racheljohnson

Some call them a secret society, while others see them as an intelligent clique of senior girls. Some may know them as the girls who control the overhead projector at Mass. Formally called Technical Aid Resource Students (TARS), these girls have a vast knowledge of anything technology-related. They dedicate their time to assisting Marian students and staff with a variety of jobs and solving problems involving computers, cords, and more. They worked diligently Monday through Thursday from 8 to noon.

The TARS’ summer work included stringing cables through the ceilings to improve the Wi-Fi, helping underclassmen set up their iPads, and setting up the new computers in Etherhaven and Pipeline. They named each computer in Etherhaven after an inspirational woman. “Because Marian is a very feminist community, we thought it would be inspiring to name and set each desktop photo as an inspirational woman. Plus, who wouldn’t want to stare at Michelle Obama every day?” senior Maggie White said.

The TARS worked hard this summer to improve Marian’s technology, but they certainly did not forget to have fun. One morning amidst all of the cable stringing and wiring, the TARS decided they wanted 99 cent pancakes from IHOP across the street. “We called to get a to-go order of pancakes, but apparently it was only if you dined in. Savannah tried telling them our life story to convince them to deliver, but they refused. We just wanted pancakes,” Strattan said. Though they did not get the pancakes they wanted, the TARS frequently brought in donuts and other treats.

The fun did not stop with food. On July 9, the TARS attended the Waka Flocka Flame concert together at The Waiting Room Lounge. “Seeing a concert brought us together on a whole new level,” Yakopec said. The TARS got invited to meet Waka Flocka before he performed and even got pulled up onto the stage.

The TARS’ work will continue throughout the 2015-2016 school year. You can find a TAR in their Etherhaven office on the first floor during blocks A, D, E, and G if you are ever experiencing technical difficulties with your iPad or laptop. For additional updates and TARS news, be sure to follow them on Twitter @MarianTARS.