While freshman year is full of shocks, one of the most interesting moments came in an English class I was taking first semester. English 208, a class with a random smattering of upper and lower classmen, was one of these venues of consistent Vandy knowledge, helping first years break out of their cocoon. One particular day stands out in my mind in particular though. Walking into class I took my normal seat next to another freshman girl, who was covertly surrounded by courting sorority girls. Before class began she asked, “So how does Halloween work around here?” Wondering the same question myself, cocked my head into the sorority semi-circle. “Well it’s kind of easy actually,” one began, “Just pick out something clever, and add “slutty” in front of it.” My freshman neighbor, a rather innocent breed of Midwestern tastes chortled uncontrollably until the teacher came in and began class. The discussion was over. Two days later, I entered the second of the bi-weekly English class. It was the Wednesday before Halloween now, and my freshmen friend was lost. She struck up the same conversation, “so if I was going to be a reindeer, now I should be a slutty reindeer?” “Exactly!” retorted the upperclassmen, proud to pass along a trick of the trade. “Well that’s the trick, is finding out how you can make it that way.” As it turns out, it’s also the guy’s treat. Following that one simple collegiate rule, one can expect to find success during Halloween. Think of something clever, and “slut” it up. It not only impresses guys as to how clever you are, but also shows off the eye candy. Don’t worry about appearing scantily-clad; everyone else will be the same. As for guys on this hallowed-occasion, my only suggestion is to not be lame. Every other day of the year you can don your Polo-chromatic pastel palates, but not on Halloween. Don’t be the guy trying to pull off the “My costume is the lack of a costume” line. Halloween allows you to escape the everyday monotony and become a gladiator, a superhero, or a popular pop culture figure (MJ is sure to be big this year), so don’t waste this opportunity. Halloween also represents a unique situation on Greek row where every single fraternity has the same theme. During the peak hour, 12-1 a.m., take a look down Greek row and see the masses of Vandy kids swarming from house to house, like children going door to door for some candy. Guess it’s just the holiday that lets the kid out of all of us.
