I stayed on the Big Chair for 24 hours and all I got was a tan and mosquito bites… well there’s more to the story than that. On July 15, one summer, I challenged myself to stay on the Big Chair for a day because I thought it would be a good plot line for my @swatadmissions Instagram takeover. (FYI I did take 3 quick bathroom breaks in Parrish.) I took some notes throughout the day to document the journey:
10:36pm
The challenge hasn’t even started yet, but I have to prepare. I just got back from frisbee practice, and I am meal prepping for tomorrow. My plan is to have dinner ready so one of my friends can microwave it and bring it up when needed.
12:00am
Our challenge begins! I just saw the book shuttle (?). It’s crazy to see people working at this hour. [The book shuttle transports books that have been requested via inter-library loan between the libraries in the Tri-College Consortium of Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford colleges.]
7:15am
Good morning, world! I got less than 2 hours of sleep last night 🙁 It was the first time this summer I slept without scrolling through my phone though, which was nice. Last night was probably the first time in a while I’ve allowed myself to really sit with my thoughts, and wow, do I have a lot. The worst part was probably the weather. It wasn’t too cold, but I definitely did not wear proper attire. If I could redo the night, I would’ve worn sweatpants over my shorts. I was also not prepared for the Chair to be so dewy. Anyway, enough complaining. The sun is shining BRIGHT already which is new since my room is always dark in the mornings before I open the blinds. Luckily, I brought sunscreen and my trusty cap, but I do not look forward to the sun glaring while I try to work on my laptop. I think I will try to take a nap right now so I can have a better day. 2 hours of sleep is not doing it for me.
8:58am
Another good morning! I was able to get a nap in! Yay. I’m still feeling a bit tired, but I am ready to start the day. I’ve already applied my first round of sunscreen, so I am feeling ahead of the game! I’ve seen a number of people walk up to the academic buildings for their summer research. Being out here is a pretty nice way to start off the day.
9:15am
So many bugs! Cicadas?
10:41am
I’ve officially started my takeover of the @swatadmissions Instagram, but my phone is at ~30% now. Oops. There are many cicadas (confirmed), and the sun is now shining directly above me. I am sweating A LOT!
11:10am
A friend came by with a portable charger. Bless up! It’s not really working? Uh oh. Time to stretch. My legs are definitely feeling a bit stiff.
11:34am
Doing things on laptop with sun shining is not a good idea. My laptop is burning up.
12:15pm
Phone is slowly dying. 🙁
12:18pm
My friends brought me lunch. 🙂 I ordered kimchi tacos from Essie Mae’s, a grill/made-to-order eatery on campus! Someone asked me how I use the restroom. They suggested under the Big Chair? No… I’ll just run over to Parrish. I also got asked why I’m doing this. It’s for the content! Not really… but why am I actually doing this???
12:55pm
Just got off the Chair for people to take pictures. I have to actively ask visitors if they want a picture, because I would never want to gatekeep the Big Chair.
1:15pm
I had daily check-in with my summer intern team and glitched out so badly. Note to self: The Big Chair is not the best place to have Zoom calls.
1:35pm
The Big Chair is also not a great place to sit throughout the day if the Chair is in full sun.
2:07pm
Everything is burning up! AHHH
4:46pm
Just ate a warm orange. 10/10 would not recommend.
6:45pm
Okay, I caved in and started watching TikToks
7:41pm
I’ve been listening to hype music for the past hour which is not the right move because I want to dance, but am too embarrassed to do so.
8:08pm
The mosquitoes are starting to come out…
8:30pm
Friends are so great. They’re all so willing to help even if they don’t fully understand what I’m doing, but neither do I, haha. The fireflies are so pretty! There are a bunch really low to the ground.
8:54pm
I’m ready to sleep and take a nice shower.
9:15pm
Friends came with cookies and good vibes <3
10:11pm
I’m so tired and don’t know if I can make it to midnight. 🙁
The next day…
I did make it to midnight! The last few hours were harsh, but I ended up calling my best friend who helped me through it. These last 24 hours in the Big Chair could not have been accomplished alone. I am so grateful for my friends who came to check up on me and deliver food or other necessities. Would I do it again? Probably not. But I’m glad to have the experience.
