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For Devon Carey, the Summer Bash Barbecue was more than just an afternoon of burgers, activities and community. It was her first opportunity to bring students together as the new assistant director of Student Success and Campus Engagement on Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus - a milestone that came with its share of nerves. Carey admitted she wanted the first event to go off without a hitch.
“I always want to meet the students where they are,” said Carey, who came to Elkins Park, Pennsylvania two months ago from Penn State. “I always loved the college experience that I had, so I try to pass that along to the students.”
She need not have worried. The bash was a smash with students.
“I’m in clinic working hard today and I didn’t bring dinner,” said Kylie Hier ‘27SLP, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. “I’ve been to quite a few of these events on campus and they’re always a good time.”
According to Monae Kelsey, director of Student Success and Engagement at Elkins Park, summer events such as this one are meant for students to relax, kick back and have some fun outside of the classrooms and clinical facilities with their classmates.
“It can become really easy to focus on school and studying. We spend a lot of time in clinic,” said Alica Samuel ‘27SLP, of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. “But this is an opportunity for the students on campus to kind of step away, have some social interaction and take that break for themselves. They might not do that on their own, but this gives them an excuse.”
And, for graduate students, the food was a draw all on its own. From fresh off the grill barbecue favorites with all the fixings to scrumptious sides and a sweet treat food truck, the meal gave students another reason to relax and take a break for a little with friends.
“We were just talking about how much we love how the Elkins Park campus is always having such fun events and free food,” said Lianna Policano ‘27PA, as she enjoyed a helping of her favorite – mac and cheese – while chatting with fellow Salus at Drexel Physician Assistant (PA) Studies students around a table in the gymnasium of the Hafter Student Community Center during the June 25 Summer Bash Barbecue. “It’s so awesome. We’ve had such stressful weeks and then we get to come and have delicious food. It’s a nice break from school.”
First-year Doctor of Optometry student in the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), Ahmed Aldwiri ‘29OD, who hails from Maryland, agreed.
“Who doesn’t like free food?” said Aldwiri. “It tastes better when it’s free. These events help provide breaks for regrouping your mind and spending time with your friends.”
In addition to the food, students had the opportunity to play some games, have their pictures taken at the photo booth, and make a Drexel pennant to take home.
“When you think of a barbecue, it’s a place for people to come together,” said Kelsey. “Where people can be a family.”
