After applying to transfer houses and getting accepted, I was ecstatic. However, community is not something that finds you, you must look for it. Luckily, at K-House, it is not a problem.

As a senior, choosing to transfer Houses was a heavy decision. After it was made and I received word that my new house was Kirkland, I could not wait to partake in all of its traditions. Now having lived in Kirkland for over a month, let me tell you about my favorite characteristics of the kommunity (Kirkland community).

The Kirkland Faculty Deans' Open House hosts bi-weekly events in which students are welcomed to their house to eat, chat, and overall immerse themselves in the Kirkland community. It is a great opportunity to not only chat with them, but meet other Kirklanders. Not only can you meet other students but tutors, house aides, and even pets make appearances! These nights are essentially study breaks, so make sure you attend and take advantage of them.

Another fun house activity are Kirkland Steins which are hosted by Kirk Hoco, composed of students from the house. These events happen on Thursdays where food, drinks, and activities are available. This is also another chance to meet more people. This has been wonderful for me as a senior in the house. It gives me the opportunity to hang out with my adopted blockmates, have great conversations with house staff, all while getting an extra sweet treat. Sometimes these events will have activities like cornhole. Two weeks ago, one of the activities included posing like the namesake of the house. Students were provided with a quick outfit change, props, and access to a photographer (me!).

Lastly, the House plans and arranges the Kirkland Sophomore Dinner which is held for incoming Kirkland students just around Concentration Declaration Day. This event serves not only as a formal welcome to Kirkland for sophomores, but is also a celebration of the declaration of study. As the new House Photographer, I had the opportunity to capture this event for the House archives. Students were catered dinner and dessert while listening to speeches from the House and Resident Deans. They were also given Kirkland pins!

Overall, Kirkland has been such a welcoming place. I am on a first-name basis with the Faculty and Resident Deans. I have also immersed myself by working for the House as a photographer. My suitemates have ensured that I feel a part of the House. If everything had to play out the way it did for me to finally feel at home, I would do it again. Thank you Kirkland House!