P.A.C.T.

Think back to any first week at a new school. Any day is fine, choosing from your first Monday ever at elementary school, to your first Friday as a senior who’s going to graduate college once spring comes around. At any rate, no matter the grade, you probably have had thoughts that were similar to these:

“Boy, I sure hope that the classes aren’t too hard. If I wanna become the best at what I do, I need to do good in all of these classes.”

“I want to make new friends. Can’t be by myself all the time… but everyone is just SOOOOO mean!!!”

“It’s always work, work, work, work, work… what ever happened to school being fun, like those movies and musicals on TV?”

“I wanna help people. I wanna become class president. I wanna be cool. Open up more. Join a group. Become popular. Be the best version of myself I can be.”

“I wanna stand out… I want to make a change.”

If you ever had thoughts similar to stuff like these, then you’re something like me.

I graduated from a place called the New York City College of Technology. My first year of college was rough… I have had little support, and barely any understanding of my major. As a result, I just felt like any regular college student — hardly any fun for me.

It was only around my second year where things stood out more… I started making friends, I started checking out clubs, did some traveling, and my major started making more and more sense. It was no longer me vs my grades— it became us versus the world… but this time, we were winning.

And then… it happened.

The year was 2020… COVID-19 ran rampant. As a result, many schools shut down. Others, like my college, for instance, switched to online classes. And being outside became less and less of an option.

Morale was low for everyone. The people I knew then dropped out for many reasons: online classes lack motivation, financial situations, etc. It was until my college became in-person again that people can reunite… but it wasn’t the same. Many students (my old friends included) had already dropped out, and the college (to me) felt less unified than it once was during the pre-COVID years.

I was a junior on my second semester when I came back. Looking around, there was definitely a shift in tone. College freshmen felt more alone than I was in the beginning. And the seniors focusing on graduation had a lot more stress on their minds than what their grades can handle. I imagine this to be the same for other schools and universities.

There has to be a way to unify everyone once again: from the young freshman who seeks to fit in, to the college senior who yearns to stand out.

And so, a new thought was born.

Going back to when it was us versus the world, our group did have ONE dream: having our own club room. The only issue was what was it going to be about. Before that dream was realized, COVID happened, and the idea was dropped.

Coming back to college, it now became me versus me. And after experiencing some of what I can now call “post-COVID”, I took it upon myself to at least turn such an idea into a would-be reality. I made it a personal deal with myself.

So with that said…

Solution#1: P.A.C.T.

Putting my design skills and my major to use, alongside a rough dream my group had made since sophomore year,

A pact with myself was born. Talking about how I met my friends for a bit, we were all in a class not related to any of our majors. One thing led to another, and the formerly small team grew into a large— and as such, diverse—circle of friends, each with a different major we’re tackling as we make our way through this crazy world we call life.

At the time, it amazes me how many majors we were unaware of. For a college that focuses heavily on technology, majors like nursing and culinary were the farthest from some of our minds. With that, the idea came to me:

“Different people… different majors… coming together…”

From freshmen to seniors. From people who want to become nurses to people with expertise of business. For those with all kinds of cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. A club encapsulating all aspects that college has to offer, learning from each other while celebrating our differences. … Even for designers like myself.

That’s what the club should’ve been.

first drafts of the PACT logo.

Taking that idea to mind, my solution was creating a club that brings people together from all slices of life. It gives them a reason to connect with one another, learning about other majors while also being with some of their own… showing them they aren’t alone in a post-COVID world.

By joining, you become part of a team… or a fraternity, to put it more officially. Our group never had a name, but I wanted to choose one that sounds just as universal as our friend group was.

One that once you become bonded, it becomes unbreakable like most friendships in life.

A large group forged by friendships and opportunities… with promises of never going back on our word.

… sounds like a deal.

… sounds like a PACT.

And like the group, the idea all came together.

Solution#2: What to exPACT

In short, the origins of PACT was forged from a large group’s dream turned into a campaign promoting it.

(When putting it like THAT, it almost sounds more of a brand than a club… because in a sense, it’s both!)

With that, begs your real question:

“What makes PACT a campaign? What can PACT do that other clubs probably couldn’t?”

When joining

, we are promoting essentially three forms of “PACTs”:

(1) ExPACT - a way to embrace your major.

As mentioned before, there are many majors out there, and the clubs at my college only touch upon quite a few of the more “important” ones… which is very ironic.

And even though most clubs will focus on one aspect, that one aspect dives into many categories. A game can have many genres like a book can, as there are as many ways to cook as there is to play a sport.

With PACT, your diversity is our priority… which includes the major you fall into. Each week, we will emphasize a specific major that the school provides, giving students a chance to learn about what others do in their major, as well as learn about themselves. There will even be days where students can show off their knowledge of their own major through fun group activities.

A way to grow as an individual by tapping into your own specialty… that’s what you can “ex-PACT.”

(2) ImPACT - a chance to connect with others.

A club is formed when one aspect is what everyone can enjoy under one roof: gaming, literature, cooking, debates, sports, a certain major… you name it. With that said, you won’t see a culinary student pick up a pencil as often as a graphic designer… or even someone who’s major is history join a mathlete’s club at my college. Each probably don’t know the other one even existed.

Through PACT, we wanna connect like-minded individuals that goes beyond just their strongest skill… because who says a nurse can’t learn business? Through our network, you connect with students of different majors— whether some similar to yours that you may have never met, or learn new ones that the club will be highlighted upon each week. It can give a person a whole new perspective on how to apply their majors onto the real world.

Influencing those to broaden their knowledge through companionship… that’s what we call making an “im-PACT.”

**(3) UnPACT* — a safe space to be your authentic self.**

Of course with clubs, certain rules must be established. A tale as old as when young boys were chanting “NO GIRLS ALLOWED!” in a treehouse. And the clubs at my college have very strict protocols like no eating or getting into political views. Of course, PACT adheres these reasonings.

PACT also values unity alongside diversity, so even when differing opinions occur, our surplus of mediators (in the form of our colleagues) can decide the best course of action. In short, our only rule involves being kind to others… falling in line to accepting diverse opinions, just as we have accepted your diverse, yet unique major.

Giving you the freedom to express your opinions just as fluently as your major — with caution, of course… that’s what we call trying to “un-PACT.”

*”Un-PACT” is a play-on-words for between “PACT” and “Unpack.”

Video Ads/Commercials

Showcasing the fun being had when joining the group is of topmost priority for advertising.

With PACT, we put the people first, as it is them who brings out the major— as well as their personality!

This video, for instance, represents what PACT is all about… which is you, the person. It goes further beyond our own goals and dreams as we make sure that we highlight your best qualities as an individual.

PACT’s team will consist of all majors playing their part in promoting the club.

Culinary students, for instance, know their way around managing food.

Science majors are the best at researching and providing experiments to test.

As for graphic designers— such as myself— our role is campaign/promotions.

The poster seen in the beginning is just one of many designs created to spread the word. Other forms of advertising are listed below.

Sticker(s)

When signing up for becoming a PACT member, you will be given a sticker, which is meant to be placed on the back of your student ID.

Student IDs carry great importance throughout the college, creating conversation as well as accessing better connections with other individuals. Adding our sticker will further enhance that, along with other benefits that will be touched upon also in later parts.

Once the members have been established, PACT’s next big project can commence.

Solution#3: im -ful Days

One thing worth noting about a student is that the mentality of said student is what separates those who pass their finals from those who fail to study.

Working hard for the reward of a passing grade is tough. It is true that consistency is key, but when a student fails to understand a difficult material, is it the fault of the student because of the pressure, or is it the fault of others due to exposing said pressure?

Both sides can be understood. After all, one should never quit because something is hard… otherwise, the hurdles we come across will become beyond our reach. With that said, PACT also acknowledges how one would feel after too much stress is applied to a college student— failing grades, isolation, or worst-case scenario (if COVID has shown us anything), dropping out of school entirely.

Students need a way to relieve stress.

Through clubs, developing a support group is one way, but else can PACT do that other clubs have yet to try?

… well, everyone loves a good party. So what better way to bring us together than a party?

PACT Party

In case it wasn’t obvious, the name “P.A.C.T.” also doubles as an acronym for “Party At City Tech.” Co-aligning with our main objective, which is a way to connect students of all majors with each other, PACT also strives to celebrate the student itself for being in such a challenging major in the first place. So what better way to celebrate such an achievement than by hosting events and parties for such a major?

To the right are a list of benefits for attending a PACT party.

Creating memories is what PACT is all about. Within club hours, we develop activities upon the major of our choosing, but what about outside those hours?
PACT also specializes in hosting events, from the workshops we develop in the morning to the parties we plan throughout the evening. Those who attend will get to know their colleagues on a more personal level— in a space where everyone can be comfortable in.
At the end of the day, PACT wants to celebrate YOU— from your major to making you seen as a person worth acknowledging.
Our events will circulate around a certain major as a theme… which means attending our events is a chance for you to showcase what makes where you are with your major so great.
Whether it’s to impress others, or even impress yourself.
Whether you are an anxious freshman looking for friends, or a senior looking to take off mental steam from finals week, PACT promises to deliver in the form of a social comforter.
Attending means you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, some also looking for a break away from all forms of stress… whether from school, from life, or even mentally.
Our parties can even alleviate your stress financially!
PACT acknowledges that the cost of colleges aren’t cheap. The funds we make from hosting will be pooled, and once certain goals have been reached— as a way of giving back to the community — we can also provide helping with tuition through small grants and the like.
PACT prides itself on you being a part of our fraternity, and by attending these events, you show that you care about our mission… and as such, we care about you too.

PACT’s mascot, in sticker form.

Here’s how it works:

The poster from the beginning and the video that was seen earlier are the introductions.
The poster is just a message — making our audience (college students) aware of the brand (P.A.C.T.) being out.
The video will be the actual promotion. Being formatted for Instagram/YouTube, a link will increase engagement and the brand will spread through word of mouth.
The more people aware, the longer the brand name will be in mind.
After enough awareness goes by, more posters and flyers will be spread throughout the school. Aside from promoting the event itself, there will be another link to sign up if one wishes to attend through a third-party website of our choosing.
By signing up, you will also be given an option to receive e-mails and text notifications about our future plans for hosting… some of which you also can choose to become a part of!
The stickers that were also showcased earlier are for those who wish to become a part of our PACT fraternity.
Depending on the sticker given signifies your ranking as a club member, going from novice to representative. Ranks can go up depending on numerous factors, such as attendance to events, any contributions, and even referrals from other representatives!
The higher your rank, the more benefits you become eligible for, like getting discounts for admission tickets, and even gifts on special occasions!
PACT is made for colleagues, by colleagues. Our events will be centered around majors — and as such, we want to incorporate the help of people we believe can best highlight what the major is about.
Those who major in theater, for instance, can be in charge of performance/music.
Culinary students, of course, are in charge of managing food, just as tech students are in charge of equipment.
Hosting can be fun when worked upon as a team. By becoming a host, not only you are part of a team, but we also give you the opportunity to put your major to use — for the enjoyability of all while also highlighting yourself.

Event Ideas

The way PACT will hold events are as follows:

PACT will be holding a maximum of two events a month, both held on the same day. One will be conducted in the afternoon (during school club hours), and one in the evening (after the college closes.)
The event in the afternoon will always be a workshop that highlights a certain major/major(s). The event in the evening will always be considered the “after-party” of said major/major(s).
Those who wish to be a part of the event will be put into teams based upon their major — or even, their own preferences:
- Those who like to draw, for instance, can partner with graphic design majors.
- A student who majors in theater could lead a group who likes to perform shows.
- Freshmen who study law can coexist with sophomores that study science, if need be.
Teams are allowed to recruit outside help from friends/other colleagues not a part of the PACT club. HOWEVER, if they so choose, the recruited outside help will also be credited with the making of said event. They are required to fill out a form if they so wish to be announced for helping with the event.

Above is a mock-up of one of the flyers following the concept on the left. More flyers can be seen below.

Posters (Part I) - Daytime Workshops

Posters (Part II) - Nighttime Soirées

And thus, we reach the final solution.

Solution#4: An unbreakable .

To reiterate, what makes PACT different from other clubs held at my college is the idea that its more than just a club… its a way for people—

from freshmen to seniors

from English majors to future nurses

from those who struggle with classes

to those who struggle with making friends

to law students to BFA-bound graduates

from people with all kinds of backgrounds

— to coexist in a space that can be tailor-made for them by them. A way for everyone to understand their major, as well as the majors around them. A way to connect with both people and colleagues, who are all trying to navigate this crazy world we call life.

A way that had started from a group’s dream… turned into this dream’s reality as a personal project campaign.

The final solution that I believe will make this club stand out from all others come after the events… the merch being sold. They serve as small memorabilias to remind our audience that once you go PACT, you can never break that. Mockups of some of the merch were made below, including the designs for the mug as well as the calendars.

And so, we have reached the end…

… Thank you, for allowing me to make an im .

PACT Mug

Whether you are at home studying or at a club meeting with us, you can now pour ALL your thoughts — and your beverage— into this comfy mug.
The logo depicted on this mug was P.A.C.T.’s original logo design, representing four majors of each letter: Psychology, Accounting, Communication Design, and Theater Arts.

Purple P.A.C.T. Hoodie

Our graphic designers made a logo so good, we just had to put it on a sweater!
Represent our club with style, with a sweater worn by our very own mascot.

P.A.C.T. Calendar

Time flies when your day is P.A.C.T.-ed with activities… luckily, we created a calendar for you to keep track of the days on end.
Not only each month is designed to match a theme, but they also come with an affirmation… 12 to be exact, compiled from our English majors team.