ETSU kicks off first week of classes with Block Party

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Ahead of the first day of classes, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) students kicked off the week with a Welcome Week Block Party Sunday.

The block party, sponsored by Campus Recreation and the Housing Department, serves as an opportunity for new students to get to know their fellow classmates.

“Maybe you’ve got a couple friends that you’re already [hanging] around with,” said Adam Knobloch, Associate Director of Campus Recreation. “You’re coming to meet new friends, it’s really an opportunity for everybody.”

Jadyn Brooks, a freshman from Cleveland, Tennessee told News Channel 11 the chance to meet new people was one reason she attended the event.

“I didn’t know anybody before I got here,” said Brooks. “So I’m excited to meet some new people and get connected.”

For some of the new students, the Block Party was a way of finding a place to belong on campus.

“I was hoping to get connected with a few more of the organizations and kind of know when things are,” said Elissa Earls, a freshman from Cleveland, Tennessee.

The event also served as a networking event for campus ministries, like the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM).

“My leaders at church back home told me about the BCM and wanted me to get plugged in there,” said Savannah Larrimore, a freshman from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Ministry members Abigail Chapman and Carley Sanders got connected with BCM thanks to gatherings like the Block Party.

“This is the best community that I’ve ever found in my life and I would be here if it wasn’t for events like this,” said Chapman.

Groups like BCM aren’t just great places for new students.

“When I transferred it really helped me,” said Sanders. “Because I was able to come in and find the same community over again.”

Now that the party is over, students are now preparing for their classes to start.

“It’s definitely like nerve-racking starting a new thing,” said Kara Mink, a freshman from Knoxville, Tennessee.

The block party was only the beginning of Welcome Week events. The campus will also hold a Campus Recreation and Student Government Association Pool Party and a Basketball Tournament. For a full list of Welcome Week events, visit ETSU.edu/students .

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