GETTING TO KNOW YOU

by John Jones

Twenty people silently gathered in the atrium of the J.C. Penney building last Thursday. Shuffling feet and averted glances marked the first minutes.

Contrary to what some might expect, young faces didn't dominate the group. Some of the people were older and used to the game; they had come back to continue what they may have started or ended years ago. They had a quiet confidence younger freshmen lacked.

Heads snapped up when a young woman called attention to herself. Her name tag read: "Kowanza: Student Leader," and she was the students' tour guide for the late morning.

The group strained to hear her talk over the noise of overhead air traffic. She took them place to place, showing them the campus coffee shop and advisors' offices. As they walked, some of the students began to warm up to one another.

"I'm here to study computers. I have a computer at home," freshmen Mike Kushins said. "I want to be a pilot sometime, but I'm going to try this first.

About the time the students reached the CCB building, someone in the back of the line laughed loudly with a buddy next to him. Dave Kinworthy has a pretty good idea of why he's at UM-St. Louis.

"I like the size of the school. The student body impressed me with it's uniqueness," he explained with mock seriousness.

One of the students in the tour group had come from the professional world. Lula Simms, a case worker for Social Services who has come to UM-St. Louis for a degree in social work, explained why she had chosen the school.

"Well, mostly it's the cost. This school is cheaper than most," she said.

Kowanza announced the end of the tour. The newbies walked cautiously back to the J.C. Penney building. Small conversations had sprung up between a few of them. The tour groups gathered together at the building's atrium, and waiting for them was Residential Life director Lisa Grubbs.

Grubbs strode into the room and asked the assembly who in the group felt "stressed out." Several people raised their hands. She then ordered the entire assembly to scream at the top of its lungs. The newbies looked at each other, unsure if this person was really serious and if anyone would actually do it.

Grubbs was insistent. "Come on! Stand up!" she ordered.

They stood, screamed and then chuckled softly.

Next, the students participated in a variety of ice breakers to help them get to know one another.

Grubbs later explained that people are anxious about comfort zones. She said the activities draw people out and that people enjoy them even though they look a little funny. Grubbs said the day's events helped students relax.

"They can walk in on Monday and sit down next to someone and talk to that person. It's about letting down barriers and having a good time," she said.