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:
