First impressions of the Indian Student Association’s Fresher’s Party
Most colleges promise new students exposure to new worlds, new people and new ideas, both in and out of the classroom. Well, what better way to be exposed to such things outside of class than going to a Fresher’s Party?
As my first college event to attend, and cover for the newspaper, I found the Indian Student Association’s (ISA) Fresher Party to be quite an enjoyable and enlightening experience. I hope to attend more events such as these in the future.
I’ll admit, I had never really been to or heard of a “fresher’s party,” so when I was asked to attend the event, I was slightly perplexed at what it would entail. I soon found out, and certainly do not regret it.
Upon arriving early, I found myself meeting, talking to, and taking pictures of those attending the party. As the “Game of Thrones” themed event went on, I became more exposed to people with musical and artistic talent, avidness for the television show “Friends” and Marvel Comics and the show that I have still yet to watch, “Game of Thrones.” The event proved to be one filled with great performances by the attendees, as well as great introductions to new students coming in from India.
As I tried to get as many great pictures as possible, I got distracted by the performances themselves. The performances were flat-out mesmerizing. I found myself wanting to yell out “Encore!” as I watched a performance of Ellie Goulding’s song “Love Me Like You Do” by Mythreyi Jamadagni with lyrics switching interchangeably between English and Hindi. She was accompanied by an absolutely beautiful guitar melody by Joses Sandeep. The last performer in the trinity of great performances was a male solo by Ravi Trivedi, who knocked things out of the park with his spectacular vocals and a well-choreographed Afro Beats dance.
Shortly after the performances, the students listened to a speech by Preeti Jain, assistant professor of early childhood education and the faculty advisor for ISA. Jain welcomed the incoming students, assuring them they have come to a great campus and that there was much to look forward to. She also made sure to address Hurricane Harvey, wishing that everyone made it out the storm with minimal or no damage.
After finishing her speech, the attendees enjoyed a game of trivia which testing the students’ knowledge in UHCL history, Marvel Comics, “Friends” and “Game of Thrones.” The latter played a special role in the party, as the event’s location saw itself being greatly decorated in “Game of Thrones” memorabilia and even having a “Game of Thrones” themed photo booth. It was quite enjoyable taking pictures of the attendees with their “Game of Thrones” props in the booth.
Overall, my first Fresher’s Party experience certainly proved to be more than just something to cover for work. It was a great event to see and attend, as well as a chance to be witness to just one of the many diverse cultures present on UHCL’s campus. Such an event leaves me wondering, “Are all Fresher’s Parties this great?”
