Students Get Creative at Pennant Flag Making Event

By Lilee Cecchini and Raina Roller 

Materials used to make DIY pennant flags (Photo by Lilee Cecchini)

Residential Assistant (RA) Grace Stewart set up and hosted a night of pennant making this Thursday. Marking their first event of the fall semester for the residents living in Farside. The event was a way for students to come together and meet their fellow residents while also making and enjoying a fun craft.

The inspiration for this creative activity arose from Pinterest and the pennants Stewart saw hanging in her friend's dorms. Her research on this craft allowed her to guide the first-year students through the following process. 

Residents were allowed to pick their choice of colored felt for the base of the pennant and cut it into a triangle to resemble a flag. The next step was choosing a new color to cut out the letters of their name or design. Students found it helpful to trace the letters on the felt first with colored pencils, ensuring a cleaner cut on the fabric. They then had the option of hot gluing or stitching the letters and designs onto the pennant. 

Planning fun events for the residents is a responsibility for RAs at Purchase. “I had to apply for a proposal for an event, submit why and goals, as well as a budget request, which is then submitted to my RC for approval,” said Stewart. 

DIY Pennant Flags Flyer (Photo by Lilee Cecchini)

Getting residents involved with peers helps take away some of the stresses of college life, especially for freshmen who are newly adjusting to school and living on their own. The purpose of this event was so residents could “get creative, get out of their dorms, and make creative decor for their rooms,” explained Stewart. 

Dorm rooms can seem cold and empty upon arrival but personalizing them with decorations such as unique name pennants can cure the homesickness most first-year students experience. Freshman Molly Domino said, “I really enjoyed the pennant-making event. Since it is still early on in freshman year, it was a great way to talk with and get to know other people in my building. I would attend future events in Farside because the first one was a great experience! RA Grace did a fantastic job at setting everything up and I look forward to future events.” 

Pennant flag made by a student hung up in a Farside dorm room (Photo by Raina Roller)

According to freshman Gabriella Rozen, “I enjoyed it. I thought it was a fun way to relax after classes and make some decorations for my dorm. I can’t wait to see what other events are going to be in Farside.” Stewart also said that “For my first event this is a great turnout. I'm so grateful for everyone who showed up.” They hope that every event will turn out like this. Stewart will be hosting between five and six events every semester; the next event will be a community-inclusive event celebrating Hispanic Heritage on Wednesday, September 17, at 3 p.m.