About Connect
Established in 2020, Connect is one of Tech's First-Year Leadership Organizations. We focus on building connections and creating community among the First-year Connect participants (Connectors) as well as the entire First-year class. We understand that transitioning to college and to a new community can be difficult, so we hope by being a member of Connect, we can help make Georgia Tech feel like home, build long-lasting friendships, and provide members with the tools and resources to become a successful leader on Georgia Tech's campus.
As a First-Year Connector you can expect:
- Weekly meetings
- Fall and spring semester retreats
- Group bonding in both small and large group settings to create our close-knit community
- Event planning for Connect participants and the First-Year Class
- Individual and group leadership development
Apply for a FLO!
Connect is one of Georgia Tech's seven FLOs that first-year students can apply to participate in.
A FLO is an organization with strong GT departmental connections that seeks to better the Georgia Tech community through a unique program that enriches the first-year experience for its members and the entire first-year class.
FLOs are excellent opportunities for new students to become engaged in leadership opportunities in their first year.
Meet the Connect Advisors!
Our student advisors serve as the leadership team in charge of the planning and implementation of Connect programs, as well as serving as mentors to all the first-year Connectors. Our advisor team is made up of 4 second-year advisors and 2 upper-class advisors (all previous Connectors in their first year!) to provide Connect with a variety of Tech experience.
Alesia Paliwoda
Exec Advisor
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Year: 3rd
Hometown: Chatham, NJ
One Piece of Advice for First-Year Students: Enjoy every bit of your first year! It might take some time to adjust and that's ok! Explore campus, attend events, make friends, enjoy the outdoors, and most importantly, have fun!
Fun fact: I live on the Georgia Tech golf course. 😊
John Wilson
Exec Advisor
Major: Materials Science Engineering
Year: 3rd
Hometown: Hoover, AL
One Piece of Advice for First-Year Students: Ask people to do things with you and say yes as much as possible.
Fun fact: Papa John himself gave me a $10 Papa John's gift card.
Sarah Massey
2nd Year Advisor
Major: Chemical Engineering
Year: 2nd
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
One Piece of Advice for First-Year Students: Step outside your comfort zone and try new things whenever you get the chance!
Fun fact: I sang the national anthem at a Braves game one time. I can’t sing to save my life.
Jaiden Patel
2nd Year Advisor
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Year: 2nd
Hometown: Friendswood, TX
One Piece of Advice for First-Year Students: College has so much to offer. With the countless opportunities, it can be overwhelming, but dont be afraid to try new things, reach out to people, and find something to be a part of that makes you truly happy.
Fun fact: I am a really big Star Wars fan!
Mena Doce
2nd Year Advisor
Major: Computer Science
Year: 2nd
Hometown: Nashville, TN
One Piece of Advice for First-Year Students: Make an effort to introduce yourself and start a conversation with at least one new person at the beginning of each class. This simple act can help create potential study partners and build a support system throughout your academic journey.
Fun fact: I enjoy digital design!
Jason Hsiao
2nd Year Advisor
Major: Computer Engineering
Year: 2nd
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
One Piece of Advice for First-Year Students: Have an open mind and try as many new things as possible. You never know what might stick! But remember that if something doesn't click, it's okay to drop and find something new. Just try and find a community of people that you gel with and remember not to bite off more than you can chew.
Fun fact: I love milk and drink like 3 gallons a week, but still don't like boba for some reason.