From moving away from home to navigating classes, college can be daunting to experience alone. But at UP, there are many ways of finding community, like auditioning for a play, joining the Villa Maria drum squad or getting free coffee at Espresso UP.
Another, more intimate avenue for finding community is an after-Mass social (AMS), where students take part in conversations to get to know one another and residence hall staff, all while grabbing complimentary drinks and snacks. These weekly socials typically take place after residence hall Mass, where assistant hall directors and resident assistants (RA) from each dorm work together to host the event.
While AMS is meant to strengthen the community built inside the chapel, all students are invited to participate regardless of their faith, according to Instructor for the Shiley School of Engineering and Pastoral Resident of Schoenfeldt Tyler Kreipke.
“Mass is meant to call us into community, and so it's nice when you can actually bring that out from just the chapel,” Kreipke said. “It's just nice to be with everyone and to allow that communion that we start… by worshiping together spill out into the rest of our time.”
Here are three after-Mass socials happening across campus for you to check out during the week.
Kenna Hall
Kenna Hall hosts their AMS Tuesdays at 10:15 p.m., where after walking into the lounge area, you’ll be greeted by the smell of freshly baked brownies or hot-off-the-pan spam musubi.
For sophomore nursing student Jocelyn Enriquez, participating in AMS is a low-stakes way for students to eat a tasty snack while also getting involved with their residence hall community.
“Sometimes getting out for the little things like these helps motivate you to go out to do more things,” Enriquez said. “It's small and tiny, little baby steps, but it's something that helps.”
But for some students, having dietary restrictions can deter them from attending these events. Kenna Hall’s assistant hall director, Taeya Hillman-Johnson, is on a mission to stop this from being the case.
Hillman-Johnson prioritizes having as many diet-friendly options at AMS as possible, including vegan and gluten-free options. She is proud of how Kenna’s AMS can accommodate people with different dietary needs.
“The look on someone's face when they show up [to] an event and realize that their allergen is being considered, and they have an opportunity to participate, is my favorite part about doing after-Mass social,” Hillman-Johnson said.
Lund Family Hall
Lund Family Hall hosts their AMS every Wednesday at 9 p.m. Tucked away by their kitchen and main lounge, residents gather to have snacks, like homemade lemon bars, and catch up with each other.
During AMS, some students also take advantage of Lund’s pool and foosball tables, while others sit on the couches and pick out a movie. Luke Smith, a sophomore marketing major, appreciates how AMS provides the opportunity for a study break.
“[AMS] brings everyone together,” Smith said. “It's a nice little break from studying and a good way to say hi to people.”
Tim Weed, pastoral resident for Lund Family Hall and director of Campus Ministry, says AMS is for everybody. Whether you're dropping by for the provided treats or sticking around to socialize, anyone who wants to participate is welcome to join, according to Weed.
“I think it's just a nice way to say hi, even if you're an introvert or shy. There's a place for you here,” Weed said.
Fields and Schoenfeldt Halls
Hosted every Wednesday at 9:45 p.m., Fields and Schoenfeldt Halls’ AMS is a great place to get a midweek snack.
Set up right in the main entrance of the building, this AMS is a grab-and-go vibe for many students who stop by to say hello and get a snack on their way in, before heading down the hall to catch the elevator.
But, those who do stick around are treated to conversations with each other and hall staff.
Olivia Schuler, a second-year nursing student, enjoys picking up a snack and having conversations with the people at AMS. She says AMS is a rewarding way to end her Wednesdays.
Stephanie Galati, assistant hall director of Fields, knows how stressful college can be and tries to ease residents' anxieties by providing snacks at AMS. Switching between easy-to-assemble mud pies and more time-consuming snacks, like grilled cheese with tomato soup, Galati tries to give all residents a reminder of home.
“It's really fun to surprise [residents] with some taste of home when they're away, and stuff like this is really easy, but it's something that makes them happy,” Galati said.
Samantha Zavala is a reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at zavala27@up.edu.
