Like many University students, my journey back to my dorm on a weekend night is often marked by the blur of naked bodies running across the Lawn to the sound of drunken laughter. At this point, I’ve been entirely unphased by the appearance of unclad strangers running wild at my school — a bit of a strange concept to explain to my friends at other colleges.
Yet, this bizarre tradition, unique to the University, remains wildly popular amongst the student body. Under the glow of the Rotunda lights, dozens of University students participate in the infamous tradition of streaking the Lawn every weekend — a “must-do” before graduation.
As a second-year student relatively new to the University, I am still learning about many of the traditions and customs that define Grounds. Yet out of all I’ve heard about thus far, from Lighting of the Lawn to the Good Old Song, I think that streaking the Lawn is my favorite.
While I understand that some students may not share my feelings about streaking, I’d like to make the case in favor of the tradition — or at least, on a broader level, encourage my classmates to live a little bit more in whatever way brings them joy.
To me, the streaking of the Lawn symbolizes all the best parts of the American college experience — participating in a time-honored tradition, letting loose and living the stories you’ll recount to your kids one day. There’s a certain liberation in the raw vulnerability of — quite literally — stripping down, and there’s an unparalleled adrenaline rush that comes with running across the Lawn after a night of revelry.
Many students at renowned institutions like the University feel intense pressure to have it all figured out academically, professionally and socially, especially in a culture increasingly obsessed with productivity.
Yes — it’s true that within our “work hard, play hard” culture, there’s this notion that students at the University are exceedingly adept at balancing their social and academic lives. Yet, it can feel as though “going out” has sort of a moral stigma attached to it at times, as if those of us who party are unfocused or less ambitious. “Having fun” can seem like a quick-fire way to throw your future away, making it increasingly tempting to spend Friday nights “locked in” rather than going out.
I’ve definitely felt pressure to devote myself entirely to my studies and future goals, foregoing nights of fun or time spent with friends. It seems as though when things get busy or stressful, having fun is often the first thing to go for me.
Even in the moments when I do prioritize my social life, I still find myself feeling overwhelmed. It seems as though I have to hang out with as many people as possible, participate in every activity or go out at every opportunity I get due to the “fear of missing out.” I struggle to separate my academic mentality — to maximize my productivity — from my approach to my social life.
Yet, I was able to just set those stressors — and my clothes — aside for a minute while streaking the Lawn. As I left my garments behind on the steps, I was fully present in the moment — my biggest worry being my quest to circle around the Homer statue three times, run back and whisper “Good night, Mr. Jefferson” at the Rotunda door. Streaking was an opportunity to simply let loose, embracing the beautiful impulsivity and freedom of youth.
While I’m not encouraging anyone to do anything they don’t feel comfortable with, I do think that streaking the Lawn is one of the more exciting and memorable — or perhaps not, depending on what kind of night you’ve had — University traditions to participate in. Streaking the Lawn allows for a brief pause in the worries and monotony that accompany daily life, allowing students for a moment to be fully present while taking part in a time honored tradition. It’s a perfect chance to create those core memories associated with the college experience.
Of course, focusing on your studies and building strong habits for the future is valuable. However, it is also valuable to simply have fun — whether or not that means running around naked — and enjoying your current stage in life.
I encourage students to reflect on their own habits. Is “having fun” the first thing to disappear from your life when your schedule gets busy? Are you letting your focus on the future prevent you from fully enjoying the present?
Perhaps our collective obsession with productivity and constantly focusing on our future is preventing us from making the silly types of choices — like streaking — characteristic of this stage in our lives. It’s okay to live a little and be present in the moment, even if a Lawnie sees you butt naked.
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