Welcoming Ceremony (Day 12)

On Tuesday, there was a very large cloud hanging over the school. No, not literally, but definitely figuratively! We had classes the next day, and it certainly made everyone slightly depressed. I arrived back on campus around 1 PM, after a 3 hour drive back from Ghost Ranch. We had to clean everything up from Wilderness which took forever...

Tuesday evening, though, was special. At UWC-USA, the day before classes means Welcoming Ceremony. The Welcoming Ceremony is comprised of two parts: Dinner and then the Ceremony itself. It was deliberately kept a secret from most of the first-years so that we would be even more surprised. All students are asked to wear either a national costume or nice clothing. I chose the latter due to a dearth of ideas on a national costume.

Looking good! (Photo: Max)

The dinner itself was amazing. The dining hall really lends itself to such grand occasions, and everything looked amazing! After all the first-years were seated, the second-years led the flag march. The flag march is where students from each country parade in carrying their national flag. It was incredible to see the number of flags! I would post a picture or two of the flags as they came in, but nearly all of my shots were obscured by the sun shining into the lens.

The incredible-looking dining hall!!

We had a speech and a piano piece. It was a delicious meal, but the best part was still to come!! After we had all eaten, all the first-years were taking downstairs to the student center, where we lined up in two long lines. Needless to say, I was at the very front of the line! It was really exciting, as well as nerve-wracking, because we had very little idea of what was about to happen.

After an endless wait, we were finally led out of the student center, up the stairs, and through the main doors of the castle. Standing outside, around the flags, was the entire second-year class. At their feet were candles; they were all holding hands in a big circle. Off to one side, a few second-years were softly singing There Can be Miracles. It was one of the most inspiring, beautiful, and amazing images that I have ever seen.

The Welcoming Ceremony--Not actually us, but I didn't have a good pic (Photo: UWC)

All the first-years created a larger circle around the second-years and held hands. Standing there, listening to that song, reminded me of why I am here, and what an amazing place this truly is. UWC-USA is just a school, a home, or a community--it is a very special place and somewhere that I don't think I'll ever forget. As the song ended, all the second-years turned around, gave us a lanyard with UWC-USA on it, and hugged us. We then joined into one huge circle, and sang a beautiful song. (Sadly, I can't remember what it is...)

Once the formal ceremony was over, it was picture taking time. There is a tradition here that everyone takes pictures with each other to celebrate the beginning of the year.  In the space of about an hour, I took around 120 pictures. There are way too many pictures to put on here, so I've included a link to all my photos on facebook (No, you don't need an account, these photos should be public): http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079676&id=1432428819&l=7dc2ac5246

 That's it for today. Tomorrrow (Saturday), I'll write about the first day of classes! Stay tuned.