I lent my camera to Eli, a sophomore from Tisbury, MA, to document a day in his life not knowing that the day would be the annual "Head's Holiday." By the time he handed my Nikon back, he had shot 327 images, documenting a day free of obligation. Eli lives in Eco-dorm, a theme residence with boys' and girls' wings separated by a faculty apartment and commons space. Eli captured the moment (about 10:20 PM) the holiday was announced.

 

Eli wastes no time getting down to work the next morning, documenting his roommate waking up.

 

There will be no room inspection this day.

 

Eli attends brunch and infiltrates the kitchen, where Nate Mazur is preparing pancakes.

 

Nat had issues with ketchup.




Decades ago, a Head's Holiday was all about skiing, but as the school and the diversity of programs grew, the variety of activities responded to student preferences. This is a day to visit a museum, enjoy sushi, hike to The Bulkhead or sleep. Many activities begin at the dining room.

 

Eli chooses to hang out on campus. Here, he enjoys a spot of tea with Denning, a British girl who has cut her leg in a ski accident.

 

He and Denning decide to visit on-campus activities. They head off to the Recording Studio, passing a game of pond hockey.

 

They encounter boys heading into the Wise Community Center.



Bill Wightman has the music studio open all day. Denning takes a turn at the grand piano.

 

Eli (back right) plays guitar while Nat hits the drums.

 

Over at Johnson Hill, Gregor Makechnie has organized a sledding activity. If this sled appears headed for disaster, understand that Ben is from Bermuda and Grace-Marie is from New Orleans.....

 

Jesser and Mansfield have invented a new sport, dueling with cardboard boxes. It's too fast to capture in focus.

 

The arts studios are busy.

 

Too soon, it seems, the day is done.