Blog Reflection SOC Legacy Building

At the very beginning of semester 2, I continued my work for the 8th grade RUSH week activities. This was an event we began in semester 1 but occurred at the end of January and beginning of February. RUSH has always been a big event for the SOC and there is always a lot of work that goes into it. However, this time it was different. We were hosting this event for the incoming freshman knowing that they would have no idea what was going on. We knew that they didn't know much about our school culture or language and we would have to guide them through that. However, providing an opportunity for them to experience our school involvement and learn about what it means to be involved was really important to me. As an incoming freshman all I knew was that my sister was involved in anything there was to be apart of and I wanted to do that too, but it wasn't until about the end of my sophomore year that I began to do that. As I graduate and my younger brother begins high school, I wanted to inform him, as well as his classmates, just how you can get involved right from the beginning.

By hosting an event designed for the 8th graders, we were able to show them care by informing them on opportunities they have as freshman at Thomas Nelson. While we also were able to connect with them when they visited our organization booths and we created relationships with our small group through the activities we did, I think the overall component shown was care. Not only did we design something that was specific to their needs, we also gave them a space to explore their interests and see what they could become involved in.

There was a lot of work that the SOC and I put into this RUSH week. Before it began, I was very nervous because I wanted it to go well for the 8th graders so they would enjoy this experience. After it was over, I was very refreshed and was very proud of my work I did for the 8th grade community. I hope this is something that is continued every year to make sure the 8th graders feel welcome and more prepared when they come to Thomas Nelson.