Speed friending with RHA

By Lexi White

Features Editor 

Most know that speed dating is a way to find a potential romantic partner, but the Residence Hall Association, or RHA, came up with a unique way for students to get acquainted on campus: “speed friending.” 

During the RHA’s summer training sessions, members were to come up with event ideas for the semester. That was when marketing major Murielle Myrtil, a sophomore, thought of this creative friend-making activity. 

Myrtil said that during her freshman year, she did not start making friends until the middle of the fall semester. She wanted to create an event that caters to those who have a hard time making friends. 

“In our generation, making friends is not as natural, and sometimes college could feel cliquey in a way,” Myrtil said. “I feel like the sole purpose of this event is to leave with a new friend in a way that isn’t awkward or weird because everyone here has the same intentions.” 

Just like speed dating,              “speed friending” con- sists of people sitting across from each other at a table. They have 5 minutes to talk about their interests, career goals and whatever else they please.  

In addition, RHA supplied students with question cards to help get the conversation going. When time is up, one side of the table shifts down a seat so that they can get to know someone else.  

RHA also provided pizza for the students who attended their “speed friending” event.  

Myrtil said, “I feel like this will help the introverts who want to become more extroverted and have a safe space to do so.” 

The vice president of RHA, health and wellness coaching major Ta’Niyah Mabry, a sophomore, said she was very excited that Myrtil came up with this event idea. 

“Our biggest thing when we were freshmen was that we wanted to have that space where we could actually meet people,” Mabry said. “This is our chance of giving people the perfect opportunity to do that.” 

Mabry said that her goal for this event was to help students get out of their shells and interact with each other. 

“I want students to know that feeling alone and isolated in college is completely normal,” Mabry said.  

Recreation and leisure studies major Lindsey Caplan, a freshman, said she did not know what to expect from this event since she had never heard of “speed friending” before.  

“I am definitely more introverted, and I came to this event because I want to get out there more,” Caplan said.  

Another student who wanted to get out of her comfort zone was human resource management major Chrysannia Tibby, a freshman. She came to RHA’s event in attempts to make new friends. 

“After I get out of class, I usually go straight to my dorm,” Tibby said. “So, an event like this is helping me to get out and socialize.” 

Interdisciplinary studies major Ashley Jenner, a freshman, was another student who wanted to expand her horizons.  

“Meeting new people makes me nervous, but it makes me feel better that everyone is in the same boat,” Jenner said. 

VOL. 64- ISSUE 2