THE SECOND LUNCH BUNCH: Members of Rec Room pose with a photo of their latest obsessions.
Photo courtesy of Emily MacIntyre ’27
Every week, “Rec” Room, or Recommendation Room, is held in the Library Classroom every Wednesday during Second Lunch. There, students can take a deep dive into their current obsessions and share them with others: it cultivates conversations about movies, music, and pop culture that shape lives globally. The discussions range from role-playing games like Expedition 33 to shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Abby Whitman ’26, president of the club, explains, “This year, Rec Room really tried to lean into the idea of recommending people [various] types of media. We encouraged our members to make slideshows about things that they’re interested in so that they could recommend [it to] other people that they think would be interested, so they too can have people get into them and potentially talk with them.”
During these meetings, club members present their thoughts and opinions about media and culture. Whitman comments, “The meetings are usually really open. If we have a presentation, we ask that the person presenting email [Ava and me] beforehand. That way we can email the entire group and say what’s going on that day….” Past presentations in the Rec Room have touched on a variety of topics: lore behind games, specific fictional characters, popular controversies, niche artists, and more. Andrea Yu, Upper School librarian and faculty advisor for the club, adds, “…Rec Room is centered around people and club participants having almost a kind of TED talk about whatever they’re currently obsessing about. In the past, people have actually created a slide deck and a whole presentation, introducing [their interests to] the club…, lore behind it, cool design or features around it, and just essentially generating passion, excitement, and curiosity.”
Along with these fascinating presentations, the meetings also provide opportunities for open discussion and bonding. The range of discussion topics create an exciting atmosphere that brings people together. Alyssa Martin ’28, a member of the club, reflects on what keeps her coming back. “The thing that drove me or drew me to Rec Room was that I truly saw the fun and spontaneous things that everyone did as a group, and it even made me feel more welcomed…I realized there were people like me in the group. People who liked my genuine interests and all the other things that I usually do, or the way I dress.” Like Martin, many members have formed lifelong friendships and bonds through the club. Whitman, having witnessed and experienced the camaraderie of the Rec Room first hand over many years, reiterates, “Rec Room has introduced me to a lot of people that I probably wouldn’t have known otherwise. There are a lot of underclassmen that I probably would’ve never talked to if not for Rec Room because I don’t do any sports with them.” Whitman emphasizes Rec Room’s significance to her EA experience, explaining that “groups allow for the idea of isolation to almost fade away because you see others who are just like you.” Through presentations and free-range discussions, Rec Room hosts lively meetings full of meaningful discourse, friendship, and passion.
Like pop culture itself, Rec Room exists as a diverse and interconnected community powered by unconstrained excitement and passion. Ultimately, Rec Room is not just a club, but also a safe space where students can come together and share their ideas, opinions, and deepest interests without judgment. If you’re looking for a place to express yourself and everything you love, the door to the Library Classroom is always open on Wednesdays during Second Lunch.