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!
