Lights twinkled, candles flickered, and voices murmured as students from both Judson and MMI mingled in the student center for the first Coffee House of the semester.
Coffee House is a much loved Judson tradition organized by the SGA Vice President of Activities, Liz Alsobrook. Students from both Judson and MMI (Marion Military Institute) gather in the student center – more commonly known as the “J” – to enjoy a variety of coffee and snacks. As well as being a time for students to relax and socialize, Coffee House is also a time when students are encouraged to share their talents with their peers. This can include singing a song, playing an instrument, reciting a poem, or even performing a magic or science trick. Popular performances from this semester’s Coffee House included a ukulele rendition of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” performed by SGA president Katie Owens, Honor Council president Lillie Hobson, and Jordan Ross. Abigail Wood, along with Erin Brown, Kate Wright, Lauren Hurt, and Jyasmine Torres, regaled those in attendance with yet another beautifully coordinated selection from Veggie Tales’ “Silly Songs with Larry.”
Other memorable performances included a duet with two of the MMI cadets, in which one sang and the other rapped. Lauren Hurt performed twice, the first time playing a guitar while singing, and the second time choosing to offer a recitation of a section of Psalms. Holly Brock also performed twice, the second time receiving a Coffee House version of a standing ovation: students waving their lighted cell phones in tandem. The final performance of the night that stood out was Joyce Lavatai, who captured the attention of all in attendance with a beautiful traditional song from her homeland of Hawaii which required her to sing in both Hawaiian and English.
To anyone unfamiliar with Judson tradition, Coffee House would appear to be simply a time for students to hang out and drink coffee while people play an instrument or sing in the background; yet Coffee House is so much more. Coffee House is a time for students to gather and unwind from the stress of the semester, as well as to interact with friends from the community that they have not seen in a while. This event is also a time for students to showcase their talents in an atmosphere where they will be supported and respected by their friends and peers; anyone and everyone are welcome to perform, and people who are a little nervous taking the stage always receive words of encouragement from the audience. When the stress of college life threatens to drag you down, there are not many things more soothing than sitting in the warmth of the J sipping coffee by candlelight surrounded by friends.