Starting the Semester with a Splash: Hosting My First SPC Event

 

As an event coordinator for the Student Planning Committee, I knew hosting my first event of the semester would be exciting. I just did not realize how memorable it would be.

This semester, I had the opportunity to coordinate Dive-In Movie, an event held at the King Horn pool. Instead of the traditional movie night setup, we invited students to float in the pool while watching the classic thriller “Jaws.” It felt like the perfect way to kick off the semester, a mix of fun, creativity and just the right about of irony.

I arrived at 6:15 p.m. with one of my friends to begin setting up. Even though the movie did not start until 8:80 p.m., there was plenty to do. We organized the check-in area, tested the projection equipment and made sure the sound could be heard throughout the entire pool space. One of my favorite parts of planning was purchasing inner tubes and pool noodles for students to use during the movie. Seeing the colorful floats stacked on the deck made everything feel real.

As students began arriving, the energy in the pool shifted. Many of the students who attended were members of the swim team, which made the night even more special. The pool is already a second home to us, so hosting the event in our space created a comfortable and familiar atmosphere. It was fun to watch them enjoy the pool in a completely different way, not for practice or competition, but simply to relax with friends.

There is something about hosting an event you planned that makes every detail feel amplified. I found myself double checking everything while also trying to soak in the moment. By the time the opening scene of “Jaws” played on the big screen, students were already floating comfortably, laughing and taking pictures.

Throughout the night, I walked around to make sure everything was running smoothly. Seeing students relax, especially those who spent hours training in the same pool, reminded me why I joined SPC in the first place. Planning takes time and effort, but moments like that make it worth it.

By the time we wrapped up and finished cleaning, it was 11:30 p.m. We were tired but proud. To celebrate, my friend and I made a late night trip to McDonald’s, the perfect ending to a long but successful night.

Hosting Dive-In Movie was the best way I could have imagined starting the semester. It challenged me, excited me and confirmed that being an event coordinator is exactly where I am meant to be.