By: Vanessa Archer
On Sept. 22, Brooklyn College (BC) students gathered in the Student Center to attend the Bulldog Check-In. The Student Affairs Office and Undergraduate Student Government (USG) collaborated with Student Affairs, Center of Academic Advisement and Student Success (CAASS), Magner Career Center, LGBTQ+ Center, Student Activities Involvement & Leadership (S.A.I.L.), and other offices to share information and resources with students.
Office administrators and BC students greeted attendees and offered resources. Students had tables from various centers to the study abroad office; these resources were spread across two rooms.
USG Club Director and junior, Vanessa Tseytlina, played a vital part in making this event happen, sharing her role of making sure that attendees were engaged.
“I am going around checking in on people, hoping that they will also get to meet the people that might connect them to resources […] or in general just talk about all the things Brooklyn College has to offer,” said Tseytlina.
Providing a new perspective, Tseytlina offered her advice to the freshmen: “Make sure to make good friends; they will stay with you for a long time.” She emphasized the unique student body BC has to offer, “Brooklyn College has a very diverse community, and there is a space for you and your interests.”
Member of the LGBTQ+ Center and transfer student Raymond Jones explained why the center was motivated to table this event.
“[We want] to make sure that people know that there is a place [BC students] can come to be themselves,” Jones explained. “We have a nice space to feel welcomed and make new friends.”
Upon arrival, attendees received a bingo card that was completed by asking questions to the tables. Prizes such as Bulldog plushies, pens, and water bottles were awarded to people who completed their bingo cards.
Dunkin’ Donuts participated as a sponsor, giving out free sample-sized refreshers and gift cards in room one, a place where students can engage with one another and eat pizza.
USG Press Director and sophomore Amnerys Taveras gave some insight into her freshman experience.
“I felt like I was so alone, and then events like [resource fairs] helped me feel like there are people. I’m not by myself.”
Many members of the BC community shared this sentiment and reflected on their personal experiences.
Mentor health program ambassador and intern at BC Cancer Center Mia Muskan is very connected in the BC community.
“I would tell them to make as many connections as they can, to go to different offices on campus, make friends, make connections because you don’t know where you’re going to be in the next year or so,” said Muskan.
Overall, this event was a place where students of all grades can come together to connect and build a positive BC community.
“Don’t be afraid […] get to know people or try at least one thing,” Assistant Director of Student Activities Da’Nashja Davis said. Davis continued, sharing her message: “We always look for opportunities to be able to showcase what we offer, what our office offers to students.
Students interested in future events by BC Student Affairs can check out their Instagram: @bcstudentaffairs.