Rubbing a statue for good luck before exams.
RUBBING A STATUE FOR GOOD LUCK BEFORE EXAMS.
Follow for more deep dives into the traditions that shaped us.
There’s a unique current flowing through the hallowed halls of our institutions, a blend of intense intellectual pursuit and utterly bizarre, sometimes heartwarming, rituals. From the primal screams erupting in the dead of night to the hushed secrets of ancient societies, these traditions weave themselves into the fabric of our student experience, becoming as much a part of our identity as our chosen major.
Think back to the eve of a brutal final, the weight of expectations heavy on your shoulders. Remember that pilgrimage, perhaps a frantic sprint, to a particular statue or plaque? A quick, almost desperate rub for a fleeting moment of hoped-for cosmic intervention. Whether it was the polished toe of a founding figure, the worn nose of a legendary professor, or some other unassuming campus artifact, that simple act was a shared whisper across generations: "Please, just let me pass." It was a silly superstition, yes, but also a moment of shared vulnerability and quiet camaraderie.
These little acts, whether we loved them or perhaps secretly found them a bit absurd, are more than just quirky customs. They are anchors in a demanding environment, creating a sense of belonging, a shared historical narrative. They remind us that even amidst the relentless pursuit of knowledge, there's a human element, a need for ritual, for connection, and sometimes, for just a tiny bit of luck. They are the threads, both visible and hidden, that bind us across decades, uniting those still navigating the labyrinthine campus paths with those who now carry their degrees into the wider world.
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