On January 27, the ACIT Freshman Class Council hosted its first Freshman Social, an event that “allows freshmen students the opportunity to get to know one another outside of a classroom setting, maybe make new friends or even hang out with friends that may live too far to get together,” says Ms. Briggs, the freshman class advisor. The event took place in room 1203 in the main building.

The Freshman Class Council believed that organizing this event would really benefit freshmen students since the COVID-19 pandemic stripped away not only their 8th grade year of learning, but their social experiences as well.
“Since quarantine happened, it’s been difficult for people to get together,” says Freshman Class Secretary, Tamara Fernandez.

There were many activities in which attendees could participate. Classic games such as Jenga, UNO, and Name 5 were played during the event. Concessions were sold to produce income for the class of 2025. Beverages such as hot chocolate and water were also sold. For a dollar, you were able to get a professional photographer to take your picture.

Mixed opinions surfaced throughout the entire event.

Many students had an amazing time and thought it was nice to get to know their friends and peers better. “I feel like this has given us the opportunity to get to know our friends better,” said one freshman.

Some still found it difficult to socialize. “I am very awkward, but [the Freshman Social] is very nice,” said freshman Jelitza Gijon.

If nothing else, some students believed that it was a decent fundraising activity for the class. The income that results from these socials will help fund certain class events, such as the highly-anticipated Senior Class Trip for 2025.
“It’s good, the concessions are a good way to raise money,” said freshman Rayyan Khan.

Although the class council’s efforts reflected only the best intentions–including Class Council Vice President Rafa Recto awarding one student a free cup of hot chocolate after winning a game of UNO– it is clear that some of the attendees still struggled to connect with their peers.

“I don’t really like the freshman social, I feel left out, even though I shouldn’t,” said one freshman (who wished not to be named for this article).

The council recognizes that there’s more work to be done in helping their peers build positive relationships and connections with one another.

“This is trial and error for us,” said Ms. Briggs, the freshman class advisor. “After debriefing our first social, we sent a survey out to the freshman class to ask what they would like to do and see at our next social.”

The next Freshman Social will take place on February 14, 2022, and Ms. Briggs revealed that this next one will be fairly different. “We are planning an escape room for Monday and are hoping for a larger turn out.”