Griff was at it again. This time he had three new accomplices: one from a local elementary school and two from local high schools. Mascot Monday also had new locations in Edmonton and the interesting mixture of creatures could be seen hanging around City Centre, Manulife Place as well as Commerce Place.

Activities included sliding down railings, going up and down escalators, jumping on a trampoline, playing ping pong in the Bounce studio, throwing snowballs at each other and at pedestrians. Together the group made many mascot sandwiches, which sometimes involved the public.

Griff decided to linger in the snow a bit and found himself a patch of snow to leave a beautiful snow angel for everyone to see. Griff then went inside the City Centre mall to have some fun, only to be chased around by security who, for some reason, wanted him to leave. Griff was undeterred and tried to dance away their frustration, which somehow didn't quite work.

Griff left the mall eventually then pencil-rolled down a sidewalk, trying to block people (‘because no one gets past a Griffin', says the man behind the mask Chris Harold). He must have decided this wasn't the best idea because he was seen shortly after escorting a group of women across the street. This brought out many smiles, which led to great photo opportunities.

Changing his mind once more, Griff then had a great male bonding moment as he danced the waltz with a man at a bus stop. He soon was on one knee, proposing for marriage. Alas, Griff was quickly informed that the man was already married. Griff was visibly upset, exclaiming to everyone nearby that his heart was broken.

Griff's spirits weren't damaged too badly as he was on top of a car doing the jig minutes later. Then to cap off their morning, the mascots did the Can-Can dance together then had a big group hug. All in all, Mascot Monday has been deemed a success and another day is planned for sometime in March.

Harold thought that the morning was a really good experience for the high school mascots in particular, especially since they may never get to do something like this again. This year is Chris's first year ever filling the role as a mascot. In fact, this year has been very enlightening for Chris in a number of ways.

In just his first year at MacEwan, Chris learned, after speaking with a student advisor who recommended him to a neuropsychologist, he has Asperger's Syndrome. Chris explained Asperger's as a mild form of autism or a high functioning form of autism. It makes communicating and social interaction quite difficult and confusing. Symptoms tend to increase with age and also without treatment, often leading to cases of schizophrenia.

Chris has just recently begun clinical treatment. Always knowing that he has troubled social skills and aware of his intangible social barrier, Chris constantly worried about making mistakes or being inappropriate. However our young Griff  feels as though has been guided and truly started his treatment back in September as he took on the role as Griff.

When he puts on his mask, or large Griffin head, Chris feels as though he can make as many mistakes as he wants and can learn from them this way. "If only we could all be mascots, we could make as many mistakes as we want" he states.

He has learned so much about himself and found so many answers in these past few months. Many more things make sense to him, such as poor marks on exams although he knows the material well. Being able to remember names and faces from years into his past, but cannot concentrate long enough to study.

"It's been life changing" Chris says about his time as Griff. He has been able to relate being a mascot to his personal life. It's been a great way to express himself, and feels very comfortable while doing it. "A Griffin stands for pride, strength and leadership." He has found a sense of ‘self' while being a mascot and has realized that you have to become what you want to be.

Chris Harold has been able to make people laugh, smile, have fun and thoroughly enjoy themselves while in his company. Any organization couldn't ask for better when looking for someone to take on the mascot duties.

To end our meeting again, Chris left me with another inspirational quote, this time by Kanye West: "Believe in your fly-ness, conquer your shy-ness".

Written by Rhawney Zubko, Griffin Athletics