FASET

FASET. Orientation at Georgia Tech. One of Tech’s many acronyms.

FASET stands for “Familiarization and Adaptation to the Surroundings and Environs of Tech”

That’s a mouthful.

FASET is almost always listed among a student’s first few interactions with the Institute. It consists of learning about the basic traditions, practices, and features of Tech.

Basically, knowing almost no one, R.A.T.S. (or Recently Acquired Tech Students) attempt to awkwardly connect with the most people they can. This comes in the form of icebreaker games that probably lasted for at least half of the whole orientation.

And trust me with my awkwardness, I needed those icebreakers too. But at some point enough is enough.

Granted these icebreakers happened in a small group chosen at random with people you may actually have nothing in common with, looking at this from a practical perspective it actually may have been helpful for people who have issues with introductions. It was an interesting way in finding similarities among a group of people to talk about.  It may have even given people major confidence that they now know at least ONE person at Tech. Also, the groups now have an older FASET leader that the RATS could now look up too on campus as a mentor, adviser sort of role. And at the very least, at least everyone has one thing in common, you chose Georgia Tech the best freakin’ engineering and technology school ever to be your college.

But onto other things than awkward students.

The information given from the Institute during day one was broad and fast. Basically in a summary “If it deals with the school it’s on Buzzport somewhere”.

The day ended with one of the more significant events, a party on the top floor of the CRC. Yes, the same awkward kids as before were now gettin’ down to Pitbull in one of the packed side rooms in the campus recreation center, penthouse level.

Luckily, that’s only half of the story, or half of the RATS should I say. Personally, I was with the other half participating in sports such as volleyball, indoor soccer, and basketball on the top floor.

And, wearing an Atlanta Hawks shirt that day you know my 3 point game was fire (shout out to #26).

Day two’s primary focus was around a campus club fair, a very important aspect of life at a college where stress and Adderall overdoses are the two primary health concerns. In all seriousness, it is important to add free time activities to your schedule. In this case a busier schedule may actually help you study better by releasing stress through extracurriculars. The best touch to it all was an appearance of the Ramblin’ Wreck and Buzz. Got a selfie with Buzz and awesome pictures of the wreck (can be seen above the news on the right and left side)

After an hour in the Atlanta mid-day heat, Tech runs you over to the Barns and Noble, takes your everlasting picture for your Buzzcard, then sends you on your way back home till you return on campus during move in day.

I hope my hair at least looks good in my picture.

 This is gonna be quite a year.

Thanks for reading Ramblin’ on Georgia Tech and Go Jackets!