Wednesday night at approximately 6:05 p.m., I voluntarily stood in the Norwich Police Department’s garage, at attention, as an officer let loose a sudden burst of pepper spray, directly hitting me in the face. Following my performance, a second volunteer was also sprayed.

People keep asking me, Why in the hell did you get pepper sprayed? As part of a police demonstration? A lasting moment of stupidity? To prove something to myself? To have a tale to tell or because I didn’t want to look cowardly for backing out? Maybe I wanted something to write about for the paper?

I had a few passing moments of anxiety here and there, but honestly I just wasn’t very concerned about it. I guess I did if for all those reasons and not for any particular one. It was nice to have a looming challenge and I knew it wasn’t really a life or death affair. I was just curious and there seemed to be a chance for some self growth – the things you’ll discover about yourself when you’re in a helpless, pain-laced and panicked state.