s'Upper Is A Toss Up

While the aromas of burritos, salmon, apple cobbler, and tomato sauce filter into the air of McElroy at 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday evening, a group of Boston College students forms outside St. Joseph's Chapel on Upper Campus. A giant map of the T is spread open on the pavement, as the students look on and ponder where the beanbag will lead them.

If one thing was for sure, it was not about to lead them to McElroy for a burrito dinner.

But what is this group gathered outside St. Joseph's Chapel on a Saturday evening, and why are they staring at a giant T map? They are members of one of BC's newest clubs: the s'Upper T Club.

The s'Upper T Club meets on select dates throughout the year at 4:30 p.m. at Piazza di San Giuseppe, located outside St. Joseph's Chapel on Upper Campus. Once the group is assembled, Reverend Casey Beaumer S.J.  and Reverend Chris Collins S.J. roll out a giant T map that was provided by the MBTA.

Once the map is stretched across the pavement, one lucky club member throws a beanbag onto the map. Whichever stop the beanbag lands on determines the evening's T stop location. Then, the group heads out to reach their destination and explores the area for an appealing restaurant.

Though the s'Upper T's title may imply that the club is only open to freshmen on Upper Campus, this is not so. The club is open to all BC students. It is open to "anybody who enjoys good food and good company," says Beaumer, one of the club's creators.

Beaumer is a doctoral student and resident minister in Fenwick Hall. He presides over the 9 p.m. mass in St. Joseph's Chapel on Sundays. Collins, co-creator of s'Upper T, has been studying at BC for two years and is a resident minister in Cheverus Hall. Collins presides over the 5 p.m. mass on Sundays at St. Joseph's, as well as serves with Beaumer at the 10 p.m. mass on Monday through Thursday nights in St. Joseph's Chapel.

Thus far, the s'Upper T club has made three treks into the city, showing its members many different Boston neighborhoods. "As somebody who is not from the area, it is nice to be able to experience Boston in a comfortable setting," says s'Upper T veteran Jake McEwan, A&S '13. The first beanbag toss brought the group to Davis Square, near Tufts University, where they dined at a barbeque restaurant, Red Bone. On the second trip the group explored Coolidge Corner, where they ate at the Korean BBQ.  

Each s'Upper T excursion is a unique experience, shaped by the different students who attend each time.

Though one might find it intimidating to spend a night with a new group of people, the s'Upper T crew is a welcoming bunch of students who are passionate about the club and look to share the experience with new members. Introductions established, conversation catches on quickly as the group sets out to take the bus to the Reservoir, where they hop on the D line and ride into the city.

Once the students arrive at their spontaneous destination, they set out to find a restaurant. On the third excursion, the group rode to the Kenmore stop, where they debated between Thai Dish and Uburger.

Thai Dish won the match, and the group spent the evening eating pad thai and steamed butterflies, while marveling at the massive, bizarre fish that swam in a tank next to their table. At every dinner, Beaumer introduces "Pass the Pigs," a travel game that is sure to spur laughter and competition among the diners. At dinner's end, the group splits the bill and heads back to campus.

The idea for the club developed over last summer, when Beaumer and Collins started brainstorming. They wanted to create a club that would give students an outlet to get off campus and explore Boston. This motive, combined with their common interest in good food, gave birth to the club concept. After three trips, the club looks to be a success. "It has exceeded our expectations," Collins says.

Even before s'Upper T was a reality, freshman on Upper were buzzing about the club concept. "One night after mass, Father Casey was talking about this random, crazy idea that we never thought would happen, but it sounded like a lot of fun.

Then, when t-shirts, business cards, and magnets were made, we knew it would be a wonderful reality, and it is," says Jillian Baker, A&S '13. Ben Martin. A&S '13, appointed president of the club, was one of the freshmen talking with Beaumer and Baker about the idea after mass. Martin is honored to be president of such an exciting new club. "I'm a freshman- just happened to be at the right place at the right time," he says about his serendipitous appointment.

S'Upper T is a unique club that is sure to only grow in popularity. The next excursion sets out on Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. outside St. Joseph's Chapel. Log onto the BC s'Upper T Facebook group for future dates and additional information.

The benefits of s'Upper T stretch far past an off-campus meal. The club gives students a chance to take a break from life on campus. With papers constantly being due, and exams looming, it is easy to get caught up in the stress of college life.

Ben Martin says one should go on s'Upper T if one is looking to find, "good food, good company, and a good time."