By: Caitlyn Bailey | Treasurer
When walking into the O’Hare Academic Building this past Wednesday, March 22, it was
difficult to not be overwhelmed by its complete transformation. Sammy the Seahawk, Salve
Regina’s beloved mascot, wandered the area to take pictures with smiling students. A
larger-than-life charcuterie board, provided by the local Bellevue Boards, took up the entirety of
a table. Two check-in stations sat mere steps away from the entrance, with the cheerful faces of
professionally dressed presenters who welcomed you to the exhibition. And what an exhibition it was,
with displays of data standing tall in every available space within what used to be O’Hare’s
cafeteria; the previous tables and chairs cleared out in order to make room for student
research presentations.
For students new to Salve Regina, this atmosphere may be unlike anything they
have ever seen. Returning students, however, know that SRyou Day is upon them once again.
The great energy of the day is palpable, as sophomore Emily Santamaria was amazed by
the positive environment of the event. “I keep hearing everybody ask if anyone needs help
finding anything. It looks super organized,” she said, only happening upon the occasion by
chance after leaving her work study.
The SRyou Exposition gives students the opportunity to present any research that they
have gathered to the Salve Regina public, students and staff included. Not only will they feel the
lifting sense of community from the unwavering support and consideration of their peers, but
they will also gain valuable experience by developing their presentational skills.
The value of SRyou Day is not lost upon its participants, with sophomore Hannah
Rezendes understanding the importance of the opportunity. “It gives students a look into the real
world, and a way to showcase their stories and experiences to professors and students,” Rezendes
remarked as a proud presenter within the day’s showcase.
Rezendes partnered up with four other students in order to study the effects of age and
gender within the restaurant industry, namely the difference in tipping. Her group’s display was
one out of thirty-two within her session in O’Hare, but presentations took place in different parts
of campus too, from Angelus Hall to McAuley Hall.
One of her partners, Natalia Taborga, agrees that the experience provided is rich with
valuable lessons, remarking that the process “gave [her group] a sense of teamwork” and “a way
to be professional” within an outlet that is typically far and few between.
Once again, SRyou Day seems to have been a success for yet another year, likely thanks
to chairwoman and vice-chairman Natalie Coté and Sean Dever, respectively. After such a
brilliant exhibition, the student body is excited to see even more presentations at the next event,
which is sure to be yet another success.
Photos by Caitlyn Bailey
