For those of you wondering…what even is Nykerk? This is Nykerk (from a song-girl’s perspective) in less than 400 words.
Words that collectively make me think Nykerk as a big picture are song, play, oration, women, family, morale, and coaches. Basically it’s a big competition between the sophomore and freshmen women who are coached by the seniors and the juniors, respectively, in song, play, and oration. A huge part of Nykerk is the morale, the boys who keep the ladies excited and encouraged throughout the month of intense practices.
So what? I know you want me to tell you more. Nykerk is…
1. Tradition. Nykerk is tradition and you don’t question it. If your song coach tells you to punch your fists in the air, wear (what us song-girls have appropriately termed) a nun-fit, smile for the entirety of the three-hour show, you do it. Ask why and the best answer you’ll get is *shrug* “Tradition.”
2. Being encouraged. Throughout the Nykerk season all of the song-girls, play-girls, and the orator are moraled by the “morale-boys”. I had a song-boy who was so awesome and sweet! They go by a codename until the night before Nykerk when they reveal themselves to you! I also had an odd-year sister, who was so odd-mazing as well!
3. Friends, wait, family. Since you spend two to three hours a month with the same people everyday, except for Sunday, you get to know them pretty well. It’s a great way to meet people outside of your hall, too! I love seeing the two girls I sat in-between during the performance : ) It brightens my day.
4. Fun. When all is said, sang, and done, Nykerk is really a great time. I can’t imagine having not done Nykerk this year. It brought me closer to the girls in my cluster as well as a lot of new people! The laughs we shared throughout practices are unforgettable, and there’s no place I’d rather be (Na na na na na, no place I’d rather be!).
There it is: Nykerk in under 400 words. You might still be a little confused, and so be it, because this tradition is something you have to experience to understand.
If you have any questions for me you can contact me at brookelyn.wharton@hope.edu, through Facebook, or my twitter @hopebrooke18! I’d love to answer them!