As a third-year student at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß¹Û¿´Èë¿Ú, I feel like I’ve accomplished so much.
My name is Dayna Nichols. I’m currently the Sophomore Year Experience (SYE) Coordinator as well as the Vice President of the S.L.A.B. (Student Life Activities Board) club. I’m sure many have seen me sprinting between LIM’s buildings or posting about the benefits of attending school activities. But the truth is my passion for events is what brought me here. Working in the Office of Student Life has provided me with plenty of opportunities for growth as well as inspiration for my future career.
In my first couple of months in this office, I started drafting an idea for an SYE "Ice Cream Bike Ride" event. It was difficult at first to decide on a bike route and pick the right time to depart from the residence hall; however, working with Assistant Director of Student Life Chrystle-Claire Greene and LIM faculty members Timothy Foran and Gavin Goldstein, I was able to plan a fun bike ride that included learning about the history of Central Park, making new friends, and concluding with ice cream!
As an event planner, you have to prepare for the worst. The day of the bike ride, the forecast called for rain all day. But the event was going to go on, rain or shine.
I’ve found that the best part about planning events is seeing how everyone reacts to it. LIM isn't shy to create opportunities for a good time. And despite the threat of rain, many of the students that had signed up still attended with smiles on their faces. SYE provided snacks and water for everyone, and we bonded over our biking horror stories.
The weather showed us some mercy and allowed us to pedal through Central Park. (Although most of us didn't expect as many hills as there were.) We survived a little rain and celebrated at Red Mango. (Woohoo!)
Events like these are great ways to widen your social network and enjoy yourself. I’ve made most of my friends by going to Student Life programs, and I hope to help others make friends through these events.
Majoring in Marketing and minoring in Event Planning, I’m making the most of my experience here at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß¹Û¿´Èë¿Ú. If you want to learn about how to get involved with the Sophomore Year Experience program, feel free to stop by The Office of Student Life (Maxwell Hall – Lower Level).
I hope to see you at our future events!