What Is PierA?
PierA is an organization that strives to build a non-judgmental support system for individuals to both learn about and share their personal experiences with mental health and drug abuse.
Piers guide ships at sea. Likewise, PierA guides individuals toward their aspirations, absent of poor mental health and drugs.
PierA's Socials
Instagram: @pieraorg
Newsletter: @pieraorg
GroupMe: @PierA
Storytime
The energetic music from the DJ draws energy from the crowds of students dancing. Over 6,000 students walk through the doors, greeted by the loud, enthusiastic cheers of Welcome Leaders. The shared excitement of entering a university in the best city in the world...This past year, I served as a Welcome Leader at NYU to welcome the Class of 2026, which consists of nearly 6,500 new first-year and transfer students. Entering college can be overwhelming, as many students are traveling away from home for the first time, adjusting to a new city, and transitioning into rigorous college life. As Welcome leaders, our mission is to bring a sense of community into the student body by hosting a variety of programs and events during the first weeks of college. This year, a total of 300 Welcome leaders underwent an application, group interview, and 3-day training process to transform this mission into a reality!
NYU Welcome hosts countless events for incoming students, from themed hangouts and excursions to the MET, Brooklyn Bridge, Whitney Museum of American Art, etc. to the Disco Ball, which returned after its 3-year absence due to the pandemic, and Drag Bingo featuring the iconic Rajah Ohara. As a Welcome Leader of team Shaiba’s Showstoppers, I helped host the Presidential Welcome, Professional Comedy Show, Acapella Show, Disco Ball, Cheap Eats Tour, Speed Meeting, and Interfaith Block Party. During these events, I heard the lively conversations students had with one another, sparking long-term friendships. I personally spoke to students at Club Fest who could not conceal their excitement about joining the organizations offered on campus. I witnessed thousands of students gather in Radio City to hear Andy Hamilton present one last time before he steps down as NYU President next year.
My experiences as a Welcome Leader taught me the value of making an impact in others’ lives. During Welcome Leader training, students watched the TEDx talk Everyday Leadership, where Drew Dudley presents an eye-opening moment in which he inadvertently introduced two students at freshman orientation using a lollipop. Years later, these two students had gotten happily married. Although Dudley was the catalyst for their first encounter, he had absolutely no memory of it. He called this a “Lollipop Moment.”
I experienced a Lollipop Moment as a Welcome Leader. During a Speed Meeting event run by me and my team members Steph and Katrina, students talked to over 50 other students about their favorite, foods, movies, hobbies, etc. I presented a final question that was not included in the initial event plan. “Where would you hang out with the person sitting across from you, outside of this event?” I encouraged students to establish friendships outside of the five brief minutes they had with each person. Following this event, students came up to me to thank me. Many even recognized me at later Welcome events. All of us have the potential to positively impact the lives of those around us whether we know it or not. Even a small gesture like smiling at someone in the hallway, asking someone if they are okay, or including someone in a conversation can have a profound impact on someone’s life. So, what is your lollipop moment?
Bi weekly Lessons Learned
● Find your lollipop moment
Everyone defines leadership differently, but we can all agree that leadership involves the ability to inspire others. We all have the ability to experience or create a lollipop moment whether done consciously or subconsciously. We can inspire and make a difference in someone’s life.
● Seize the day
There is a popular Roman proverb “Carpe diem,” which means “Seize the day.” It reminds us to focus on the present and appreciate the value of every moment in life. Every life eventually comes to an end, so don’t be afraid to act now!
● A comfort zone is a good place to visit, not to live
Continuing to stay in your comfort zone can prevent you from growing and creating new moments you have never experienced before. It is okay to be comfortable in your habits and routines, but never be afraid to experience life outside of them. Regardless of the outcome, you will know more than you did before.
You cannot miss this, thanks us later
As midterm season ends, come de stress with the E board at Hudson yards on October 28 to watch Beetlejuice at 6 pm!