Homesickness. Roommate issues. Sexuality. Responsible decisions. These are just some of the topics that the Peer Assistants (PAs) cover in The Inside Scoop, a series of skits geared toward first-year students. There will be three sessions that Greeter Groups will be attending on Saturday, September 4, at 12:30, 1:20 and 2:10 p.m.

“We talk in a humorous way about a lot of the uncomfortable situations you might face,” Keisha Bates, a senior biology major and PA, said.

Many people attend the Scoop because of that humor. “It’s something you remember: Everyone remembers the Captain Condom skit. It’s also a way to become part of the Gustavus culture,” Senior Nursing Major and PA Brita Gilyard said.

“One of our main goals is to deconstruct the idea of the ‘perfect student.’ We all face problems and have difficulties,” Senior Biology Major and PA Christopher Hall said.

The Scoop isn’t just fun for first-years, though. “The Greeters tell us that it’s one of their favorite parts of orientation, and upperclassmen come back in later years to see the show again,” Gilyard said.

“We also bring back The Inside Scoop for seniors at the end of their time here, so it’s a way to bookend your time,” Senior International Management and Spanish Major Chaz Brown said, who is also a PA.

The Scoop is also a way for first-years to meet the PAs, who are certified peer educators on campus. Overall, the PAs want to promote healthy relationships. They have regular office hours when students can stop in for information or to talk to a fellow Gustie.

“We have office hours and tons of resources in our office for people to pick up, like a whole wall of pamphlets. We are open basically the whole day, from about 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,” Brown said.

“Come see us, even if you just want to sit on our comfy couches,” Gilyard said.

The Inside Scoop
What: Skits about the “real college life”
When: Saturday, September 4, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m (check your orientation packet for your group’s assigned time)
Where: Anderson Theatre, in the Schaefer Fine Arts Center
Who: The Peer Assistants