The first day of classes, or FDOC as it’s known to the students of NC State, can be an exciting yet stressful day on campus. In order to help students de-stress, various organizations on campus host events to help the Wolfpack relax. One such event, co-hosted by New Student Programs and Student Health Services* as a part of Winter Welcome Week, was the FDOC Paint Party, held on Monday, Jan. 7.
Genna Martella, the assistant director of New Student Programs, commented on the event.
“This is one of the featured social events of Winter Welcome Week,” Martella said. “New Student Programs and Student Health Services actually co-host the event together. And New Student Programs actually coordinates Winter Welcome Week as a whole.”
New Student Programs and Student Health Services teamed up to create the event.
“We’ve been doing this for a couple years,” Martella said. “Student Health Services traditionally does painting as a part of their [last day of class] festivities, and have for the past couple of years. But we’re looking for more opportunities to bring social events to Wolfpack Welcome Week, and this was a natural way for our two offices to come together to support new students.”
Students crowded the room to learn how to paint a picture of the Belltower in the snow.
Rachelle Conner, a first-year studying human biology, attended the event.
“I think it’s nice, and I think it’s a good way to bring people together and help other get to know other people on campus,” Conner said. “I came because I wanted to spend more time with the people I had met so far and maybe meet some new friends.”
Jaclyn McVey, a first-year studying business administration, also went to the event.
“My friends all mentioned it, and I was like, ‘why not,’” McVey said. “It’s been really fun to hang out with them and come and relax after the day.”
Faith Bradshaw, a first-year studying biology, commented on the FDOC Paint Party.
“I’m working on [painting] a wolf silhouette and a moon,” Bradshaw said. “I’m kind of doing my own thing, but that’s what’s fun about these things; you can do whatever you want.”
Events like the FDOC Paint Party are also important because they aid new students in meeting more people with similar interests. Pauline Bulala, a second-year studying nutrition science, also helped to staff the event.
“I really love painting, and I think it’s a great way for new students to meet people, and I really would encourage people to get out of their shells and their dorms,” Bulala said.
Martella also stressed the importance of social events to first-year students.
“The social events and really all the events of Winter Welcome Week** are open to anyone,” Martella said, “but there’s definitely attention to the new students coming who are looking for ways to get involved in the university community.”
Martella additionally stressed the significance of finding a community at NC State.
“We try and provide social events throughout the week that allow for a break as you’re starting to get connected and also get really transitioned to the university, so that folks kind of have a break to take that moment to connect socially in addition academically as they transition back,” Martella said.
The event created a happy, welcoming atmosphere for new and returning students alike.
“It’s really exciting to be able…to paint the snowy Belltower, especially to put up in your residence hall or in your apartment at home,” Martella said. “Hopefully [events like this one] can continue to not just be an opportunity to meet other people, but also have that pack pride with you whenever you look up at your wall. So hopefully, it’s an opportunity for students to take a little bit of NC State home with them too.”
This event was a segment of special events for Winter Welcome Week. More events are posted from the New Student Programs website.
*Editor’s Note: This line has been changed to accurately reflect that New Student Programs and Student Health Services co-hosted the event.
**Editor’s Note: The statement was updated to reflect the correct name of Winter Welcome Week.
