A West Coaster spending her first prolonged period of time on the East Coast, Taylor has been making the most of her time here at EXPLO. Taylor gave us a sneak peek into her first sleepaway program experience, from obliterating staff with colorful "bombs" during Colorfest to raving about Park Place Bagels...and so much more.
As a West Coaster, how have you been liking the East Coast?
A lot of people say that there's a big debate between the West Coast and the East Coast. I've only been to the East Coast a few times before, but I think they're pretty even. The West Coast has much better beaches, in my humble opinion, and we get to surf, and we don't have rain that much — at least not where I'm from. But the East Coast has way better bagels, way better pizza, and I like being forced to walk everywhere.
Can you give me a recap of your day today?
I started my morning at 7:53 am. I wake up at exactly 7:53. We're getting specific here. I go to eat waffles, obviously. Then, I go to The Ville, and I buy way too much food, especially popcorn. Also, shout out to Park Place Bagels — so good. There was love put into those bagels. I will never stop talking about them. If Park Place Bagels reads this, please sponsor me.
Then, I went to go decorate canvas bags, and I got a bunch of people to sign mine. Then, we had Colorfest. Then we had Flex Time, dinner, and Family Feud, which we (Comet House) got second place in, and I answered some of the questions right — woooo!
Can you explain to our readers out there what Colorfest is?
Basically, there's a bunch of people out on the field. We're all gathered into our living groups. We all have white shirts on. Then, we get to put our sponges in colored water, and we throw them at everyone. Picture me absolutely obliterating some staff members, thank you. Shout out to Mike, specifically. I'm getting soaked by red water, especially. And then the powder comes out. I had about 20 different handprints all over my back. It was a glorious moment — it was my first Color War, which I had been waiting for for years!
Has there been a particular highlight of your first two weeks here at EXPLO?
Can I give more than one? Colorfest automatically makes the top ten. That was the most fun thing I've ever done. It outshines everything I've done up until this moment in my life. The Fourth of July Block Party was also really fun. Getting to pie Mike in the face was amazing (check out the Fourth of July Block Party video for the footage!). Just in general, the events have been really fun. Another highlight: moving into my dorm on the first day — it was a mind-blowing experience. Every time I walk into my dorm, I'm just like: "I'm at a college right now!"
Anything else you'd like to share with the blog?
Shout out to my mom! If you read this, hi! I'm having a great time. And shout out to my dog, Charlie. Love you guys!
Victoria Lyons