Freshmen Welcome at Stanford

Here is an interesting video I came across yesterday. I think I have already pinged some of you with this. In my opinion, it's a great way to welcome freshmen at Stanford. It's amazing how these Resident Assistants take efforts to actually go through all the photographs and try to memorize the names. The best part is president John Hennessy being himself present to welcome students! This one is for the class of 2015, there are similar ones on YouTube for previous years and you get to see something unique being tried out every year.



Of course, the immediate thought that came to my mind was whether this can work in IIT! First instincts say, not. One of the major reasons freshmen are just too many to handle. Also, I don't think we have this much friendly culture between batches, rather, there has always been some sense of superiority among seniors. We even get pissed when a freshie asks us "Where do I buy bucket/bed from?" :D

I think it certainly is a fantastic tradition to have. For people who justify intros as a solution over declining freshmen-senior interaction, I think this is a much better way to go about! I can't imagine how much better parents will feel while leaving their child(?) in IIT. I know this is pampering, but why not! :D Question I ask myself is will I go and stand in front of hostel gate for half a day welcoming freshmen? Answer is, in general, no. If I get paid, yes. If I am on a post, yes. ISMP and freshmen forum have been great initiatives, why not take another step forward :)