I’m an extrovert. I love talking to people. It’s what I do best. That’s the main reason why I’m a tour guide. I literally get paid to explain why I love Swat for eight hours a day.
Tragically, I didn’t realize that once I accepted the job as an admissions intern, that I agreed to living at Swarthmore when only a handful of humans is on campus. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of students completing research and working. However, these students are clustered in labs that us meek tour guides don’t usually visit.
After a few weeks on campus, I’ve realized that there are a few spots where you can spot some Swatties on campus.
1. Essie Mae’s: At 11:59 a.m., students, faculty, and staff emerge from their respective corners of campus to eat at the snack bar located on the middle level of Clothier Hall. I can always find a friend with whom to chat while munching on some chicken fingers and fries.
2. Matchbox: Obviously, students need to work on their fit physique even if the only beach they’ll see this summer is the open space in front of Parrish. However, I’ll always be able to talk to my friend Elizabeth at the front desk or casually converse with whomever is on the elliptical next to me.
3. The Co-op: Students. Need. Food. But, after a long day of working on astrophysics research, young adults are too tired to make their own meals. Instead, the take a casual stroll from PPR to the Co-op to get some tasty pre-made sandwiches or sushi. Although I live a little further away from the PPR apartments, I’ll make the trek to eat a Great Gatsbeef sandwich with friends.
4. The Track: After walking for hours while giving tours, I’m willing to go the extra mile to hang out with other Swatties. The outdoor track outside the Fieldhouse is always popular for students to play a game of Ultimate Frisbee, toss a baseball, or to walk and chat.