NFSO parties: a great new way to get connected

As most of us on campus know, this semester has been a tough one to say the least. Classes have picked up in speed, homework has increased, and with the cold weather, most of us have been hanging out in our dorm rooms, only leaving to grab meals. No need for shame, I’m doing it too, but I think we can all agree that it’s definitely not fun lacking connection like this. However, Res Life has been doing a stellar job of creating virtual events for students to participate in, the latest installment being New Friends, Same Obsessions parties, or NFSO parties. 

A few weeks ago, students on campus were sent a Google form asking their interests and possible activities they’d enjoy participating in, and thus, NFSO parties were born. Topics range from Binge-Worthy TV, What’s in your Mug, and Foodies Unite to Thrifting and Up-Cycling, Craft Corner, and Mindfulness and Healthy Living, among many others. Each resident advisor is assigned a party based on their interests and qualifications, and activities are planned biweekly on Google Meet. 

I spoke with Pragya Karmacharya’21 (Communication Studies, Psychology Minor) about her experience leading the Mindfulness And Healthy Living party. “I was assigned this party because I was an RA for the Healthy Living LLC last year, and I really enjoy planning the activities! We had a live yoga instructor come in last week, and it was such a blast,” she said.

Karmacharya loves to make it memorable, leaving gift packages at the post office for her party members to pick up. Her bags have included healthy snacks, craft supplies, and for the planned activity next week, each resident will receive their own bullet journaling kit. “The bullet journaling activity will be so much fun! We’ll talk about how to be creative with your notebook and how to implement it into your schedule, since we’re all so busy. It’ll be great to unwind for an hour!” said Karmacharya.

Why should you join, you ask? “Connection because of the pandemic has been really hard this year,” Karmacharya said. “It’s different this year, and we all need each other more than ever. With NFSO parties, you don’t have to worry about a thing since everything you need is provided right outside your door. It’s an easy way to make friends with people who share your interests, and there are so many options that you’re sure to find something you like!” Karmacharya’s party meets biweekly on Wednesdays from 7-8pm.

Josie Lavell’s inspiration for next week’s party!

Josie Lavell ‘23 (Psychology, Studio Art Minor) had a similarly positive experience leading her party. “I lead the Thrifting and Upcycling party because I’ve always had such an interest in thrifting! I find it so interesting!” Lavell said. Her activities, while less easy to orchestrate online, are still such a fun way to spend your Thursday nights. “Last week, we did an online thrifting scavenger hunt! I showed pictures of famous celebrity looks and the participants had to find dupes of the clothes on sites like Poshmark, Depop, and Goodwill for as cheap as possible. It got pretty competitive!” recalled Lavell. 

As for activities down the road, Lavell revealed that her party people will be getting thrifted jean jackets to paint on Google Meet in collaboration with the For The Love of Art party. Like Karmacharya, Lavell hopes that the parties increase connection within the student body. “People should join NFSO parties because it’s an easy way to get to know people you wouldn’t normally meet in your classes. With so many party options, you’re bound to meet some fun people!” Lavell’s party meets every other Thursday from 7-8pm.

Mia Hitchen’s homemade mug for What’s in your Mug?

Mia Hitchen ‘24 (Psychology, Pre-OT) is in a whopping five parties! “For the Love of Art, Foodies Unite, Craft Corner, Binge-Worthy TV, What’s in your Mug, and Mindfulness and Healthy Living”, she says with a smile. Hitchen chose these parties because they encompassed all of her favorite things to do, and she hoped to meet new people within each. “I’m in a lot, I know, but all of the activities have been so fun! We just finished making our own mugs in What’s in your Mug (pictured) and the yoga last week with Mindfulness and Healthy Living was so interesting.” 

When asked about why she thought they were so much fun, Hitchen spoke eloquently, saying, “They bring a sense of normalcy to such an unprecedented year. I hang out with the same five people around my building, and meeting new friends is such a struggle when all we’re doing is going to class on our computers. I like that the variety of parties that I’m in brings different kinds of people, so I’ve been able to meet another girl in my major and a couple new friends from other buildings and grades.” Would Hitchen recommend NFSO parties to other students on campus? “Absolutely! There’s nothing to lose!” 

You heard it here first, folks! NFSO parties are the newest way to connect to other students! Shoot an email to residencelife@stkate.edu to get the google form if you missed the first one!