As part of an ongoing community outreach effort, the Center for Research and Writing hosted a fall-themed movie night, screening the 2014 Cartoon Network miniseries “Over the Garden Wall.”
The screening was held at the center’s lounge and headquarters, in Room 111 of the Mason Library on Thursday, September 19.
The miniseries, an animated standalone created by Patrick McHale follows the story of Wirt and Greg, step brothers who become lost in a woodland fantasy land. The show won a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy in 2015 for “Outstanding Animated Program,” and has been embraced by many as a seasonal staple.
Senior and Head Tutor for the Center for Research and Writing Moses Fisher organized the event to encourage students to utilize the center, and view it as a welcoming space.
“My goal is to get people in here. It’s a wonderful resource that most people don’t know about, and I wanted people to know that this is a place where they can get the help they need, but also just hangout if they want, and come to know the Center for Research and Writing as a welcoming, helpful and fun space,” said Fisher.
“It really is a space designed for students,” Fisher added.
Fisher said he wants to help students feel at home on campus.
“I think a lot of people are adjusting to the fact that this college is now their home for the time being, and providing an atmosphere that’s more like home is super important,” said Fisher.
“Going to a new college in a new town can be very alienating, and events like this, which give people a cozy and relaxing way to unwind, can help make it feel more like home and less alien,” Fisher added.
The screening is one of many events the Center for Research and Writing will be hosting this year, including an upcoming craft night in October.
Junior and Head Tutor Evan Parker said the screening can help foster stronger ties between the center and the larger student community.
“People can be apprehensive about booking an appointment for help with us, and that could be because of a stigma around tutoring, but also if they’ve never been here, which can be intimidating,” Parker said.
“We’ve tried to alleviate that with having people come into the writing center during orientation, but that’s a small part of a big day and getting people in here for fun events can help bridge that gap,” added Parker.
Director for the Center of Research and Writing Katherine Tirabassi said the center will have plenty of other events coming up.
“The tutors come up with the events, and there’s always something fun we’re working on. I’d encourage students to check our social media to stay up to date on the excitement,” Tirabassi said.
Senior Benjamin Katz saw promotional posters for the event, and decided to attend.
“I enjoyed the screening a lot because I love “Over the Garden Wall.” I love watching it, but it’s always more fun with other people,” said Katz.
“The whole night and the vibe was really chill,” Katz added.
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
