Class of '07 'bumps' sophomore slump

Twelve gallons of ice cream, a Da Ali G Show DVD and class camaraderie provided a much-needed break from midterms for sophomores last night.

In Houston Hall's Hall of Flags, approximately 300 sophomore students gathered for the "Bump to the Sophomore Slump" event.

At this class board-organized study break, students could "make themselves ice cream sundaes, listen to the Penny Loafers perform a 30-minute set and get free massages. ... Everyone [had] a great time," Class Vice President of Corporate Sponsorship Jake Ginsberg said.

It was "meant to relax and entertain our classmates," Class President Andrew Kaplan said. "It was about bringing our class together and celebrating sophomore year."

Wharton sophomore Carlos Buitelaar especially welcomed this event, he said, after his accounting midterm.

"I needed ice cream to make me feel better," Buitelaar said. He added that "Ali G makes everything worthwhile."

College sophomore Katrina Block also said she looked forward to the event. After having two midterms yesterday, she said ice cream was just what she needed.

"After four hours of sleep, this is really amazing," Block said.

Block's across-the-hall neighbor, College sophomore Anne Kircher, joined Block in her proclaimed love of ice cream.

"The only thing better than ice cream is free ice cream," Kircher said, while eating a large bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough drizzled in chocolate syrup and sprinkles.

For others, the four professional massage therapists provided a much-needed relief of tension.

Joseph Clarke, the Wharton representative to the Class of '07 board, explained that he has already had three midterms. "The massage especially helped, since my back has been tense from" testing and studying, he said.

One sophomore even got a little bit of entertainment while she received her massage.

"My massage was fabulous. My masseuse was a comedian, so it was great. His name is Art, he's 75 years old and it was amazing," Nursing sophomore Lindsey Gerngross said.

For those sophomores on sports teams, the massage was a must-have experience.

College sophomore Diana Zalewski is on the crew team and has been spending day after day in the weight room.

"I really needed that massage. It was excellent after all that lifting," Zalewski said.

Still, as all the different activities went on in Houston Hall, many students' minds were cluttered with thoughts of Game Seven of the American League Championship Series. Some even had friends text-message them the score as the night went on.

College sophomore and Class Board Treasurer Nat Brogadir was especially preoccupied with the game.

He remarked, "Everyone's a little more relaxed by the massages and [a lot more] relaxed by the thoughts of the Red Sox making history tonight in Game Seven."

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