Cheering isn't just for state schools: Hopkins spirit in 2005

Johns Hopkins isn't exactly known for its "rah-rah" school spirit. When the campus hot spot is the library, this is generally a given. But recently there has been some momentum towards change. More and more students are getting into supporting our all-too-talented lacrosse team. Also, by walking around campus it is clear that the Charles Village Project is underway. When it is completed the quality of life of students will dramatically increase. This means that there is a lot to get excited about on campus.

All of this still begs the question of whether it is possible to change the culture of a school that is so deeply entrenched in academics as opposed to spirit and community. School spirit at Hopkins may never rival that of a Big Ten school, but it may just mean that students are a little happier and more positive about the school they attend.

Almost every student will tell you that going to a Hopkins lacrosse game is an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed. You don't even have to know anything about the sport to have an amazing time cheering for the Blue Jays and your school. Did I mention we have the best college lacrosse team in the nation?

Last year, for the first time, a student section was created for the Lacrosse team called the Nest. The Nest was created by a group of '05 seniors shocked that Hopkins, with its top-rated lacrosse team, didn't have more student support.

For a game last year against Virginia over 1,000 blue "nest" shirts were distributed to students to jump-start the student cheering section. In addition, trips were set up by the Athletic Department to bus student fans to games at Princeton, one of Hopkins' biggest rivals.

Student support and enthusiasm will most likely continue to grow this year, in large part because of the Blue Jays' perfect 2005 season and NCAA Division I Championship win over Duke. It is always nice to be able to root for the winning team. But more than that, being at a lacrosse game makes you really feel like a part of a community, and it makes you glad that you chose to come to Hopkins.

The completion of the Charles Village Project will inevitably influence school spirit at Hopkins. For one, the redevelopment of Hopkins' surrounding neighborhood will certainly change. Charles Village Commons is planned to become a meeting place for upperclassmen. A large Barnes and Noble and extensive student meeting space, something that is so often taken for granted at other schools, will finally be available. Eventually the entire area surrounding Hopkins will be redeveloped.

The $75 million project broke ground last fall and marks the beginning of a sweep of changes that will affect the surrounding area and the attitude of Hopkins' students. It will be at least another year for any of these changes to be felt by students.

The increasing diversity of the student body will also have an impact on Hopkins' spirit. A school that is known for being a pre-med breeding ground is definitely taking steps towards change. Students are finally learning that there is more to life than sitting in the library studying for Orgo.

Hopkins still has a long way to go. There are other things to be excited about at Hopkins besides lacrosse, and this needs to be better communicated to students. Speakers, a capella concerts and other sports games often go under-attended and underappreciated. And there are so many improvements that need to be made to the school in terms of safety and quality of life in order for students to feel more spirited about the school they attend.

Despite these few things, it is important to remember that there is a lot to get excited about. School spirit is really about appreciating what you have in the moment. Go to some football games. The football team might not be as recognized as the lacrosse team, but they are better than they ever get credit for.

Hopkins' Octopodes is one of the best a capella groups in the country. In the past they won first place in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Northeastern Quarterfinals and second place at the Northeastern Semifinals and have been included in national compilation recordings for collegiate a capella groups. Going to one of their concerts is a must.

The MSE symposium, which last year brought General Wesley Clark, will bring another series of captivating speakers to campus this fall. And of course look forward to lacrosse season. Come spring make sure to put on your blue gear, head out to the game and cheer for the Blue Jays.