Drew Night Life hit it out of the park with their makeshift Roller Rink in the Ehinger Center. Students had the opportunity to try a new activity and connect with others, making this the epitome of what any Drew event should be.
Drew Night Life hosts a variety of events on campus to appeal to a wide range of students. Bingo is a traditional hit, and their iconic Reptile and Boardwalk Nights are also events that students look forward to. However, these events can become repetitive for upperclassmen, despite how enjoyable they are.
The Roller Rink in Crawford Hall on Jan. 19 seemed to gather the attention of students in all class years. It was new and unique, which made it extremely appealing. Even for students who may not be expert roller skaters, curiosity about how a roller rink would be created was enough to get students to leave their rooms and mingle at the event.
Not only did the event engage students, but it also nudged them out of their comfort zones. For many students, this was the first time they were ever able to go roller skating. Although there were many falls involved, the event allowed people to learn a new skill and face their fears. It also gave students the opportunity to get closer together and build trust.
Roller skates inherently make people vulnerable. Especially as a newbie, or even as a novice skater, you do not necessarily have the stability to which you are accustomed. This is the perfect way to grow emotionally closer with a friend as you help each other learn how to skate, or you both fall down together and make lasting memories. Just the possibility of falling and having to reach over and grab a nearby friend caused plenty of laughter during the event. Ultimately, it is a win-win situation.
On top of it all, the music and the glow-in-the-dark theme made it feel like you were not in Crawford Hall at all. Getting off campus can be difficult for many students, so creating an environment that makes students feel like they are not at Drew, without the inconvenience of travel, is a fresh change of pace.
Events like the Roller Rink, which had great ambience and served as a unique learning experience, should continue to happen on campus. The tried-and-true Drew events do not need to disappear, but these creative events allow special memories to form. They can even become Drew’s new traditions.
