The Hardey-Cushing dorms on Newton Campus have been a little different these last few weeks. Call it competitive spirit, or maybe just will power, but the “Fly Like an Eagle Challenge” has taken the dorms by storm. This 6-week pilot competition is a race to see how many “points” each student can gather for completing various events around campus. Such academic events include meeting with a professor, attending an academic lecture, or even sending an editorial to the Heights. At the end of the 6-week period, the winner will be awarded a $500 gift card to the BC bookstore. Sounds pretty good, right? Perks of being a Hardey-Cush resident!
For those of you who are unaware, the Hardey-Cushing dorms are involved in a pilot program termed the “Pathways Program,” which is being tested to be a part of all freshman dorms in future years. Frosh.0 (a freshman-only discussion group), HOOT (Hang Out on Tuesday), Pathways to Boston (an alternative spring break), and, of course, Fly Like an Eagle are just a few examples of the amazing programs that only Hardey-Cush residents are allowed to participate in and that continue to strengthen our bonds as a residential community.
By far, my favorite event of all of these is HOOT, as it is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and snack with the residents on the floor at 10:30 on a Tuesday night. Some of these nights include: designing your own popcorn creation, eating just about every flavor of pie possible, and even making friendship bracelets.
The Pathways Program in Hardey-Cushing is the perfect transition into the Boston College community. You can have as little or much involvement in it as you desire, and you never feel forced to participate, but instead encouraged. The program strengthens bonds between your floormates and allows everyone to take time out of his or her busy academic schedule to appreciate those around them. The Pathways Program, especially the Fly Like an Eagle Challenge, not only gives a competitive spirit to the Hardey-Cushing dorms, but also connects us all on a deeper level than just being fellow students, but also as members of the Boston College community.
Photo Source:
Helen Lee, Pathways Program Manager, Office of Residential Life at Boston College