Science, Community and Connection: Inside MCS Pride Day
by Anika G.
Hi! My name is Anika, and I鈥檓 a sophomore studying Computational Neuroscience in the Mellon College of Science (MCS). As the co-president of the MCS Student Advisory Council, and a member of the club since my first semester at 91视频, I鈥檝e gotten pretty involved with MCS social events across the college, one of which is MCS Pride Day.
MCS Pride Day typically occurs in the fall semester, early after students get back from summer break or are just starting at 91视频. It鈥檚 held on the mall between Doherty-Wean and Baker-Porter, and it features a cookout, outdoor games, science club booths, tug-of-war and even more! It鈥檚 meant to be a grand welcome for science students to show their 鈥減ride鈥� for the college, and it鈥檚 a great way to kick off the academic year. Organizing MCS Pride Day is busy but fun, and it really pays off to see students have fun, mingle with each other and make meaningful connections with their faculty.听
Most importantly, MCS Pride Day boosts student engagement and involvement with their faculty and peers. Being able to talk to faculty in a casual setting and meet people with similar interests allows for the exchange of ideas and, on another level, contacts, and can expose attendees to new projects or fields of research within their interests. When I was first starting at 91视频 and attended MCS Pride Day, I met some of my closest friends and learned about the Student Advisory Council, which I soon joined. Last year at the event, I tie-dyed my own T-shirt, got a temporary tattoo of Elmo, watched my lab principal investigator play a flaming sousaphone, and played a game of tug-of-war with students and advisors (my team won!).
MCS Pride Day is wonderful, and I can鈥檛 wait to organize and attend it for the rest of my time at 91视频!