Most colleges do not promote “flunking,” but here at Knox College we celebrate it (just not in the way that you think). Flunk Day is a school holiday when classes are cancelled and students are roused before dawn and partake in carnival games and general shenaniganry. Half of the fun of Flunk Day is that no one but those who plan it knows on what day it takes place. As soon as the spring trimester begins, the Knox atmosphere is abuzz with Flunk Day speculations. One professor cancelled class; tomorrow must be Flunk Day! Some of the janitorial staff are taking the next two days off; tomorrow must be Flunk Day! The Dean of Students was eating a corndog at lunch; tomorrow must be Flunk Day! You get the gist.
In addition to rumors, seniors often plan Flunk Day “scares” to try and trick underclassmen into believing that it is Flunk Day. This adds to the air of uncertainty, but it also adds to the pure excitement and anticipation. In fact, many students make a habit of waking up at 5:30 A.M. on days rumored to be Flunk Day to check for the official Flunk Day e-mail.
Why am I blathering on about this? Because yesterday was, in fact, Flunk Day, and it was really spectacular. From dawn until dusk Knox students romped amidst inflatable carnival games such as: an obstacle course, a mechanical bull, and go–cart course (whose cars were actually motorized toilets). There was a bungee jump and over-sized table games. There were arts and crafts and tables covered in candy. All day, students covered in mud, paint, and soap suds ran about campus laughing and singing. Some, myself included, even got to shake hands with Abraham Lincoln (well, his impersonator at least). It was so much fun to see so many of my peers free of school books and backpacks. Getting the chance to just have fun with my fellow Knox students proved to me that, we are more than just peers. Knox really is a community.
