FLI Network, an FLI student group dedicated more towards the other Columbia undergraduate schools, hosted their ‘Gen Week’ from the 24th through the 30th of March. Gen Week is an annual tradition that was born from FLI Net’s parent organization; it’s dedicated to providing events that uplift all FLI students, build community, bring resources to students, and make our stories visible.
Tsogjartal’s winning design.
This year’s theme was “FLI Travels Far” based on the winning tote bag design. The artist, Emujin Tsogjartal (BC ’27), drew it resembling a postage stamp because “migration is a common thread among many of us FLI students.” We want to remember the physical journeys we have taken, continuing those of our families. We want to celebrate how far the impact of being the first travels: through mentorship, representation, and community. We want to recognize the doors we have opened for ourselves and will open for others.
2024 Gen Week’s FLI Formal.
After the kickoff event, their Spring Town Hall with the First Gen Advisory Board, there was also an Underrepresented in Engineering Dinner (with the Engineering Student Council), Deans & Donuts (with the Center for Student Advising), Financial Literacy Night (with Black Gen Capital), FLI Student & Alumni Mixer (with the Alumni Center), and, of course, the FLI Formal at Low Library Rotunda!
FLAGS E-Board Member, Monica Haines, with Nasser Odetallah, GSSC President and Peer Advisor to FLAGS at the FLI Formal.
Even though FL@GS didn’t host this amazing week of events, we know that it was partly for our community and so we want to thank everyone who came to celebrate the journeys that have led us all here, something particularly special in our GS population. GSers are all taking a non-linear path and, by coming to GS, are continuing to “embark on a life-changing journey.” With being FGLI at GS, we’re even more unique. Like Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch has said, “[our] stories weave together to create a beautiful tapestry of voices, experiences, and expertise that is the very essence of GS. Now more than ever, your pursuits at Columbia and the convictions, dedication, and perspectives you bring to your studies are needed in our communities.”
We hope to finish out this semester strong with some more news coming in the final weeks and we’re planning to hit the ground running in Fall 2024 too! Make sure you stay tuned!