2008 Woodie Awards
Old school traditions
Jessica Johnson
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Opinion
Traditions are crazy phenomena. Why do we do the same thing over and over just for the sake of doing it?
Those of us who are “forward” thinkers absolutely hate the idea of glamorizing the ways of the past – we want to blaze a trail for the future.
Yet, there are some traditionalists (such as myself) who believe that remembering the experiences of the past provide depth for those of the present.
So, how do you define tradition? Well, take it or leave it, traditions are vital vessels to Samford University’s livelihood. Let me explain.
I have a friend who once described life as a tapestry. As she illustrated, she talked about the threads that represent not only the people but also the experiences that sew our lives together.
Our tapestries are woven in ways that often prevent us from seeing the whole picture. Yet, we know each masterpiece is distinct. Each family memory, friendship and even uncertain times provide different textures, making each weave more unique.
The work of art our lives create is founded on simple traditions. Maybe the tradition is eating at Milo’s every Saturday or getting a Starbucks every morning to satisfy a slight caffeine addiction.
I am speaking about the Samford traditions that seamlessly weave an individual thread through the random guys on the Ben Brown benches to the girls lining sorority row reaching to those worshiping at Shiloh.
It is this messy, unseen but felt connection to not only those around us here in the present but also to those who were here in the past.
Another interesting characteristic of these links is that they have no regard for differences, but each needle thrives off the use of an unfamiliar fabric. This may include personal victories or struggles, the people who influence us or those we have impacted.
Events such as Step Sing, the bonfire at Homecoming, the opening of the new Pete Hanna Center and the inauguration of our 18th president define the richness of our college experience and are each threads of the tapestry. It is the defining moments of our Samford culture that bring us back to the traditions of our newfound or established roots.
The irony of traditions is that we do not have to continue to relive those of the past; we can create our own for our future and for the future of others. We can make traditions or be molded by them.
Simply by using the short time we have as members of the Samford community, we are given the tools to make this place significant to our generation.
Tomorrow culminates what many may call the “pinnacle” of the Samford experience. Just two simple words bring passion to the passive, raised eyebrows and painful cheek cramps to those who never thought twice about spending three weeks filled with endless nights just singing and dancing (especially you manly men out there).
Since its inaugural sing-along year in 1951, Step Sing has found a significant place in the hearts of Samford students. The mixed emotions and pure passion of numerous students coming together for one purpose is the heartbeat of Samford tradition.
When it comes to such a competitive event, the lines of tradition often become blurred. For many, there is no denying that this tradition will never die and will be lived on for our grandchildren to experience.
From my point of view, it takes many talented and creative individuals to make Step Sing what it is. It is not only three nights of stunning performances, but it is also a time for many to make their stage debuts.
Yet, in defining this peculiar and significant tradition, I think Mark Twain spoke truth when he said, “Often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it.”
Whether you like it or not, Step Sing, among other traditions, isn’t going anywhere. Knowing this, our student body contributes one more layer of concrete to the solid foundation of Samford traditions.
As I prepare to take my seat in the Wright Center tomorrow night, I walk proudly as I am reminded of all the reasons why it is awesome to be a Samford Bulldog.
Jessica Johnson is a senior nursing major from Daphne, Ala.
Those of us who are “forward” thinkers absolutely hate the idea of glamorizing the ways of the past – we want to blaze a trail for the future.
Yet, there are some traditionalists (such as myself) who believe that remembering the experiences of the past provide depth for those of the present.
So, how do you define tradition? Well, take it or leave it, traditions are vital vessels to Samford University’s livelihood. Let me explain.
I have a friend who once described life as a tapestry. As she illustrated, she talked about the threads that represent not only the people but also the experiences that sew our lives together.
Our tapestries are woven in ways that often prevent us from seeing the whole picture. Yet, we know each masterpiece is distinct. Each family memory, friendship and even uncertain times provide different textures, making each weave more unique.
The work of art our lives create is founded on simple traditions. Maybe the tradition is eating at Milo’s every Saturday or getting a Starbucks every morning to satisfy a slight caffeine addiction.
I am speaking about the Samford traditions that seamlessly weave an individual thread through the random guys on the Ben Brown benches to the girls lining sorority row reaching to those worshiping at Shiloh.
It is this messy, unseen but felt connection to not only those around us here in the present but also to those who were here in the past.
Another interesting characteristic of these links is that they have no regard for differences, but each needle thrives off the use of an unfamiliar fabric. This may include personal victories or struggles, the people who influence us or those we have impacted.
Events such as Step Sing, the bonfire at Homecoming, the opening of the new Pete Hanna Center and the inauguration of our 18th president define the richness of our college experience and are each threads of the tapestry. It is the defining moments of our Samford culture that bring us back to the traditions of our newfound or established roots.
The irony of traditions is that we do not have to continue to relive those of the past; we can create our own for our future and for the future of others. We can make traditions or be molded by them.
Simply by using the short time we have as members of the Samford community, we are given the tools to make this place significant to our generation.
Tomorrow culminates what many may call the “pinnacle” of the Samford experience. Just two simple words bring passion to the passive, raised eyebrows and painful cheek cramps to those who never thought twice about spending three weeks filled with endless nights just singing and dancing (especially you manly men out there).
Since its inaugural sing-along year in 1951, Step Sing has found a significant place in the hearts of Samford students. The mixed emotions and pure passion of numerous students coming together for one purpose is the heartbeat of Samford tradition.
When it comes to such a competitive event, the lines of tradition often become blurred. For many, there is no denying that this tradition will never die and will be lived on for our grandchildren to experience.
From my point of view, it takes many talented and creative individuals to make Step Sing what it is. It is not only three nights of stunning performances, but it is also a time for many to make their stage debuts.
Yet, in defining this peculiar and significant tradition, I think Mark Twain spoke truth when he said, “Often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it.”
Whether you like it or not, Step Sing, among other traditions, isn’t going anywhere. Knowing this, our student body contributes one more layer of concrete to the solid foundation of Samford traditions.
As I prepare to take my seat in the Wright Center tomorrow night, I walk proudly as I am reminded of all the reasons why it is awesome to be a Samford Bulldog.
Jessica Johnson is a senior nursing major from Daphne, Ala.