Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Shannon Taylor One of the presentations at the inaugural annual first/ second year Symposium.

Wednesday, November 29 marked the first annual mid year symposium of first and second year student work. The Large Campus Ballroom at the Rondileau Campus Center served as the main stage for the event which included oral presentations, poster presentations and dance performances.

A breakfast buffet served at 8:30 a.m. began the day and was followed by opening remarks from Dr. Nancy Kleniewski. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. several oral and poster presentations were made. A specifically involved class project, in which groups were assigned to visit elderly nursing homes in Bridgewater attempting to improve the quality of life there for its residence, was presented before lunch.

Following lunch were more oral presentations including particularly interesting speeches by Jonathan Pica and Eric Whitehouse. Pica spoke about Quantum Theory and Intelligence Gathering, while Whitehouse explained The Basic Principals of Gravitational Lensing.

Monnia Bazargani read an eye opening piece she wrote entitled "My High School". Her paper spoke about world view of the United States from the prospective of a person who was born and raised in Iran. She was amazed at the difference between the America she had seen on film and the reality of America today. In her paper she also expressed great surprise at the lack of perspective American high school students have, as far as comprehending a world outside of the United States, "they think the whole world is America," she would say.

The day ended with a dance performance choreographed by student Kaitlyn Edwards. Sandwiches and crackers were served after and several students involved stuck around to congratulate one another. Student Stephanie Papasodero said she was there to "support my friend who is going to be dancing."

Dr. Lee Torda, Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, coordinated the symposium in hopes of ''connecting students to the school.'' She wants students to feel ''at home, [at Bridgewater State College] an intellectual home.''

Dr. Torda noticed when she took the job as Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research that first and second year students were not aware of the possibilities available to them as far as grants, the end of year symposium and school based journals which are published annually.

She feels the mid year symposium can be successful because at an early time in the students' academic career, they get a sense of ''I can do this,'' said Dr. Torda. "The symposium is a great confidence builder. I would walk on hot coals for Bridgewater State students.

''First year students don't know how incredible they are, they need an advocate and this symposium is a chance for them to show the faculty and everybody just how incredible they are.''

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