Ready, Set, Socialize — OOPS Brings Students Together Through ‘Speed-Friending’

Students gathered in the SUB on Wednesday for rounds of “Speed-Friending,” moving between tables and using conversation prompts to get to know one another.

“I came here because it can be really hard to push yourself out of your comfort zone and make new friends,” first-year student Emma Young said.

Marie Macher with student disability services (DSS) recognized a common struggle for modern students.

“More and more students across the country report feeling lonely, even when surrounded by others,” Macher said. “Students often struggle with the anxiety and the fear of connecting and being judged.”

In an attempt to target this issue, the DSS and Student Counseling Services partnered with Disability Action Center NW, Idaho Parents Unlimited, and Ellie Mental Health. Each organization had a personal representative present on Wednesday for the first meeting of the ‘Our Overthinking People’s Society’ (OOPS)–the term coined for this new campus organization.

For students with anxiety surrounding this socialization, there were even pre-written discussion prompts on the tables. As people discussed their preferences for coffee or tea—sunsets or sunrises—the surface-level questions gradually gave way to longer and more in-depth conversations. 

“We have plenty more events coming up throughout the semester,” Macher said. 

The OOPS will be meeting next on September 30 at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building for a student game night.

Follow @nicstudenthealth on Instagram for more information about upcoming events and student support services.