In celebration of the 2025 Back to School season, the Office of Student Life hosted a barbecue event as part of ‘Raptor Week’. The event took place at the Arthur and Miriam Becker Family Quad on Rockville Campus on Thursday, Sept 4th, 2025, from noon. to 2 p.m.
Seeing so many new and returning students all gathered for the barbecue was thrilling. On the menu was a wide variety of delicious foods, such as cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, salad, soda, chips, and water were served. Between the photo booth, good weather and the DJ playing music for students to enjoy, the barbecue was truly a sight.
While standing in line for hamburgers and chips, I interviewed two students, Camilla Pinero and Jessica Tar, about their opinions.
“It is really nice. It’s nice how they are giving free food, so this is great,” Camilla expressed.
“The weather is nice and I’m excited to eat what they have to offer,” Jessica adds.
Further into our interview, Camilla and Jessica each expressed their enthusiasm about the new semester.
“I’m excited for the new semester, to meet people and, learn new things and hopefully get involved,” Jessica exclaimed.
Adding to Jessica’s exhilaration about the new school year, Camilla shared a brief yet significant insights that every student can relate to.
“I’m excited to meet new people and to take new classes and just explore things,” Camila said.
At 1:18 p.m., I interviewed another student, Alexandra ‘Alex’ Fant who was waiting in line for an icy snow cone.
“I like it a lot. I think it is very inspiring and welcoming to make students more comfortable in their first year, ” stated Alex.
After the barbecue, I interviewed another student, Chidi Opara and asked him what he thought about the event.
“I thought it was really fun, you know, seeing all the faculty and students engaging in activities. It was really nice to see a bunch of new students as well. It was also nice, you know, seeing everyone being looked over with a drone camera,” Chidi stated.
Hosting ‘Back-to-School BBQ’ during the first week of school was a brilliant idea. It was wonderful seeing everyone again after summer break. Though we are only at the first week of September, this is a month where we make most of our days while discovering ourselves.
