Students and teachers in the Prep School met up on Zoom today for “speed friending”—an opportunity for lightning-fast conversation and socializing. Co-sponsored by the Queer Straight Alliance and the Assembly Committee, the event, with a format like speed dating, aimed to give community members an opportunity to meet and connect with each other in ways they might not otherwise get to because of distance learning. Over several 60-second rounds, participants were randomly added to breakout rooms of two or three people, with a quick prompt—“sushi vs. tacos,” “football vs. basketball,” “Kim Kardashian vs. Kylie Jenner''—to spark conversation. Given the enthusiastic response for today’s event, the organizers plan to host similar speed friending sessions in the future. 

Music teacher John Fischer, a co-host of the event, said he was glad to be offering students a chance to meet and talk with people outside of their cohorts and grade years. “We know that it’s been hard to meet new people this year, and you’ve all been champs about it,” he said at the end of the event. “Hopefully, you’ll recognize the people you met today through their masks and strike up a conversation in the halls!” he added.