OPINION: Landon Collabs “Could be Improved With More Diversity, Freedom and Progression”

Photo courtesy of Holton communications

The Holton-Landon collabs are always a topic of discussion in the halls. From excitement to uneasiness, they spark a wide range of emotions, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of students.

Although the two schools are brother-sister schools, I don’t believe we spend enough time together during the collabs for me to truly consider any of those boys my brothers.

Typically, the collabs include various activities around Holton and Landon. We usually run through a predictable mix of ice breakers, minute-to-win-its, pictionary and relay races. However, sometimes things can get interesting, and cooler activities can occur. One of my favorite collabs was wandering around the National Zoo with friends in tenth grade. I think that this freedom turned the day into a fun and more flexible experience.

The main thing that decides the amount of fun I have at a collab is our predetermined groups. I have had both comfortable and less comfortable groups, and I can pretty confidently say the people in your group can really make or break the day.

For example, I felt successful at the recent discussion collab about protests on college campuses because I had a few familiar faces in my group. I knew they recognized me too when the first thing they said was, “Oh, I remember you—weren’t you the girl with the black eye?” Indeed, I was. For those who recall, I ended up with a scarily large black eye the day before the Landon collab last

spring.

Though an unexpected conversation starter, this moment helped us open up, work together and fully engage in the discussion. Realizing that familiarity plays a crucial role in these interactions, I

left the collab in good spirits. Holton should consider repeat groups when structuring future collabs.

If we only meet twice a year and are placed in entirely new groups each time, forming meaningful connections between our schools becomes nearly impossible. Maintaining some continuity could create a more engaging and productive experience.

Overall, I can see the benefits of the Landon collabs as an opportunity to engage with different experiences and perspectives. However, the meet-ups could be improved with more diversity, freedom and progression. And please no icebreakers!