By Louisa Weinard, Stentorian Staff Writer
Taking your first steps on campus can be daunting. The complex naming conventions of the campus buildings and the multistory floor map complete with tunnels, twists, and turns can catch your eye and take up your attention. However, as you explore this place, there are some unique characteristics to find that add to the clever, quirky personality of Science and Math.
- Koi fish are fond of the art pond
Go ahead and stroll on out the Reynolds breezeway side door closest to Beall and follow the sideway to the right. You will end up at one of two established ponds on campus! The art pond is home to beautiful flowers, nice white noise, peacefulness, and some striking fish. If you take a good look into the water, you will find some colored creatures enjoying their time next to the art studio. A great way to reconnect with nature after a long school day!
- Sidewalk stroll around school
While the sidewalks on the front of campus are often in use by students or faculty, the path on the backside of campus is much quieter. You may find a cross-country runner speeding over the slight hill along Sprunt Avenue or a neighborhood walker taking in the view of UniVille. The trail that follows the corner of the soccer field even allows a brief moment where you are fully one with nature, with trees on both sides.
- Watts Tunnel delightful ducks
As you walk out of the Ground Watts classrooms heading to Reynolds, look to your right! The end of the wall boasts a myriad of doodles and drawings from past students. Some particularly intriguing drawings are those of happy ducks. Though a bit far from a pond, the impressive artistic skill used to create these birds adds some spirit to the dark, spooky tunnels.
- Staircase surprises
NCSSM boasts many sets of staircases, and one of the most interesting is the stairs from the PFM up to the physics floor. You may find that the number of steps you take between floors changes as you go higher. This quirky architectural design is also portrayed in the ceiling heights of the different Bryan/Beall floors. Also, don’t forget about the ETC stairwell to the right of the entrance to the music suite. It is easy to breeze past that staircase and think you have to wander through the ETC to make your way to the Dry Lab, but there are stairs to get you there even quicker!
- A variety of vending machines
Are you hungry past PFM hours? Is a need for sugar distracting you from work? Don’t worry, there are many vending machines on campus to feed your appetite! With several different versions across Hunt, Reynolds, and Bryan, a variety of snacks are easily within reach. However, be careful to note which type of food or drink is located where, as some are not found in all the machines. Also, be mindful of how you are paying⎯some machines prefer cash and some prefer card.
I encourage each of you to take up the challenge of seeking out each of these features and looking closer into some integral parts of the NCSSM landscape!
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