Stonehill College is a beautiful school with the reputation of being a bubble. The Brockton and Easton communities are right outside the gates of Stonehill, but busy college students can often get too caught up in their lives to realize the community extends beyond the bubble. Maybe this "Stonehill bubble" changes your behavior because there are some signs you've been at the college for too long. While the bubble has a negative connotation, most of these signs are a good thing.
1. You hold the door for extended periods of time. Sure it's a nice thing to do, but did you really need to let 30 people go in front of you? Holding the door is a common practice at Stonehill, and it's always the polite thing to do, but you may find yourself doing it an excessive amount.
2. You only walk on pathways, not grass. Yeah, Stonehill has nice grass, but that doesn't mean it's sacred. People use paths all the time to walk to class when it would be so much faster to cut through the quad instead.
3. You take your keys to the bathroom at home. This is a sillier sign that you've been at Stonehill way too long, but it also applies to other colleges. You can leave your door open when you leave to do laundry or go to the bathroom, but if it's closed when you come back you better have your key.
4. You will go out of your way to help others. This is so much more than just holding a door. It is in the everyday interaction with others and how you carry yourself. At Stonehill, students are proud to serve and make a difference. That mentality will continue outside of the college.
5. You will feel more comfortable around others. Stonehill has a diverse campus and a strong sense of community that promotes an inclusive environment. Outside of the college you will feel comfortable interacting with people from different backgrounds and making them feel welcome.
6. You forget what it's like to shower without flip flops. Shower shoes are a must at any college, but it's a refreshing and often weird feeling to come home for a weekend and have your bare feet touch the shower floor.
7. You may try to walk everywhere. Stonehill is a small school with a small campus. When everything is only a couple miles away at most, you may feel like walking these distances is no big deal and it's great exercise anyway. Even stores and restaurants outside of Stonehill are only a short walk away.
8. You spend more time outside. Even though the winters can be pretty brutal in New England, there are so many places around Stonehill to explore and hang out. Between the nature trails, the farm, the big open spaces on the quad, and the ponds, there's always something to do outside.
9. You are more open to new things. I know this one sounds sappy, but it's true. Stonehill has so many opportunities to get involved in activities, volunteering, and programs all over the world. These options really help you grow as a person and, as a result, leave you wanting more when you're away from Stonehill.
10. You are not the same person. You've have been at Stonehill way too long if it has changed you as a person. There's just something about the college environment combined with the Stonehill community that fosters growth and individualism. You may be different when you leave here, but you've changed for the better. You are wiser and well-educated.
