On Thursday, August 28, Kean's Student Government Association hosted "Movie Under the Stars" from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where students gathered on Cougar Green to watch the live-action Lilo and Stitch, an entertainment-focused activity part of the many events during Jump into Kean Week, a series of campus events and activities designed to welcome students to campus.
The area was designed to resemble a theater, with dim lighting, posters, and a large screen in front of seating that included a mix of floor mats and lawn chairs. The setting felt like more than just an outdoor theater; it was like a scene from a movie, blending the atmosphere of a theater with that of a cookout.
The place was packed with long, fast-moving lines of students who were served snacks, beverages, and given free blankets.
SGA members exhibited the kindness of Kean as they welcomed students, checked them in, and helped with seating. The positive atmosphere they created allowed students to build lasting connections and take a break from the pressure of independence while enjoying the environment.
The movie was loved by many students, as it was a reimagined Disney classic that everyone enjoyed. Some had never watched before, giving them something new to experience with the people they enjoyed spending time with.
Rashmiere Kidd, an undecided Freshman from Newark, NJ, expressed his satisfaction with the event.
“I feel amazing," he said."Yeah, it’s definitely rocking.”
Students who were used to being homebodies had the chance to step out of their shells, with some embracing a more extroverted lifestyle.
Allison Hinton, a Freshman Computer Science major from East Orange, NJ, discussed the connections being developed throughout Cougar Green.
“I feel like a lot of people are meeting new people, like waiting in line, you can talk to a lot of people, " she said. "They got free blankets and other stuff... this is a way to really get people out."
Movie Under the Stars had a successful night with students who enjoyed themselves as they laughed, watched the movie, made jokes, and exchanged references. This event helped deepen the connections among those they had just met and those they already knew through shared interests.
