By Andrea Fernandes
Features Editor
After the first week of the spring semester, sledding down a hill, sipping on hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows and simply enjoying a calm setting is what some students favored over staying on campus for the weekend.
Members of the Mt. Irenaeus community hosted an overnight trip to the mountain last Saturday and Sunday. The overnight was opened to all students and faculty of the university.
“I was initially nervous about going because I didn’t know what to expect,” Shakia Jeffcoat, a sophomore psychology major said. “On a normal day, I’m constantly checking social media, texting people, and stretching myself way too thin. The mountain didn’t allow me to do any of that, and it was a great change of pace.”
With this overnight being her first time visiting the mountain, Jeffcoat was not aware of the little-to-no cell phone service available. However, the use of phones was not necessary. Upon arrival to the house, students became familiar with each other through introductions and icebreakers. Following this, students took a long walk up the hill to go sledding. Those who wanted to help out with making dinner were able to do so after sledding.
“My favorite part was getting to spend time with the friars and cooking dinner,” Crisann Bailey, a freshman finance major said.
Brother Kevin Kriso O.F.M. took part in the same activities as the students. He, along with the other friars who live on the mountain, did everything they could to make students feel at home. Students were able to give a helping hand with dinner, even if it meant simply making salad or setting the table. At the end of the night, there was a reflection in the chapel, which began with meditation. Students then had a discussion-based reflection.
“My favorite thing about the mountain is the relationship it fosters,” Christina D’Onofrio, a senior childhood studies major said. “It’s a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere. You don’t have to be Catholic or religious to feel connected.”
By taking part in several activities together over the past weekend, students were able to build a stronger relationship with their friends, or develop new relationships with others. Both Brother Kevin and D’Onofrio stressed that the importance of the mountain is to bring people together.
“The mountain started because people realized we need a place to talk to each other instead of at each other,” Brother Kevin said.
Brother Kevin was referring to the protests that took place on campus in 1968. Students were angry and even took over the campus chapel as a way to protest. The protests ultimately led campus officials to come up with the idea of having Mt. Irenaeus as a way for students to get away from the campus, and address issues in a peaceful manner.
As a member of Mountain Community Leaders, D’Onofrio encourages those who have never visited the mountain to sign up for future mountain trips. For those who missed it, there will be other mountain visits and overnights which are always sent out in the notice board.
“It is truly worthwhile to spend the night at the mountain; every moment is meaningful,” Jeffcoat said. “The mountain is the perfect place to unwind; everyone should experience it at least once.”
