Photo by Sophia DeAnzeris ’25.
Since Family Weekend, a new obsession has taken over students’ free time in the living room: playing cards. When free time was common during the Family Weekend mini-break, students resorted to card games to connect and spend their time. A diverse mix of students play together, which allows for groups of kids to come together, and has continued ever since. Now that school is back in session regularly, cards have stuck, and many feel and hope they will continue to stay.
“I’m not sure how this phenomenon began exactly, but I hope it continues and faculty are allowed to join in. I’m on duty this weekend and would love to play my favorite games, ‘Pitch’ and ‘Sets and Runs. ‘” Ms. Lisa Wint, who has a huge impact on the community at Northwood, said.
With so many different kids spending time at the “card table,” the feedback from the community has seemed to have a positive effect. “Well, first, I think it’s a fun activity. I think it brings many people together,” said Nathaniel Poole ’25, who has been a frequent player since the beginning. “Walking through the living room, you look around and see ten different kids sitting around the table and everyone coming together and having a great time. It’s definitely been a positive environment with everyone in and out of the living room,” Poole added.
“I love what I am seeing in the living room this year: students from all co-curriculars hanging out with each other and just generally having a blast through card games rather than staring at their phones,” said Ms. Wint. “It’s wonderful to see the kids having fun through friendly competition, interacting and sharing their family and culture’s popular card games,” Wint added. A large takeaway from this is the limited time spent on phones. When students are playing, phones are a rare sight amongst the group.
Anna Monnette ‘26 has also enjoyed her time playing cards and hopes that it will continue to be a regular living room activity. “I think my relationships with different students have grown because of playing cards. Since Family Weekend, I’d say I’ve played at least one card game a day, and I feel I have also spent less time on my phone. Everyone comes together while we’re playing. It’s a lot of fun!”
This seemingly small addition has undoubtedly had a positive affect on the Northwood community in and out of the living room!
