By Kirsten Mahon/tr news editor
Kirsten Mahon/The Collegian
Ultimately, it’s up to students to make new friends and get familiar with new surroundings when entering a new college. It’s up to the school, however, to make the process as easy as possible.
TR student activities combined Rock Band, mini-cheeseburgers, acoustic music, coffee and breakfast pastries to accomplish this, among other tools. Throughout the first week of this semester, events run by several of TR’s clubs invited a plethora of students to meet and greet, laugh and eat.
Students and faculty alike agreed that scheduling social events in the first part of the semester assists new and veteran students in their transitions.
For many of the events, TR personnel such as the campus president, counselors and student activities associates attended as well as students, new and old. All events had decent turnout, and new students could ask questions about study spaces, department locations and tutoring assistance.
Studies show that social interactions can increase success for students. In a study by the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, professors wrote: “Those who feel at home, who take part in extracurricular activities, and who feel connected with fellow students and teachers, are more inclined to persist in their studies. Without social integration, it is more difficult to persist and, ultimately, to graduate.”
During the Burger Bash at the Idea Store on TR Campus, students played popular video games such as Rock Band, Halo 4, Far Cry 3 and PlayStation Battle Royale. Free mini-slider burgers were served with fruit punch and chips.
For the duration of the event, the store was filled with chatting students and faculty members, some of whom had only recently befriended each other.
Mary Rockwell, a second-semester TR student studying library technology, strongly agreed that small events such as the Burger Bash and Float into Spring are necessary.
“We need to do more meet and greets,” she said. “It’s much needed because the more knowledge we have, the more information we can give to somebody else.”
Kristel Bah, a student in her final semester at TCC, agrees these events are good for the college as well as students.
“We can build a stronger communication bridge instead of being afraid,” Bah said. “We are here for education and experience.”
Another student, Crisma Valenzuela, said activities draw people together.
“It’s easy to meet people when you’re just playing Rock Band,” she said.
Because of music, the familiarity of the game and feel-good environment, students can feel welcome in a new place, Valenzuela said.
Eddie Brassart, student development associate, said every campus holds special events like these during the first weeks of each semester. Students can find events by checking the district calendar on TCC’s website or visiting the student activities center.
