Event aims to bridge gender gap

The students of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University smile for the camera after the event. Photo courtesy @famupeermentors on Instagram

Florida A&M Universitys peer mentors hosted a heated discussion regarding double-standards and  issues such as the meaning of relationships in college. The event, called Girl Code vs. Guy Code,” took place Wednesday at Perry-Paige Auditorium.

From stating what love means to self-worth and what body counts mean, each student expressed their strong beliefs.

Since the event separated students into male and female groups, both parties were able to listen to the other’s viewpoint.

Tazjhani Baker, a peer mentor, talked about the purpose of creating the event as well as what she thought could be improved.

Back in our office, we would have candid discussions just like this, and it was so good, so we thought why don’t we do this for the whole student body and open it up for everyone to have these discussions,” Baker said. I think it’s vital for females to get the perspective of males and vice versa.”

Baker also talked about the massive turnout lastsemester for a similar event, and that it needed to be on a bigger scale with microphones to hear the students.

Zachary Bell, a freshman business administration student who is involved in student government and the Collegiate 100, talked about what he liked about what it was like to hear the female’s perspective on controversial topics.

I think the event was great! I feel like it was a great turnout; it was a great interaction between the guy’s side and the girl’s side. The mediation between the hosts was perfect, ” Bell said.

Bell said he felt the event should be held on an even bigger scale, for instance, during homecoming and engage the entire student body.

The event was such a success that even after it was over, there were continued discussions about some of the topics.

Through the peer mentors, those who attended the event were able to get close and personal with each other to better understand each others perspectives.

Neillia Nicholas, a junior majoring in pre-professional pharmacy, also talked about the vibe at the event and her interest in the topics.

I feel like it was a healthy discussion from both sides. It opened my eyes to how men think and how other girls also think,” Nicholas said. I feel like it’s good for us, as growing individuals, to have these types of healthy conversations.”