Preview Weekend, or Admitted Students Weekend, is one of my favorite parts of the Stern education. This past weekend marked my third (and probably last) Preview Weekend. I fondly remember my own Preview two years ago, when I first met my classmates and started forming lifelong bonds that continue to this day. I was super excited for the weekend but also a little nervous since I didn’t know anybody else who was going to Stern. But given the welcoming, collaborative community that I had experienced up until that point, I was confident that everyone would be down-to-earth, friendly, and as enthusiastic about Stern as I was. And of course, I was right!
As a Graduate Ambassador, I had the privilege of experiencing Preview from the other side this year. I spent the week gearing up for the event by signing up to participate in events over the weekend, dusting off my TORCH committee shirt, wrapping bars of chocolate from Madecasse (a Stern start-up), and congratulating recent admits on their acceptance and encouraging them to come to this weekend.
Saturday arrived and over 250 admits descended on Stern’s campus to kick off an unforgettable weekend and first step on their Stern journey. In the morning, they heard from inspirational student speakers, such as Jennifer Wynn, and military veteran Mike Petit. I was fortunate enough to escort a group of about 25 students on a small-group lunch to Nicoletta. This was really the first chance that students had to start to get to know each other in an informal setting, and we bonded over delicious meatballs, arancini, and pizza margherita. While I was there to answer questions, it was great to see the five girls at my table forming connections, exchanging phone numbers, and Facebook-friending each other already. Our table was very diverse, with an MBA/MPA and JD/MBA, as well as a French woman, but everyone was friendly and excited about Stern. I even made a great connection myself as one of the girls is involved with the same volunteer non-profit that I work with (Girls on the Run). What a small world!
The afternoon continued with “Explore your Path” – an opportunity for admits to speak with currents about potential career paths, experiential learning, global opportunities, and clubs. They capped off the evening with a fabulous reception at the swanky Dream Hotel where they could mingle and get to know their future classmates better.
I wish I could be in their shoes and experience Preview as a new admit all over again. I really enjoyed meeting future Sternies and I know that they had a great experience connecting with each other before school begins. I’m just sad that I won’t be here next Fall when they arrive on campus to continue their journey during LAUNCH.