Date: 13th October 2019Organized by: HeART Association for Psychological HealthVenue: Behind JSU LibraryParticipants: 40 freshmen

Dwelling in a new environment has always been a challenge. While some are in a state of oblivion, others are taking steps to expand their circle by making new friends.

With this in mind, OEC HeART Association organized its semi-annual activity dubbed, "Nice to Meet You". The event was held on October 13, 2019, at JSU Library Park (East Side). The purpose of the event was to provide a platform for students to socialize, make friends, familiarize themselves with campus life and promote social health awareness.

The program commenced with the introduction of HeART Executives by HeART President Desmond. The MC Miss Yana gave the welcoming address and outlined the agenda. She divided the participants into groups of 7, each with a leader. The group leader was to facilitate discussion and explain procedures to the members.

In the first section of the program, students had to form two circles, a smaller inner circle and a larger outer circle. The parties of both circles faced each other and exchanged small talks. The rule was only the outside circle was allowed to rotate; the program was timed giving each person equal time to talk to a new partner as the other circle rotated.

Before the start of the second activity the Dean of OEC, Prof. Gao Jing, spoke about the importance of HeART. She further explained about life in China and expectation of freshmen to live a successful life and obey the laws of China. The Dean’s presence was also accompanied by HeART Patron Mrs. Sun and HeART Counselor.

The second section of the program was entitled ‘Word Game’, where several groups where formed with a Heart Executive being the leader of each group. Each group was given a word and they had to find as many other words as they could using only the letters of the initial word they were given.

The last part of the program was entitled “Mental Health Awareness”. Discussion was facilitated among each group with different topics being discussed amongst each group. Topics included; surviving in China, how to maintain a clear mindset, tools for academic success. Also, students shared their own views on how their life has been in Jiangsu University.

The program ended around 18:10 with a high sense of spirit among our participants.

The activity was a success.

Writer Samuel Edwin NelsonEditor: Khathutshelo Motlhasedi