The clock reads 2:01 p.m. The day has finally come; Media Now STL is officially underway, and Kate Manfull’s contagious and unrelenting enthusiasm fills the Maryville auditorium.

With so much to learn and only four days to learn it, wasting time in awkward silence is not an option for the motivated students and instructors as they file into classrooms in Reid Hall. Classes participate in ice breakers to feel more comfortable with their peers and instructors, with activities ranging from leaning towers of pasta to forced hugs.

#mnstl15 I team built today by greeting people as though I wasn’t excited, and then as if we were long lost best friends! — Corey Davidson (@Coray_Davidson) June 22, 2015

In Yearbook, students passed Jolly Ranchers with spoons held in their mouths.

When building staff culture, you get what you give. #MNstl15 pic.twitter.com/ilCbZr7geX — Sarah Nichols (@SarahJNichols) June 21, 2015

Future architects, the Social Media students created towers using dry spaghetti noodles in an attempt to support a marshmallow.

We’re building things in the #mnstl15 social media class! pic.twitter.com/AIuFdlI7pr — Erica Smith (@ericasmith) June 21, 2015

Challenge 1 down of #mnstl15 camp, cant wait to see if we win. #medianowpartypic.twitter.com/xDJZEPHqVW

— Blake Smith (@bsmithEHS_hub) June 21, 2015

With temperatures in the 90s, and classrooms brimming with smiling faces, it is safe to say the ice is broken.