It's been two weeks since the zombie horde overran Geneseo, sending a small human resistance to a moldering grave on Letchworth field. Two weeks since the heroic last stand of a token few who'd survived the week, since the heroes and captains of the human resistance fell.And something is missing from my life.
True, it lasted but a week but I think this fad of gaming brought about something that most people look for in college: friends, challenge, a healthy sense of paranoia. Well, maybe we don't seek out the last one, but it was there, man.What happened during Humans versus Zombies was interesting, unexpected and wholly incredible:
A disparate group of people from all social circles and points of interest collaborated and played a game together. I met people with whom I'd have no occasion to talk were it not for this game, and I think that I'll do a decent job of staying in touch with them.Leaders rose to the top. Consider the sociology of this: In a completely arbitrary environment, people rose to positions of leadership based not on income or popularity or looks, but on raw ability to adapt and excel in a game nobody had played before.
These people are the people we want to be politicians. They've shown they have the goods, in whatever geeky (but completely awesome) way you like, and they've shown a remarkable ability to adapt. Crazy how fun imitates life.Legends grew.
I'm sure everyone who reads this knows the name, if not the face, of sophomore Nick Spengler, the man who, it is said (probably incorrectly) wrapped socks around his hands and beat the zombies back with bare fists.
You know of sophomore Mike Lanni, who wore a Spartan helmet to the final battle and kicked ass and took names until the last moments of battle. And you've heard of junior Darrin Policar, the pirate captain of the zombies. Seriously, within one week, we created a mythology. Most importantly, in a "life" or "undeath" struggle, we realized what it takes to stay "alive."
We learned, by necessity, to work in groups, either human or zombie. We walked around campus with a healthy eye for what was going on and, in the words of fellow player and sophomore Kate Hayden, we took part in a "delightful exercise in situational awareness."
In short, Humans versus Zombies either brought out or forced us to learn all the qualities that Geneseo tries to teach us: teamwork, honesty, adaptability and camaraderie. I don't know, but I've been told these may be some of the most important lessons to learn in life.
The fact that they were brought to the fore by a game that's ostensibly about slaughtering zombies is a quirky bit of irony but, in the broader scope, wholly appreciated.Besides, I liked carrying a Nerf gun to class and not being heckled about it. It's a childhood dream, what can I say? Stay human!
Aaron Davis is a junior English major who needs his Nerf combat fix. Union patio, high noon. Be there.