Home to nearly 300 women on campus, Grace Olson Hall represents far more than its Christian sorority stereotype may suggest.
From devoted small groups to secret-Santa-style Secret Sister events, Olson sets an example for female fellowship that’s far from skin-deep.
That’s not to say Olson’s image is a lie, however.
“There’s definitely a truth to them [Olson stereotypes],” freshman Noelle Yew, a professional writing major from Second Center Olson said. “But I feel like a lot of people will just write us off or write Olson off because of that. And I'm like, there's a lot of amazing, sweet and beautiful girls that live there.
For Yew, that sense of community is found largely in wing dinners, which Second Center, known best to residents as the Heart of Olson, hosts each night. The family style of the meal has helped ease Yew’s transition to college, creating an early sense of belonging on her wing.
Yet the sorority atmosphere Olson advertises is also what initially drew Yew to the dorm.
Sophomore London Rogers, a communication major from Third Center, noticed the emphasis Olson culture is given while working in admissions as well.
“I feel like there's just such an emphasis on living in Olson and Wengatz that people forget that there's other dorms that people live in,” Rogers said. “I've met so many people that have said that if they didn't get Olson, they wouldn't be at Taylor, and so I feel like I focus a lot on not advertising and doing it as a student in the dorms.”
Nonetheless, Rogers noted the pride the women of Olson feel toward their home.
Afterall, as one of the biggest dorms on campus, there are a variety of events Olson puts on throughout the school year.
For Yew, the Christmas open house Olson hosted has been a highlight of her year. For Rogers, it’s been her wing’s Murder Mystery night, where girls are paired by their personnel assistants (PAs) for a blind date for a night of sleuthing and fun. Swing dancing is a must, as is a Valentine’s Day exchange between members of many of the wings throughout the hall.
To senior Katelyn Bertsche, a theater major on Third West, these traditions are almost bittersweet, as dead week mocktails and the Third West talent show have created smaller memories she’s come to hold dear as she prepares for graduation.
Still, for Bertsche, the values of Olson are even more important than the events each class passes down.
“I think sometimes it's so easy when you live with a bunch of fun people to just have fun together, right?” Bertsche said. “But remembering to sit down with people and have those conversations … sitting on the floor in the hallway or on the floor of someone's room late at night and where you’re just allowing yourself to be vulnerable … I think that's such a valuable thing.”
Throughout her time at Taylor, Bertsche has fought for grace and truth throughout her wing, emphasizing the importance of using graceful words rather than gossip or rumors.
Just a wing away, sophomore Norah Aalsma, a public relations major who lives with Rogers on Third Center, is hoping to find a continued sense not just of that grace, but of openness as well.
“There's a lot more different people in Olson than I think the stereotype shows,” Aalsma said. “On my wing, there's so many things that are different. We all love different things and are interested in different things and are from different backgrounds.”
Touring other dorms, Aalsma saw that sense of welcoming and openness represented across campus, which has since allowed her to open herself up to friendships and community, even outside her dorm.
The values Olson develops within its brick walls aren’t meant to remain only within the Olson community.
As each floor develops its own culture, handing down traditions and building deep bonds between those who live in each dorm room, Bertsche has made a point to emphasize to underclassmen the importance of supporting their fellow wingmates. She recommended going to soccer games and theater shows and allowing that outpouring of community love continue to flow.
“I think that prioritization of strong female friendships and lifting one another up, especially [in] a Christian community … is a big thing, and supporting each other, I think, is so good for us,” Bertsche said.
It’s what the core of Olson is all about—building up female friendships and female disciples who are much more than just a stereotype.
