Freshman year can be a difficult and confusing time. In a totally foreign environment, with different teachers, different classmates, and different principles, it is quite easy to get lost in the blur. For many freshman, most of whom are coming from co-educational schools, the shock of being in an all-boys school is enough to make life very stressful. Fearing that they may not be able to survive without girls at their school, some panic and scramble without an idea of how they will manage this dilemma.
Do not fear, young freshman! With the annual Fall Freshman Mixer, you do not have to sacrifice your interactions with girls for your Jesuit education, because you can enjoy both with ease!
Highly anticipated, the Mixer brings together freshman boys from Jesuit with freshman girls from Ursuline and Hockaday to interact and become acquainted with one another, often forming the roots of strong friendships. Whether a student is confident and extroverted or a bit shy and introverted, the Mixer provides a perfect opportunity to casually meet girls from Jesuit’s sister schools.
Many people fear embarrassment or rejection, but ultimately, the Mixer is just a fun, low-pressure event. Sean Howard ’16 may have said it best when he explained that freshman should just “be themselves, but be willing to step out of their comfort zone.” Don’t be afraid to walk over to the group of girls! Don’t be afraid to dance to your favorite song!
Sean reflected on his own Mixer experience, saying that it was “hard to dance and awkward because [he] was in a leg brace,” but he still had a good time. He also remarked that “first impressions do matter, but don’t freak out” because the Mixer is only the first of many interactions that these freshman will have.
Garrett Amy ’15 also enjoyed the opportunity to meet people from other schools and “still keep[s] in touch with a few people from Hockaday and Ursuline that [he] met that night.” He encourages freshmen to be open to introducing themselves to people they don’t know, recounting the quote “strangers are just best friends you haven’t met yet,” a line that he heard from a wise Jesuit senior. With that sort of openness, Garrett insisted that all freshmen can have a fun time.
With a festive Hawaiian Luau theme, the Mixer is certain to be filled with fun floral shirts, colorful skirts, and upbeat music. All freshmen should attend the Mixer, convening at the Terry Center this coming Friday for a night of fun, dancing, and friends!
