Starting a new year can be a tough transition for everyone. Whether they are incoming freshmen, new transfers, or returning students, leaving home and adjusting to a new schedule of classes and meals can prove challenging for even the most independent adults. However, some schools have creative ways of incorporating everyone into a school-wide gathering directed at providing a relaxing and fun activity to help ease the new-year struggle.

Last Friday brought Catawba College students, new and returning, into the Cannon Student Center for such an event. Tie Dye Friday, hosted by the school’s own Wigwam Productions, took place after the first week and a half of classes. Once classes and dinner had narrowed down to a close, students were given a chance to kick back and have some creative fun with their friends. The Student Center was organized with tables, tarps, and T-shirts ready for prime discoloration. The event even provided the bandanas and T-shirts pre-soaked and ready to go: all that the students had to do was show up, wrap their garment in the provided rubber bands the way they wanted, and Tie Dye. At 7:00pm when the occasion started, the length of the line was evidence enough that the event was already a huge hit. Students quickly got busy putting their elbows to work creating original tees and bandanas with their own unique styles.

After the raving success of the evening, there is no surprise that students saw peers and classmates proudly displaying their colorful new garb the very next day.