According to the Oxford Dictionary, a mascot is any person, animal or object thought to bring luck, or anything used to represent a group with a common public identity.
Being a mascot is a grand tradition starting back before television, internet and cosplay!
To be a mascot one must invoke the essence of the institution it is representing. It must be that group’s motto in the living flesh. Sinclair’s motto is “Find the need and endeavor to meet it.” Well, last semester I tried to be an example of this motto by taking on the mantle of the Sinclair mascot, known as the Tartan Pride.
So many of you might be asking, “what the heck is a Tartan Pride?” The pride part refers to a lion, and the lion wears a kilt adorned with a traditional plaid Scottish pattern called tartan.
The choice of a tartan kilt to adorn the lion, which is a traditional symbol of strength and pride, likely roots from David Sinclair’s Scottish heritage. It often represents a specific family or lineage with a distinct color and pattern.
Last semester I had the honor of being the Sinclair Tartan mascot. I accomplished this through a rigorous, intense and complicated process…
I was one of the only ones able to fit into the suit! When I put that costume on my first thought was “man it’s hot in here,” but my second thought was “yeah it’s really hot in here.”
After getting used to the temperature change and heft of the suit, something magical happened that I didn’t expect.
I ceased to be Justin Baker, Sinclair student. I became the strong, but silent, Sinclair Tartan. Anywhere I walked in those giant lion feet I was met with glee and excitement. High fives were abundant, so were photoshoots and hugs.
As the Tartan I was beloved by many and despised by none. As a mascot you become a symbol of pride, hope and determination. It makes you really realize how much a silly little thing like a mascot matters to those looking for something to believe in.
I found that Sinclair needed me as this mascot, and I gladly filled that position. It was an honor and a pleasure to put smiles on people’s faces while making memories that would last a lifetime. It was something that I hope you can experience in your lifetime.
I felt true excitement and joy to be in that suit for the first 10 to 20 minutes. Then the sweat starts. Did I say it was hot in that suit? Because what I meant was it felt like I was vacationing on the surface of the sun in a sauna suit.
Ventilation is limited, and it seemed to be made out of material that retained heat. If you wonder why the Sinclair tartan doesn’t speak, that’s because most of the Tartan’s time is spent trying to breathe.
Other than that I implore anyone who can, to try and be a symbol for those who need it!
Justin A. Baker
Staff Writer