Pforzheimer House boasts its spa. Lowell surrounds two beautiful courtyards. Mather House has a pottery and woodturning studio. 

We all know the reputations of certain houses. When I was assigned to Kirkland, I’ll admit I was less than thrilled. Everyone kept telling me that the people and the community were unparalleled, but it’s hard to ignore the flashy perks other houses flaunt. I found myself wondering how the people I pass in the halls could ever be more impactful on my daily experience than the room I sleep in or the amenities I enjoy? 

But the residents of Kirkland aren't just ghosts in the stairwells or faces in the dining hall. I finally understood this through my favorite pastime: athletics. 

I played three sports in high school, and it was a core part of my identity. Coming to college, I felt I’d lost that. I wasn't varsity material, and I was far too shy to dive into first-year intramurals. Despite missing the thrill of competition, I kept to myself, stuck with solo runs, gym visits, and ignored that itch to get back on the field. 

That changed days after joining Kirkland. An email from the resident deans invited me to the intramural group chats. On a whim, I joined the soccer chat. I was immediately welcomed and invited to a game later that week. I even shifted my schedule to make it, and the experience was electric. I hadn't felt that active, or that breathless at halftime, in years. More importantly, I hadn't felt that welcomed by a group of strangers in as long as I can remember. 

Shortly after, I was pulled into flag football. I’d never played competitively and didn't think I had the skills, but I showed up anyway. I expected to sit on the sidelines as an alternate, but they wanted me on the field immediately. When I subbed in, my teammates were supportive, cheering for my speed and validating my presence. It wasn't just sportsmanship, I felt genuine appreciation. 

The next morning, I was shocked to see I was placed into the softball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball group chats. My phone had dozens of welcomes from all the Kirkland members who were excited to share their sport with the rising sophboars (the boar is Kirkland's mascot). A wave of excitement and joy washed over me. I hadn't just regained the feeling I’d been missing; I’d found something better. 

Kirkland’s intramurals made me realize that I’d been holding myself back out of fear of not belonging. Now that I’m part of the team, I can't imagine living anywhere else. We’re coming for the Straus Cup next year, and we’re doing it together. Because, in the end, all students have access to the fancy amenities the other houses hold, but the community Kirkland House has built doesn't come with swipe access.