This term’s Fiesta Fridays & Study Breaks brought connection and community to our First Year students.
By Robert Los ’27
Fiesta Friday #1: Pho & Fun
On April 3rd, students gathered at the TRIO house for the first official Fiesta Friday of the Spring term, “Pho and Fun.” The gathering brought together dozens of TRIO students to prepare and enjoy the traditional Vietnamese soup. Moving in an assembly-line, attendees selected from a variety of garnishes, vegetables, and sauces to enhance their noodles before finally adding the hot broth to craft their perfect bowl.
Afterward, the group relaxed and socialized over card games, bracelet-making, and drawing. The high turnout and cheerful atmosphere showed that the event was a great success, bringing people together over a shared culinary experience. Everyone appreciated the chance to connect with peers and unwind at the end of the first week of classes.
Fiesta Friday #2: Fruit Bar. Card Making
On April 17, students gathered at the TRIO house for the term’s second Fiesta Friday. The afternoon featured fresh fruit and vegetables paired with frosting, chocolate dip, and various dressings. Once everyone had a plate of snacks, the group caught up on their Week Three updates. To de-stress, students crafted personalized cards for the special people in their lives, ranging from parents and friends to mentors and advisors. After noting their appreciation, the group continued to enjoy one another’s company with the TRIO house’s signature arts and crafts. Some students decided to include friendship bracelets alongside their thoughtful cards.
Study Break #1: Brunch & Crunch
On May 14th, TRIO students spent their mid-day break visiting the TRIO house for the first Study Break event of the term, where sweet and nutritious brunch options awaited them. As first-year students loaded their plates with hot food, they gathered to update their peers and mentors on their academic achievements and plans for the following summer.
Likewise, the never-ending supply of nachos from a previous event made a guest appearance, as they were revered for their comforting and familiar taste. As laughter and conversation filled the TRIO house, it became clear that even during the notorious rigor of Carleton’s week 7, students leaned on one another for academic and emotional support, all while being sustained by a comforting meal.
Study Break #2: Tie-Dye T-Shirts
On May 28th, TRIO hosted the second Study Break of the term, allowing students to unwind with their peers and peer leaders as the 25-26 academic year drew to a close. For this Study Break, participants gathered outside to enjoy the warm weather and give their best effort towards learning tie-dye. Equipped with dozens of colors and a blank tote bag, students of varying experience levels experimented with patterns and designs, doing their best to keep the color off their clothes.
Events like these offer students the opportunity to connect with one another outside the classroom, reflecting and further expanding their friendships and community that carry them through the year. After comparing bags, even bragging about how well the dyeing process turned out, students headed inside to cool off with fresh fruit and cold drinks. Before heading to their classes and going their separate ways, they left their colorful masterpieces to dry and came back to pick them up the following day.