Ever since I officially “graduated” from QUEST after completing my capstone in spring of my junior year at UMD, I had felt a bit disconnected from the program I love so much. Suddenly, I had become an alumni of the program! I had less opportunities to connect with my fellow program members than I had in the past. In fact, it felt like I was closing one of my favorite chapters of my college experience. With these feelings looming over me, I was ecstatic when I found out about the QUEST Summer Happy Hour being hosted in D.C. this past July.

QUEST Community in Washington, D.C.

Over the past few summers, QUEST has been hosting a Happy Hour series in order to have students and alumni stay engaged with the program even beyond the school year. These events have been set up all around the States including New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Maryland, and more! And, the most amazing fact about them is they are all planned and organized by a QUEST alum in conjunction with QUEST staff. These Happy Hours continue to be an amazing way for QUEST alumni to stay in touch with the QUEST program and see how it continues to excel.

QUEST Community in Seattle

Adam Sarsony, a Cohort 29 alumnus who graduated four years ago and is now based in Seattle, took the extra initiative to set up a Happy Hour event in his area. When asked about his opinion on these events, Sarsony stated, “They help to connect you with people who are currently in the program, allow you to chat with interns, learn who’s currently teaching what, and so on!”

Jeannie Spiegel, a Cohort 33 alumna, was involved in organizing the D.C. Summer Hour that I had attended. In relation to the significance of these events, specifically organizing them, Spiegel stated, “It’s a meaningful way to give back to a community that shaped my college years and equipped me with skills I use every day as a Product Manager. QUEST Happy Hours are a fantastic way to stay connected with the community, and I’m already looking forward to next year.” 

From the other perspective, these Happy Hours are actually a great way for younger cohorts to engage with other members of the program. Many of my peers in QUEST have spoken so highly of this summer event and mentioned that it helped them branch out even within the program.

Shreyes Varde, a Cohort 41 member majoring in Computer Science, had heard about the Happy Hour event through Instagram and decided to attend. Varde absolutely loved the event, stating that his favorite part was “getting to meet some of the alumni and see just how deep the QUEST network really goes.” 

Overall, these events are a yearly tradition that continue to strengthen the QUEST community from within. After attending the event in D.C., I can confidently say that my fears of losing contact with the program have completely subsided. The QUEST program faculty and staff, amazing alumni, and awesome current cohorts are all beyond passionate about upholding a strong sense of community. And, through events like the Summer Happy Hours, any current or previous member is able to continue to reinforce that bond.