It’s a familiar sight on every college campus: windows lined with rows of empty beer bottles, the trophies of a college experience ‘well-lived’. These displays have become so conventional that, for most students, not having one means looking like an outsider. But not for Jason Ratcliffe ’17!
Instead of lining his windowsill with empty bottles like the rest of campus, Jason went his own way, displaying his growing collection of urns.
What a breath of fresh air! Jason’s urns range in size, from show-stopping alabaster vases to smaller pieces intended to hold the bones of beloved pets. While some appear to contain the ashes of close family members, others seem much more ancient, their lids held in place by heavy chains.
And the collection is growing!
Students note that after an exceptionally dark night or a hard rain, a new urn is likely to appear on the windowsill. We’re not sure how, but Jason even managed to make the display interactive, somehow programming the urns to whisper the dates of birth of any students that pass by!
When asked about his collection, Jason had only this to say: “All will find their place here.” Jason won’t back down! And we, for one, think his individuality is priceless!
Shine on!
–CJS ’16