Maverick FRIENDzy helps new Mavs form bonds
During a fun-filled afternoon at Brazos Park, new and returning Mavericks alike learned that they have more in common than just their university.
Through a series of interactive group activities, students introduced themselves to their soon-to-be new friends in an exciting and lively atmosphere at Maverick FRIENDzy, one of the many welcome events held at the start of the new school year as part of Maverick Stampede.
At the start, participants were instructed to form groups of three with students they did not know, and then merge to form groups of six. They were then grouped together through commonalities, such as having the same birth month, wearing the same colored shoes or having a driver’s license.
Regardless of the prompt, the action was all about meeting others and finding common threads with their fellow Mavericks. After the activities, students were treated to pizza to share with their new and old Maverick connections.
Casey Ivanoff, a sophomore nursing student who works for UTA’s Academic Success Center, says he got a “warm and fuzzy” feeling when he visited campus for the first time. He adds that events like Maverick FRIENDzy can be valuable for students.
“I think it’s important for freshmen to get to know and meet friends on campus,” he said. “It gets you out and helps you interact.”
Tasha Talton, director of transition programs and services, said the Maverick FRIENDzy “is for those students who came to college and did not know anyone and for those who already have a friend group and want to expand it.”
“Students really get into it,” she said.
Tatiana Chavez Orellana, a transfer student majoring in software engineering, is new to the UTA campus and the Arlington area. She saw Maverick FRIENDzy as an opportunity.
“Since I’m new to the area … I thought this would be a great way to meet people,” she said.