Since I first set foot on this campus, I’ve looked forward to the day that I might stand among my peers and marvel at all of the wonderful, less-than-academic opportunities that four years of college can offer us. On March 19 and 20, we did just that. During Serendipity 2010, Guilford showcased a wide variety of community-building activities, games and music that helped everyone get ready for spring.

But these weren’t the real draw. What really got people out during Serendipity was the chance to bring so many students together to share a single experience.

“The thing about Serendipity . . . is that it’s not necessarily the particular events that create a great weekend, but rather it is the mentality that nearly all of the students share that creates such an enjoyable atmosphere,” said sophomore Erich Pohanka.

But, as with every Serendipity before it, this one began with confusion, a minor (though important) amount of explanation and, finally, an explosion of festivities lasting for the majority of the weekend.

Thursday

On March 18 at 10:30 p.m. in Milner Lounge, resident advisers met with students to discuss changes in Serendipity policy and safety tips for the festival. First item on the agenda, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Serendipity” –

DO: Go to programs!!

DON’T: Be an idiot.

DO: Wear protection.

DON’T: Be an idiot. Yes, it needs to be said twice.

“What actually happens?” asked first-year Taylor Seitz. “Lots of people say it’s wonderful and lots of people say it’s horrifying and even more people say it’s both.”

“It’s definitely both,” responded resident advisor Caiden Hogan.

Friday

Beginning with the CAB Serendipity Kickoff Supper Block Party on March 19, the festival started off with a bountiful banquet provided by Meriwether Godsey and the Caf workers. Underneath the bright sun that seemed to come out just to grace Serendipity with its warmth, the burgers, salad and pink lemonade made for a perfect beginning to a celebration of the coming season.

“The weather could not have been better, and I think it encouraged students to be out and about more during the day than we have seen in the past as well, which was great,” said Jen Agor, associate dean for campus life. “Honestly, it is the first year in three years of me doing duty for Serendipity that I actually had fun myself!”

After a meal on the Grill patio and Bryan-Milner lawn, many students attended the CAB-sponsored carnival in Ragan-Brown Gym, while others saw a performance by comedian and hypnotist Alain Nu.

The carnival provided a diverse array of inflatable rides and entertainment, as well as an opportunity to get a wax replica of your hand made.

“I really like the general attitude of the weekend. Everyone seems really happy and excited about the whole thing,” said first-year Ben Nelson, as he unstrapped himself from a carnival ride’s harness. “The whole school seems to be in a great mood, which is cool to see, as I haven’t really experienced anything so far that would get Guilford students that excited.”

Saturday

On March 20, the street fair opened up to an enormous crowd fresh from the previous night’s excitement and ready to spend a day in the sun relaxing and having fun.

The Byran-Milner lawn was taken over by a Slip ‘n’ Slide, while on the Grill patio the Battle of the Bands entertained a huge crowd of listeners.

Among them were senior Daron Whitmore and first-year Beau Young of the band Superteam, as well as seniors Ben Storey and AnneMarie Drolet of Mixed Signals and sophomores Chris Johnson and Erich Pohanka of Gin-Ginger and the Babyteeth.

“It felt really great to be playing on stage. This was the first time in a very long time that I’ve performed in front of people,” said Johnson. “I was so grateful that it was around 70 degrees and sunny the whole time.”

At the end of the show, the ever-catchy and hilarious Mixed Signals won, partially due to their infectious song “Cat on Keyboard.”

As bands roared on and folks enjoyed the cooling slip-and-slide, the Fancy Feet Contra Dance in Dana Auditorium twirled and swayed away stress and the CAB Scavenger Hunt helped students reacquaint themselves with the campus with the aid of a Power Rangers coloring book.

But the main attraction for many was the CAB Concert on Saturday night, featuring Battle of the Bands winner Mixed Signals, solo artist Molly Marlette and student-voted favorite, Man Man.

“The highlight of the weekend was definitely seeing Man Man play last night. It was my fifth time seeing them play, and having them play at our school was probably the best show out of all the others,” said Johnson.

“All I know is that Serendipity kicked my ass,” said junior Wes Good after crowd-surfing during the Man Man show. “I ended up getting more into it than I expected.”

Sunday

As I sat in the couch of my common room the next morning, reveling in what I’d done the night before – and why it made my head hurt so much – I wondered how safe we had been and what the consequences of this weekend would be.

“Mostly, we just walked around – we had to document students, but no one went to the hospital,” said Agor, when asked about security rounds. “There wasn’t a lot of belligerence or craziness – people just had fun.”

And so the festival ends. With sunshine, music and intoxication etched into our minds, we get back to the daily grind.

“I would like to say that we greatly appreciate the overall attitude of the students this weekend,” said Agor. “And I hope students felt we gave them the respect and cooperation they deserved as well.”

“But as it goes with Serendipity, the weekend blew by so quickly,” said Johnson. “And now it is gray and colder outside and I’m left with tons of homework.