By Alaina Webb
Spring Sing is a glorious time on Harding’s campus when the culmination of a semester of hard work is presented
Easter weekend in front of thousands of alumni, students and Searcy residents. But for many freshmen and other new club members, Spring Sing is a responsibility that was given to them and not asked for.
The newest club members are traditionally expected to perform in Spring Sing because freshmen are said to have the easiest class load, and it’s almost like your rite of passage in your Harding experience. While this can be true for some, I’ve found being forced into Spring Sing just because of my classification and position in a social club is unfair and upsetting.
During the club process, Spring Sing directors paint a picture of a magical and fun bonding experience that doesn’t require an abundance of time. They don’t tell you about Saturday and Sunday rehearsal times, the cost to participate in the show and the class time lost because of Jersey Night, dress rehearsal and matinée performances.
I am in no way against the tradition of Spring Sing itself because it is beautiful to see the different social clubs on campus rally together for a weekend and raise money for charitable organizations. However, the tradition that freshman social club members must perform in the show is ridiculous.
Spring semester is a struggle for the entire campus body because of the fast pace of courses along with the absence of enough breaks from school, and the freshman class is probably struggling the most. The learning curve of balancing classes, homework and tests on top of extracurriculars like club functions, work and relationships is one that is tough to manage without the addition of Spring Sing.
Freshman year is an opportunity to explore new experiences you choose for yourself. Spring Sing may be an activity that you choose to participate in freely without pressures from your social club members, and that is great. Nevertheless, the unwritten rule that freshmen are obligated to do Spring Sing is foolish. It should be a choice, not a mandate.
Freshmen participating in Spring Sing may have the best time of their entire Harding experience and it may foster wonderful relationships, but your option to participate should not be decided due to your classification.
