Amy Perez
Copy Editor
One ESU student does not need the brightly shining “bat signal” in the sky to tell them where and when to show up for a good cause. He puts the work in to find out when events and fundraisers are taking place on and off campus in hopes of making a small difference with his presence.
ESU has its own Batman. The incognito individual arrived to our interview as expected, even keeping me out of the loop as to his identity during our sit down about his experience as the ESU Batman.
This costumed student keeps his identity under wraps while he finds his way through the campus and local community. He attends events and fundraisers trying to help spread awareness and remind others that anyone can lend a hand no matter how big or small the cause.
Not only is this student making time to share encouraging words, give a smile or cause laughter amongst his peers or those who may need it, but he also works hard behind the scenes as he stays on top of his own course work. He made it clear that his role as ESU Batman is just as important as his role as an ESU student.
“It’s a huge win if I can change someone’s mind in just a few minutes with encouraging words, a laugh or a smile,” he said.
When asked why Batman was his hero of choice, the costumed warrior simply stated that he could “relate to the character.” This brought on a conversation about how transforming past trauma into something positive can allow us to make a difference within in each interaction we have with another person whether here on campus, within our friend/family group or out in the community.
The big piece is that it is a choice to do so. It is a choice to learn, to let go and to move forward out of the dark and into the light.
With no affiliation to clubs or programs at ESU, this student just shows up to do the right thing without an agenda, other than simply wanting to help.
“My ultimate goal is to leave this campus better than I found it and work with other organizations if I can to make a difference. You don’t need to be a superhero to help, anyone can do it,” said the masked student when asked what he is trying to accomplish while being the superhero. It is clear that this student practices this outside of the costume as well.
The message that this student is trying to relay is that we can all chip in, both on campus and off. It does not take a symbol on the chest to qualify someone to care enough to lend a hand, anyone can, costume or not. The costume is just his way of bringing a little something extra to the table which funny enough, started as a joke until he realized that he could do something special with it.
It seems his appearance at some events has been well received. Recently, he stood by some of his fellow classmates on Sept. 28 in Harrisburg as they advocated for higher education funding at the “Affordable College Now” rally. Pictures of this can be found on his ESU Batman Instagram page.
But with positive, must come negative, and there are those on campus who criticize this student for walking around wearing a Batman costume, and don’t follow or understand his goal. Still, he prevails and has an optimistic attitude about it. He chooses to be respectful of everyone’s differences and possible reasonings behind their negative responses to the character that he portrays.
“I can’t control anyone. I can only keep doing what I’m doing and stay friendly to those who object. I don’t want to say they’re wrong, I just try to prove myself by doing a good act however I can,” he said.
For the future of his adventurous academic’s role on campus, there are talks of possible Batman events on campus in the future, like movie nights where he would show up to connect with everyone. He even spoke about the importance of connecting with other ESU organizations to see where he can be of service or spread some joy to the campus.
In the end, ESU’s “caped crusader” is not just the university’s resident superhero; he is a human being trying to spread some good in a small area and make a difference in the lives of those he encounters. Ultimately, human connection is the glue that makes a community strong.
You can find out where ESU Batman has been and where he’ll go next on his Instagram page.