By Gabriel Reed They were right. The days are long and the weeks are short. It seems like yesterday we were just moving in. Since then we have grown from strangers to family. And all of a sudden, it’s over.
“The term community is often thrown around a lot at GSP, but at Cheek 3 we are a family. Over the past 5 weeks we have become friends from strangers and family from friends . It is impossible to describe the relationships that I have made in C3 but one word will suffice… Quaid.”
“Heck of a hall, Quaid was a chill RA and the people were great. Lots of funny, laid back people in Cheek 3 hall. I’m glad to call myself a third Cheek for GSP 2023.”
“While on the surface Cheek looks like just a hall; it means much more to all of us. We all kicked it off quick and it soared from there. Having an RA like Quaid who is laid back and our friend, but also holds a high level of respect pulled the hall even closer. The goofy and deep conversations we all had will be something I never forget and never stop cherishing. The guys I met in my hall will be friends for life and that is something I’m so grateful for. Cheek 3 on top!
“Cheek 3 is truly the best of Centre, with the smelly AC, and the smelliest rooms. And like an amazing group, the connections are thicker than blood, with our leader Quaid being our guiding light. C3 on top!
“Cheek 3 is really the best floor I could’ve been placed on. With the feel of community and the amount of inside, Cheek 3 really feels like home.”
“A group of shy, awkward caterpillars entered the third floor Cheek on the first day, and 30 well developed butterflies will be leaving the best floor in GSP history.”
“Cheek 3 is the most interesting cultural experience that I’ve been a part of. With the most unwarranted pride of ‘C3,’ I really believe we may be the most interesting bunch of buffoons I’ll ever know. As someone who loves intersting insanity in anything, C3 has been the best experience I could’ve asked for.”
“Cheek 3 makes the stupidest references and jokes and the only reason is because Quaid is as involved in the funny stuff as we are. Such as when Owen wrestled Stephen and got picked up and thrown on his head, then got mad at Quaid!”
“Cheek 3 has been full of personality. The past weeks have been full of many laughs and memories. Everyone in this hall is full of potential and I cannot wait to see the success in all of their futures. I could not have asked for a better group of guys to be in my hall. Thank you all for making this summer the best it possibly could.”
Every part of Kentucky is represented in our hall. We came from so many backgrounds, yet we all immediately connected. Together we have made memories and forged bonds that will never be broken. I am lucky to have a hall that is supportive, caring, relaxed, and funny all at the same time. I am going to miss C3, but I will always throw up the C3 sign with the utmost pride. We are a community of scholars, and my GSP experience could not have been better with my incredible hall being a big part of it. It was an honor to cover our story in the Governor’s Scholars Post. Goodbye Cheek 3, and thank you so so much. For the last time…
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By Gabriel Reed This past Saturday, the “broest hall on campus,” had an incredible bonding experience; lasagna night. The lasagna was cooked by Brendan, a well known showcase performer on the guitar. Let me tell you, the lasagna was delicious, and there were options, too. Brendan and our glorious RA Quaid journeyed over to the Northside kitchen to make the lasagna, one with meat sauce, one with mariana. In the meantime, Cheek 3 scholars had the chance to bond with one another in the basement, either playing monopoly, socializing on the coach, or even wrestling. Eventually Brendan and Quiad returned with the lasagna and we all shared in a delicious meal. After we ate the lasagna, a few scholars went up for an afterparty in my room where we listened to music, watched the USMNT beat Canada, and somehow called my dad. It was an incredible time with incredible people, and although my room was destroyed, I would do it again anytime. Lasagna night bonding is one of the reasons I absolutely love GSP. Reflecting on the time I’ve spent with them, it saddens me that there will only be one more Cheek Check In, but we will make sure to cherish every moment. By Gabriel Reed Last Wednesday, Cheek 3 had the privilege of hosting a party for Eid-Al-Adha, one of the largest celebrations in Islam. To understand the importance of this event, it should be known that scholars around campus have been referring to it as “Muslim Christmas”. Yet, prior to a week and a half ago, none of us knew what it actually was.
In case you didn’t hear, we all went around saying, “downstairs Cheek basement, June 28th,” and people showed up. Walking into Cheek basement, I was immediately shocked by how many people turned out for a holiday that came from a religion most scholars did not practice. Down in the basement was hot and sweaty but the energy was palpable. There was so much energy, in fact, that it had to be moved to the Cheek parking lot. The event finally culminated in a massive Bollywood dance circle, with Layth teaching us many traditional moves. The party was absolutely crazy! Some people even stayed until hall meetings forced them to leave. One of the most special parts of Eid-Al-Adha is the idea of Umma. The Umma is an individual’s Muslim community, and one of the big pillars of Eid is getting the entire Umma together. This was Layth’s first time experiencing Eid without his Umma, yet he claims that it was one of the best Eids he’s had. I asked what it means to have so many people show up who aren’t even Muslim and he said, “Being the first Muslim that all the people on my floor knew, they really embraced my culture, tried to understand it, and tried to get other people excited about it… It really means a lot not just because they tried to understand my culture, but also being able to have a community together to do all the traditions that I love.” This represents everything GSP is. We are one united community embracing each other for our uniqueness. Here, there is only us. And even as a Catholic, I couldn’t be more happy to have the opportunity to celebrate this special holiday with my friend. |
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