This past Summer was my last Summer being involved in the First-Year Retreat and Experience (FYRE).
FYRE is one of the many pre-orientation programs offered at Harvard for incoming first-years within the first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented communities. It is a flagship program under the Harvard Foundation, where we work closely with the staff to create a great and supportive program for the first-years. First-years in FYRE are called FYREflies; I was a FYREfly my first year, but my experience was virtual due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The following two years I was a team leader, and this past Summer I was on the SteerComm team as the Mentorship Co-Chair.
As a Mentorship Co-Chair, I was responsible for making 20 FYRE families consisting of two mentors and 6-8 FYREflies. I also created the agenda and plan for the two-day FYRE-specific mentor training before the FYREflies arrived on campus, and designed the activities for FYRE family time, which happened every day during pre-orientation programming.
I will be highlighting some unforgettable memories of my last year being a FYRE mom:
Going to see a Red Sox game
On day one all of the FYRE families went to see a Red Sox game. For many, it was their first time!
Coffee Run at Luxor Cafe
During our break time, I took my FYRE family and other peers in the FYRE community to the newly-opened Luxor cafe to get coffee and tea! Luxor Cafe is an Egyptian-owned and inspired cafe featuring Baklava lattes, Om Ali French toast, and more!
Vision Boards
During one of the FYRE family times, we created vision boards, listened to music, and talked about our goals.
Shoutout FYRE Team Leaders and Co-Chairs
Huge shoutout to the entire FYRE Team! This would not be possible without all of the amazing team leaders and co-chairs who spent hours and weeks, respectively, to welcome the FYREflies with high energy and enthusiasm. You all make a huge impact on the FYRE community and the future generation of leaders.
Game On
Another one of the FYRE Family times was a collaboration with another FYRE family. We played competitive games including Heads Up and Charades.
Family Meals
It is always nice to enjoy the small moments, such as the laughs and jokes we make together during our meals.
Reunion <3
Soon after FYRE programming ended, my FYRE family had a get-together at Kung Fu Tea.
Although this was my last time being a parent in FYRE, this was my most memorable experience. Shoutout to my amazing FYRE co-parent Rylea Pritchett, your vibrant energy, amazing outfits, and pretty smile made me look forward to co-mentoring with you every day. Shoutout to my FYRE children Amya Walters, Ayah Razaq, Fikayo Tosin-Oni, Hammad Khalil, Janelle Souro, Jonathan Demosthene, Malak Sannoun, and Sarah Khowessa. You all have made this experience so memorable and I would not have wanted my last experience to be any different. I cannot wait to see what you all accomplish throughout your years at Harvard and beyond. I love you and your FYRE family will always be here for you.
- Samia<3
Check out other blogs about FYRE:
Drawing can be a leisure activity or a great way to relax. A sketch book and pen often accompanied me at the park in my free moments.
My Philosophy banner
FUP Silent Disco
First-year students gather to commemorate a successful alumni networking event at the historically exclusive Harvard Club of Boston
The Barker Center, home to the Harvard College Writing Center
Some friends and I took a coach bus from Boston to New York City and visited Times Square as a part of this trip!
My friends from my entryway and I pose for a picture together before we go kayaking!
A photo of me with the first two other students who were hired as freshman student workers last fall
One of my favorite photos of TCS. Small Island, Big Family!
Samia Afrose with friends at Luxor Cafe
Samia Afrose and Hana Rehman at South Asian Convocation
A photo of myself looking at the Zanzibari waters
Me with the director of FOP, the wonderful Lesedi Graveline
My friends and I love attending the socials that are hosted by the affinity groups!
A picture of a white poster with "Adams House is the Best House" written on it.
So grateful to have worked with these amazing student leaders this past year!
My fellow singers and I singing “Lay Me Low,” our closing number, by Addah Z. Potter and arranged by Kevin Siegfried, at Reunion: A Fall Concert.
Me and a teammate sailing the first double handed sail of the year.
Here's Harpreet and I with our best friends back in high school!
My blockmates and I at Winthrop House on our Housing Day!
I have very specific playlists for every mood.
Kuumba had a winter concert last year that focused on the importance of Black Love; this photo, which captures the power of intimacy, was taken during the dance section of the concert.
Here's the new Sunflower sign we just put up with our students as community service.
Harvard Yard, where many first-year students live.
I make the most of my Zoom-ed reality by taking calls outside!
Here I am teaching a government class from last summer!
Performing at the Peabody Museum's Day of the Dead celebration and exhibit.
The view of the Charles River from Leveret House, which is right next to Winthrop House!
My Harvard Journal Project notebook, with its (not so successful) attempt to color the Harvard logo on the front.
My friends and I decided to have a group photo session the day before leaving campus!
Me giving out homemade awards to my MFP students!
Another spot to rest with great views of New Hampshire!
