It began as a senate bill, proposed by Class of 2015 member Kay Burnside. Senate, usually concerned with tightening the handbook or loosening rules, had a different issue that day: swing sets.

It is many months later, with progenitor Burnside long gone, that four plastic swing seats are seeing the bright sunshine from the small lot east of Goen Hall. Costing $1,500.00, partially raised by the Class of 2015, this swing set appeared sometime during spring break, surprising the students who were collectively unaware of this gift.

The students did not remain unaware for long. Many students could be seen swinging in the cold wind that night, and even now, weeks later, at least a few seats are occupied at most times of the day. So what do the swings mean to the students?

Well, to those rushing to meet the May 9th wellness card pickup, it means some extra points. Wellness coordinator Nisa Moody says that the swinging does count as wellness, though when the swings might be full, as they often are, she asks that you sign out for walking and swinging, so that you remain active while waiting.

Dajah Carter says, “I agree with the wellness decision, because I’m not just sitting around. I’m outside, I’m using my body, and that is more than I’m doing with most other things I do for wellness.” Rhett Hailey echoes this, saying “it’s better than playing ping pong for wellness.”

However, for the most part, the swings are loved for the fun, not the wellness points. Goen Hall director LaToya Bledsoe feels that the swings mean motivation for the students, saying, “I think the swingset is viewed as a positive reinforcement for our students to just relax and enjoy.” She wishes for more than one swing set.

Hailey says, “it allows me to destress,” and talks about how it relieves his academic worries. Summar McGee finds the swingset imperfect but worth it: “It is not very tall, and I’m tall, so I wish it was adult size, but, regardless, it’s fun.”