Being Gowned

As I sat in All Saints sandwiched between my mom and my friend whom would gown me, I wondered what exactly it was that I was about to be a part of. Some people never wear their gowns and some people never seem to take theirs off, but what exactly would my gown mean to me? Here are some things that I have been reminded of in the short week that I have been a new member of the Order of the Gownsmen:

1. It is something that connects you to Sewanee history

Nate Foster, the president of the Order of the Gownsmen, said something powerful in his introduction.  He said that wearing a gown is a way of embodying the energy of all those who have worn it in the past. It’s amazing to think that important people like buisness CEOs or famous writers or even professors we learn from on the Domain were also once given the opportunity to wear a gown.  It is a good reminder that we, as Sewanee students, are not only part of this current community, but also part of the community consisting of every single student who has ever walked over that seal in All Saints on Graduation Day or touched the rock at the Honor Code signing.  That is what makes the Sewanee community so special, and the symbol of the gown intensifies that bond even more.  It is also amazing to think that if you have a son or daughter come to your alma mater in the distant future, you might be asked to gown them because by then, you will be a part of Sewanee history. 

2. It is a way of keeping yourself accountable

By being gowned, professors assume that you have worked hard thus far in your college career.  This means that they will hold you to that same standard.  The gown becomes part of you.  It is very similar to the manner in which you present yourself: we all have a different style and a different attitude. In the same way that you might be seen as an optimistic person because you wear bright clothes and smile all the time, wearing one’s gown is a reminder to yourself and others that you have worked hard thus far and are determined to keep doing so.  By putting those initials in your gown, you have taken ownership of the responsibility to hold yourself to a high standard.  When you proclaim in unison, “I do” at Convocation and put on the gown, you are vowing to ”promote and maintain the spirit, tradition, and ideals of The University of the South.”

3. It is not about being better than other people. 

Sometimes it seems like people turn their noses up at those who choose to wear their gowns all the time.  They think that its a sign of arrogance or eliteness.  I myself worried as a freshman that I would be a failure if I did not achieve the grades needed to get gowned. However, when you get gowned, and if you get gowned, it should not be a measure of self-worth.  Let’s face it, the classes at Sewanee are HARD.  Some people might be in classes necessary for pre-med and just barely getting by, and I think their persistence is just as admirable as having a gown. The same is true of those who have to split their time with academics and sports. We are all different and have unique things to contribute to this community.  We should not let this article of clothing create a divide among students. After all, when we walk across that seal after receiving our diplomas, we will ALL be wearing gowns.  

4. Its like the cherry on top of the Hogwarts experience

Sewanee is likened to Hogwarts all the time. The buildings, the traditions, and of course, THE GOWN. So now, if you’re ever bored, you can grab a stick that has fallen from one of our many trees and cast all the spells you want (but be discreet if this be something you chose to indulge in). 

• tradition