Hey guys! I hope you’re all enjoying your summers! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Steven Gelman and I’m a Junior studying Film & Television and Journalism. This summer, I’m serving double duty as both a COM Ambassador and a FYSOP Coordinator! For this blog post, I wanted to talk a little bit about FYSOP, what it’s going to look like this year, and why you should participate in it!
The First Year Student Outreach Project, or FYSOP, is an annual service learning program for incoming first-year students. This is the 31st year of FYSOP, and for the first time, it is a remote experience. This shouldn’t discourage you from participating, though. I am super confident that this year’s FYSOP will be an invaluable opportunity for first-year students to connect with your peers before arriving on campus, all while learning about your home during your time at BU, Boston. So, why do FYSOP? Let me tell you:
1. You can connect with students before arriving on campus
When I was a first-year student, my biggest concern was finding friends. Thinking back to my experience, it’s hard to imagine never meeting anyone in person before arriving on campus, which is exactly what many of you are experiencing. If you feel the same way I felt about wanting to connect with other students before arriving on campus, FYSOP is a great opportunity to meet some fresh faces before classes start.
2. You will get to learn more about yourself, BU and Boston
FYSOP will be your first opportunity to get to know your new home during your time at BU, Boston. You will get to know the different communities that make up Boston, interact with many community partners, and learn more about one of seven social justice focus areas! (My focus area is Youth and Family Advocacy, and we’re pretty awesome). If you have any interest in getting to know Boston better, I’d highly encourage you to participate!
3. It’s $10 (yes, $10)
FYSOP is literally $10 this year. That’s the equivalent of 4 trips on the T, a quesadilla at Bay State Underground, or a plate of Panda Express at the GSU. At that price point, FYSOP is super accessible for anyone who wants to participate.
4. You can participate from your bed
With FYSOP being remote this year, you truly can participate from anywhere. Everything planned for FYSOP is also going to be recorded, so if you’re an international student, you can participate too!
5. You get a T-Shirt
That’s right, FYSOP is only $10 AND you get a T-shirt. What more do you need to know?
For me, FYSOP was just what I needed as a first-year. It helped spark my love for community service and social justice, allowed me to make friends before classes started, and taught me a lot about myself and my role in the community. If you have any doubts about participating, I’d encourage you to go for it! I promise you won’t regret it 🙂
