If you've never heard of Graceland University, it is a small college in an even smaller town in Iowa. While from the outside it may not look like there's anything special about this school, if you go there, you know that there are a thousand things that make Graceland what it is, good or bad. If you go to Graceland, then you know that...
1. Airband is the best and worst part of the year
Airband is easily one of the most stressful times of the year, perhaps even as stressful as finals week. We spend countless hours preparing props and perfecting our dance moves, all for 5 minutes of a performance. While tensions may rise and arguments might occur, we know that is still one of the most fun things we do here, and that the bonds we make during it cannot be broken.
2. "Vandalizing" a bell is perfectly normal
A Graceland tradition that originally started as actual vandalism of school property, but then turned into something for houses on campus to do, was brought back recently, and is still continuing the tradition. While most houses stick to the normal spray paint, a few houses have even smothered the bell with peanut butter or Vaseline.
3. "Screw Your Roommate" is a phrase in common conversation
Graceland also has a long-standing tradition of "Screw Your Roommate," and no it's not what it sounds like. Basically, you pick a blind date for your roommate, and you usually go to the free Thursday night movie. Countless relationships and even some marriages have started from this tradition.
4. Your House is the best
The House system at Graceland is something special, and while each House is unique, there is still a rivalry amongst the Houses, especially during Homecoming and IM's.
5. The legacy of Winter Term will never go away
I'm only a freshman, and even I know the ins-and-outs of Winter Term, and I know that it is only one of the greatest things at Graceland, and that it will be missed. I also know that it is two words that still get repeated all the time.
6. Morgue hours are basically like being in jail
Not only is finals time super stressful, but it's even worse because of morgue hours. Morgue hours can literally make you go crazy and want to cry, but that might just be the stress talking.
7. Playing in mud is acceptable
Another fun week at Graceland is Welcome Week, which includes Messy Games, where we get to roll around in mud and play games. We all know it smells bad and our clothes could get ruined, but we still have a blast.
8. Candle passings are hot gossip
When it's announced there is a candle passing, aka that someone is engaged, everybody starts talking about who it could be. Friends like to point fingers at their friends in long-term relationships, and even single people will say it's them. Once the secret is out, the guys like to take the newly engaged guy and throw him in the lake. Let's just say the girls are nicer on this tradition.
9. The ghost of Marietta Walker may or may not exist
While it's a rumor, people claim to have stories about their own encounters of the ghost of Marietta Walker. Or even if you're walking past the admin building at night, and you stop at the bench and look at the tower, there is an outline of a woman, and many people say that it's Marietta Walker looking out on the campus.
10. Briggs is a love/hate relationship
The Briggs stairs may be the only thing keeping some of us in shape. Even if you are in the best shape, it is still possible for you to get winded walking up the stairs. What makes this building great though is that it is where a large number of classes are held, so it's not far from one class to the next. It also serves as a great place to have Nerf wars or any other games.
11. Graceland is one of the best places to be
While this school has its disadvantages, we are proud to call it home.
