campus-wide inside joke anytime a prospective student visits and wants a picture with Wally Witt. If you're a good Samaritan, you'll warn them not to get too close, but most of us just snicker and watch. I don't know what it says about our university, but our tradition is golden.
7. We avoid the seal at any cost.
Come snowstorm or monsoon, midnight or 7am, we are serious about our seal. Legend has it if you step on it once, you'll fail a test, step on it twice, you'll fail a class, and if you cross it three times, you'll drop out. Even when it's covered in snow, you'll see footprints scoot around the edges, then resume their straight line. And it makes our hearts race anytime someone gets too close.
8. If you want to slip by unnoticed, you're out of luck.
On a campus this small, you don't have to be in love with everyone, but you do need to be civil. We're a close-knit community here at Witt and we can spot a new face a mile away. Oh, and good luck skipping classes.
9. Everyone does everything.
We volunteer, play sports (intramural and varsity), lead clubs, work three jobs, organize campus events, tutor, hold multiple positions in different organizations, and have active social lives. Oh, and we double major with honors. We do it all with a smile and coffee jitters.
We might be a little weird, and maybe we're a little too friendly, but ask anyone--Witt is home.
