Category: Fun

LEAPing and (Para)Sailing

by Michelle Moya

Our Northeast educational journey has taken us through historic cities, cultural landmarks, and architectural marvels that shaped American history. From exploring colonial sites to examining Gilded Age opulence, each stop has offered new perspectives on our nation’s past. Today’s adventure added a literal new perspective – one that Olivia had been dreading for days – parasailing!

After spending the entire morning exploring Newport’s famous mansions and learning about Gilded Age architecture, we found ourselves at the dock with Island Style Parasail. This shift from ground-level historical immersion to aerial perspective perfectly embodied the dynamic approach of our educational journey. 

For those unfamiliar with the activity, parasailing involves being towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute, allowing participants to soar hundreds of feet above the water. This specific activity gave us the opportunity to fly above the beautiful waters of Narragansett Bay and view the rugged coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, all while gliding hundreds of feet behind a parasail boat.

Boarding the boat, I felt calm and excited, however Olivia’s apprehension was palpable—and it quickly influenced my own nerves. The crew fitted us with life jackets and briefly explained the landing mechanism we’d rely on upon landing from 1,000 feet above the bay. While the morning’s mansion tours had been comfortable and familiar, this was unquestionably a new kind of challenge.

The launch sequence proceeded smoothly yet rapidly. Within moments of sitting on the boat deck, we found ourselves ascending steadily above Narragansett Bay. The coastal panorama from that elevation was breathtaking, though admittedly intimidating. An amusing detail was our parachute’s distinctive smiley face design, which seemed to grin encouragingly as we soared through the air.

At first, we both gripped the connecting rope tightly—accompanied by many nervous screams—prioritizing safety over sightseeing. The boat looked surprisingly small below us, and the wind moving us in every direction made it all the more terrifying. After finally acclimating to the sensation of floating at such altitude, we finally built the courage to adjust the GoPro and record some footage.

The experience was both exhilarating and fun. The wind carried us above the water while we took in panoramic views of the Rhode Island coastline. From up there, you could see the beautiful homes, the Newport Bridge, and the famous Ocean Drive winding along the shore. The gentle swaying motion created an almost meditative experience, despite the initial adrenaline rush of being suspended so high above the bay.

When it came time to come down, we were both clearly relieved but proud. At the end of our flight, we took a picture on the boat as we were making our way back to shore, both of us happy that we had tried something new and pushed through our initial hesitations.

This parasailing adventure exemplified what makes LEAP so effective – combining traditional education with experiences that challenge us to see familiar places from entirely new perspectives. Sometimes the best learning happens when you’re floating 1,000 feet above your comfort zone! 

Murder Most Foul: An April Adios

For all Pre-Law Society members, our April was the last get together of the academic year. But for one unlucky member, it was, at least in the world of fictional fun, the last meeting ever. That’s because our social involved a murder mystery, something of a theme for our sinister solicitors.

Our officers and activity committee put together treats to bribe encourage us to attend, and it worked!

A healthy 30 or so students attended, a reflection of our growing sociality as an organization.

Mikaela Baires was the unlucky victim. Indeed, she was doubly unlucky, inasmuch as the murder weapon was a laxative, giving new meaning to Shakespeare’s phrase “murder so foul” (thankfully, we did not meet at the beautiful Wynne Home this year…).

The suspects were Mikaela’s peers: Chrissy Biello…

Jose Carreno…

Katherine Burnett…

Madison Cawthon…

Neehal Ahmed…

and Niya Thompson.

Given the suspects–any one of whom is capable of such a dastardly act–it was going to be a tough evening for our social sleuths.

Thankfully, there were four clues uncovered, and throwing Miranda out the window, the suspects were questioned without their lawyers being present.

After much debate, hand-wringing, and interrogation, the law-enforcement, apparently imitating the Keystone Kops, accused the wrong person–Katherine Burnett–perhaps motivated by a strong desire to sequester her from society for eternity, or at least until they graduate.

In fairness, the actual murderer, Jose Carreno, broke the rules of the game and lied. Who knew a murderer would lie about his whereabouts? Following the game, Jose vowed that, “when things have settled a bit, I will pursue as my primary goal in life the killer or killers who slaughtered Nicole and Mr. Goldman…Mikaela Baires.”

On a happier note, Madison Cawthon led the speed debating contest.

Befitting our status as future lawyers in society–and, perhaps, lawmakers–we spent our time arguing over trivialities ending in ludicrous judgments.

Neehal Ahmed, for example, argued that it should be illegal to text a single “k” to indicate affirmation via messaging.

The debate over whether “ttyl” should be punishable by firing squad was tabled. And thank God we didn’t even get to people who use odd text colors or emojis.

It was a fitting and fun end to a record-breaking semester. With 116 members–well, now just 115 members (sorry Mikaela)–PLS garnered its largest membership ever, donated funds to a scholarship and enrichment fund, and offered pre-law students some amazing events and programs. We can’t wait to see what never year brings!