“Seclusion”: Eliot’s Third Floor Teachers Actually Like the Elevation

Students, however, mostly revile the arduous climb up to Middlesex’s Everest.

Almost every student dislikes climbing the stairs to Eliot Hall’s notorious third floor. From a handful of student interviews, all reported immense dissatisfaction with the strenuous journey to get to class. Expecting more or less the same answer, The Anvil investigated whether or not the teachers of the third floor—including Dr. Barber, Ms. Riz, and Hesh—agreed.

However, contrary to what I expected, they reported quite a different opinion of the third floor. Surprisingly, they were–for the most part–happy with their treehouse classrooms. Dr. Barber, the Head of the Classics Department, stated that he appreciated the “seclusion of the third floor,” and that “the views and the natural light are very pleasant.” Upon further reflection, I realized that in any given third-floor classroom, one can look out one of its almost skyscraping windows to grab a glimpse of the wonders of the natural world below. Ms. Hoar, the Head of the History Department known better as Hesh across campus, said that she enjoyed the sense of tranquility and calm across the third floor, as naturally provided by the seclusion of its location. Upon these reflections I did start to notice, and appreciate, the peacefulness of the space. 

Especially compared to the first floor and the basement of Eliot, there is much less hustle and bustle on the third floor, as Hesh noted that only students who have classes come up all the way, as opposed to the perpetual stream of traffic for all purposes on the other floors. In particular, Hesh is partial to the outdoor hallway space spanning across the third floor; throughout the day, people come up to the third floor to study there for halcyon quietude. Many students report being appreciative of this calming aspect.

As for the main aspect of their contention—stairs—the teachers, surprisingly, did not seem to mind them as much. Dr. Barber stated that he’s gotten used to the stairs, and mentioned that “it’s proven that taking extra steps during the work day promotes long-term good health.” Ms. Rizzo, a magistra lingua Latinae, provided a particularly apt Latin quotation: Mens sana in corpore sano, a healthy mind in a healthy body. Their insights are corroborated by empirical findings; research done by the European Society of Cardiology reported stair climbing to be associated with a 24% reduced risk of dying from any cause. Apart from these salubrious benefits, there are also sentimental ones as well; Hesh stated that she actually loves the stairs, as she gets to see the plaques alongside her as she walks up. Even as she commutes to her office every day, she notices new things often, details she has not noticed before. To Hesh, the daily act of climbing up the stairs is also a chance to look at all the history in the walls.

As such, the teachers have come to love the third floor. From the vistas to the tranquility and even the stairs, Dr. Barber, Ms. Riz, and Hesh appreciate the many characteristics brought on by the unique location. However, interestingly, they were united with their students on one front: the lack of bathrooms! In amazing unity, they all expressed their desire for a more convenient location for the restrooms rather than having to go down four flights of stairs and up all the way back, an endeavor which takes an unexpectedly long amount of time. Sadly, for now, that seems nowhere in sight, but at least one can find solace in the 24% reduced risk of dying each time one ascends Eliot Hall. 

Morgan Kim