As We See It (editorial)

Remember the joy of picking out your costume for Halloween and having a night full of mystery, candy, and fun? Life seemed so simple and honest when you held out your plastic pumpkin for strangers to drop candy their candy into. Parents have to be mindful of the houses they send their children to trick-or-treat, what kinds of candy they receive, and what kinds of tricks older kids are playing.

That is precisely why Norwich works so hard to provide a carefree night for local children in the community. By coming to the dormitory and barracks trick-or-treating and by participating in the Haunted Hayride, the children and parents in the surrounding communities can feel secure that their children will not run into any of the real ghosts and goblins of Halloween.

Not only does it provide the children with lots of spooky adventures and sweet candy, but it also strengthens the bond between the university and Northfield. Students and staff work many hours to decorate the dorms and keep the environment safe for children.

The longer hours spent keeping these dorms open and the money spent on candy and decorations is well worth it. When you see the glowing, happy faces of the children, and those of the students as they exchange smiles, college students remember home and childhood. Both have something to derive from the experience.

Halloween is a holiday where everyone can embrace its spirit equally, regardless of age, race or religion. Anything that accomplishes this should be supported and applauded by all people who wish for America to unite at every opportunity.

It is important for us to do more than just tell the children of today that there are honest, warm and caring individuals in the world who want to make their future a time to look forward to reaching. We should show them.

The trick-or-treating in the residential halls will be held on Oct. 29, so don't be surprised if you see miniature witches, ghosts, and goblins walking around campus. And don't be surprised if they are greeted by friendly, caring NU students, as well.

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