On Sept. 9, Washburn University’s Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement hosted a Mocktails and Mentorship night, helping underclassmen connect with their peers and receive insight. 

“My goal was to just create a welcoming environment for all our new students, where they could feel supported and feel like they had a home,” said Aaradhya Shah, junior social work major and event coordinator.

Shah initially stated her nervousness in not getting enough upperclassmen to participate in the event.

“At first I felt like I could not get any upperclassmen. I thought this event was going to fall apart,” Shah said. “[But] I started promoting it, and then suddenly, now I have 10 or 12 upperclassmen which is really good.”

The event consisted of snacks, drinks, upbeat music and a group of upperclassmen to guide and advise the new students and underclassmen on any questions they might have. 

Many students were thankful for an opportunity to reach out to their upperclassmen peers and gain knowledge and insight.

“I think this is a great program that will allow people to connect with their community,” said Gabi Sharpe, freshman chemistry major. “[I’m looking forward to] meeting new people and making new friendships.”

Some students had known little about the event prior, but still came to check it out and see what it was all about. 

“I came because my roommates wanted to come,” said Greenlea Selenke, sophomore environmental studies major

The event was organized through Aleshire, a community that works to empower and uplift students.Whether they were transfer students or Washburn freshmen, the event served to guide all new students to success with coaching and advice from peers.

Edited by Morgan Albrecht and Stuti Khadka