Originally published in the Grace College newspaper Sounding Board in October 2019.
Students Carry On with Stargazing Event Despite Weather
By Sarah Turek
After the Lady Lancers won their Homecoming soccer game, dozens of students stayed after the game Wednesday night for a scheduled stargazing event. The rain did not keep the soccer players from peak performance during their game, but it did create a problem for the would-be stargazers. An overcast sky loomed over the students as they waited for the crowds to clear out. Many commented on the weather and expressed surprise that the event had not been called off. A handful of growth groups arrived, planning on spending their weekly meeting time out under the stars.
Initially, the students were not sure what to do or where to go. At the appointed time for the stargazing event to start, nobody in charge of the event had arrived. It seemed that the stargazing had been rained out, but no announcement had been made cancelling the event.
“I kept checking my email for a cancellation notice, but it never showed up,” a growth group leader mentioned.
A handful of students walked onto the soccer field, and a very confused staff member stuck his head out the press box’s window and said,
“I’m not sure you’re in the right place…”
“We aren’t either!” chorused several students cheerfully.
Suddenly, the students collectively remembered they were supposed to go to the practice field and began wandering over to set up. Amiably chatting, they headed to the practice field and spread out to sit with friends and growth groups.
“This is the coolest group on campus!” declared Jodi Flickery, wrapped in a blanket.
Nearly an hour later, about 24 students remained out on the dark field. Alpha 3 East and Alpha 2 East were having a great time hanging out with their growth groups. Despite the cloudy weather, these ladies were having fun listening to music, making star puns, and watching for the occasional breaks in cloud cover. One girl had a stargazing app on her phone, figuring out which constellations were behind various cloud formations.
“These are the real stars right here,” Caroline Jones said about her growth group.
As everyone gathered their blankets and headed back to their dorms, several girls commented that they found the time relaxing and that they’d like to go stargazing again when the skies were clear. If another stargazing event is scheduled in the future, there will definitely be many students happy to spend time together under the stars!
Sarah Turek Productions 