“ProjectConnect melts away the timidness and inhibition often felt when meeting new people. Every time I participated in a group, I left with stronger connections between myself and the other members.”
—Brandt, participant
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“Joining ProjectConnect was a really good way for me to come out of my comfort zone and open up to new people. ProjectConnect has helped me to express myself more freely and has allowed me to get to know myself better.”
—Nizaya, participant
“Participating in ProjectConnect was hugely helpful for my morale and motivation. As someone who is very efficiency-oriented, I don’t always prioritize making new connections. However, as a member of a ProjectConnect group, I met some excellent new colleagues, learned a lot about colleagues I’ve known for years, and felt authentically connected with all of them. I enjoyed ProjectConnect so much that I’ve recently become a facilitator myself!”
—Adam Ortiz
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“I loved being able to check in with the same group each week and start to build up meaningful relationships. By the middle of our sessions I felt really comfortable talking about things I don't usually talk about, which was really refreshing. If enough students participate, this has the potential to change the social culture on campus.”
—Student participant
“This was an extremely valuable experience. I was able to share in community with people I wouldn’t usually encounter. I learned to be open and vulnerable with people who I don’t know well, and it made me want to be more open with people I do know.”
—Student participant
“It was a wonderful experience. I loved meeting new people and learning new perspectives! It nourished my outlook and my spirit.”
—Kathy Whittemore
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“ProjectConnect was such a great experience to engage with colleagues in a meaningful way, which felt like a great growth opportunity. As a result of this program, I have more practice with authenticity in interactions and will carry that skill into other professional and personal relationships.”
—Scott Howard
Associate Dean of Students, Amherst College
“There's something about the open and deep life conversations that I don't see often on campus. It wasn't until ProjectConnect came around that I saw these types of conversations coming into fruition and it was surprising that it was also happening with people that I was meeting for the first time.”
—Student participant
“It was great to listen, learn, and get to know others. I was able to find shared interests, values, and perspectives and learn from those who are very different from me. I appreciated stepping out of my comfort zone and collectively creating space for vulnerability and authenticity.”
—Lauren Kelly
“Project Connect did a great job of teaching me how to be a deeper listener and to practice the mantra of take space/make space. This will definitely help me with my pod and any relationships that I have in my life at the moment.”
—Student participant
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“ProjectConnect is a really good way to branch out and meet new people in a way that encourages deep thinking and a strong connection.”
—Siegel, participant
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“You get to know people who are in the same situation at you. You build community and feel part of a lovely group.”
—Braulio, participant
“It helped me think of the people in the hallways as more than just names. I learned a lot about those in my group and am happy to have them as new friends.”
—Employee participant
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“We were able to get to know each other on a more personal level and on light and heavy topics both. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much at the firm!”
—Employee participant
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'“It was lovely to take time with people I don't get to work with to really open up and get to know each other and be vulnerable and supported. It was such a positive and kind environment.”
—Employee participant
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“Being vulnerable with people who you perceive a certain way from their status/roles/emails and seeing their vulnerable side also. Sharing and realizing we are in similar places and not alone in our feelings! The energy and sincerity, prompts and cards we used were terrific.”
—Employee participant
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"As someone who started working in the summer of 2020, I missed out on a lot of opportunities to make connections at work. Project Connect served as a perfect venue for me to branch out and meet people at Covington."
—Julie Y.
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“I definitely feel more supported knowing the people I do now. I think that kind of connection would be great to have across campus and this was a great start to that.”
—Employee participant
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“The questions were great! People opened up really quickly with each other. Even though I'm introverted, I felt like it was an easy going group that was easy to open up with. So I hope that I can take that same energy and apply it when I meet more people across campus.”
—Employee participant
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“It was so nice to see how open and supportive the group was. I enjoyed getting to know co-workers better.”
—Kim Roeder