Jonathan Meyer.

A loyal reader once told me, I always see you standing in the back of the room being quiet–but I know you’re thinking and have opinions. Oh boy, that is definitely correct. In the past few weeks I’ve stayed quiet, holding back a dear secret. In my role as Student Body President at Wartburg, I have the privilege of canceling classes one day in the fall, but no one knows when!

Outfly, sometimes called by its German name Ausflug, is one of our college’s oldest traditions, dating back to the 1890s. Once each fall, students receive a surprise one-day holiday from classes, with the date kept secret and known only to the college president and student body president–which happens to be me.

It’s become a big themed celebration at this point in time. We’ve kept the theme pretty tight as well. Our teaser that we released was just a picture of an illuminated purple circle with some music on in the background. Some good guesses have been thrown out, but I still haven’t heard anyone hit the nail on the head perfectly. I love the constant buzz and chatter about the day.

Part of the fun of that tradition has been how we respond when my peers ask me what day it is. The correct response is “always tomorrow”. I have no idea where that part came from, but it’s sure been fun to play into the mystery. It’s a hot commodity too, everyone wants to know. I’ve had the campus newspaper ask me for advanced notice. As much as I love to support local papers, they can bring their cameras when they wake up on the morning of, and enjoy it!

I’m sure this looks really good if you want to trust me with off the record information. I’m very experienced at keeping a secret after over a month of knowing and not saying anything. If you want to give me information that’s under wraps in the community, just give me a call, I promise I’m trustworthy.

What I didn’t expect about all of the mystery is how much people have started watching what I’m doing. I feel like people question what’s happening when I’m walking around campus at night. I I posted a picture the other night about how beautiful campus looks at night and you would be shocked at how many people sent me a text message–what a great way to win over friends!

Years of standing in the back of meetings, leading with the facts, and knowing how to communicate, has helped me stay firm in my neutral response to all the questions.

Until tomorrow becomes today, I’m Just Jonathan.