By Sachi Peiris
Florida International University’s Panther Camp is a three-day retreat for incoming freshmen and transfers, with the main goal of creating an engaging and exciting transition of becoming a FIU Panther. The camp does this by assisting new students in building relationships with other FIU students, fostering
school spirit, cultivating future student
leaders, and helping students learn about FIU's traditions and unique culture. Many individuals argue that Panther Camp left a strong impact on themselves, even considering it life changing. Is this really true, or is it an exaggeration? To find out, I reached out to a variety of people who attended camp.
"Panther Camp really changed my life and it started while I was a camper,” said Emily Fornaris, a current executive board member of Panther camp, “it was the first time I opened up to people emotionally and found out what the meaning of true friendship and role models were.” Crediting this to her camp facilitators, Emily stated, “That’s what I tried to model through my PCF processes and I gained a family and memories I'll cherish forever.” As a current executive board member, Emily states that she, “took all the skills and tools I attained while being a camper and PCF, and applied it to my position, as well as using it to mentor others that are going through the facilitator process currently."
JJ Magee attended camp in summer 2019 and he said that he “thought Panther Camp was lame. I was not going to go but then I finally convinced myself to give it a shot. Panther Camp exceeded my expectations. I couldn't believe how many people I met. Once I got back home, I told all my friends how awesome it was and how I wanted to do it again.”
“Panther Camp to me was a life changing experience which got me out of my comfort zone, because it opened doors for me, such as meeting new people, which is something I always struggle with.” was how Arian Monzon, who attended the most recent 2020 spring camp, felt about camp. “It really helped me be more myself and expand my communication and professional skills.”
“Panther Camp was like a really good experience for me because I met so many people and a lot of them I still stay in touch,” Eszter Erdei, who attended camp in summer
019 felt about camp. “It also allowed me to learn about a lot of things that you might learn about at orientation. It's a really good way to get immersed with the university especially if you don't live in the Miami area or if you don't know a lot of people coming into the school”.
Alejandra Cano, a summer 2020 camper and currency Panther Camp Facilitator stated, “My Panther Camp experience was one of the best things I could have done for myself starting off at a new school. I was able to meet such amazing and driven peers and facilitators that made me excited to start the semester at FIU. It made my future college feel like a home and opened me up to all that FIU has to offer its students. It has made me want to be a better student, peer, and leader. I gained self-confidence, friendships, knowledge, and memories I keep in my heart. Panther camp is the best thing any incoming freshmen or transfer FIU students can do for themselves!”
As seen by the diverse perspectives above, Panther Camp has many benefits. It impacts the lives of all who attend. Therefore, yes indeed, Panther camp IS really life changing.
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