If you’ve ever had a tiny interaction that changed your whole vibe at York— someone remembered your name, dragged you into a dance circle or simply said “you’re with us now"— that’s a lollipop moment. They’re small, sweet and somehow stick with you long after Orientation Week ends.
We asked students to share their lollipop moments. Across the stories, a pattern kept popping up: one brave “hi,” one impulsive “okay, I’ll try,” one unexpected compliment and suddenly you’ve got a community, a co-chair or even a future leadership path!
Feeling seen in the crowd
O-Week can be overwhelming. New faces, big events and the pressure to “find your people” all at once. But sometimes belonging comes from the smallest reminder that someone notices you.
That’s the magic: the tiniest check-in can make a first-year student feel like they matter. And often, those moments end up inspiring future leaders to pass it forward.
From awkward to unforgettable
Of course, not every lollipop moment feels magical in the moment. Sometimes it starts awkward: nerves before karaoke, the hesitation of joining a group or the classic “should I step into the dance circle?” But those little leaps can change everything.
Friendships often spark when you least expect them.
That push into the circle turned into one of Sheaden’s favorite memories, and the start of a friendship that’s still going strong.
Words you never forget
Sometimes a lollipop moment isn’t about doing something, but about hearing something you’ll never forget. A single sentence can stick with you for years.
For Logan, that one line was all it took to feel recognized, valued and encouraged to step further into the York community.
Carrying it forward
Many students said their lollipop moments didn’t just stay with them, they motivated them to create the same spark for the next generation of first-years. That’s how connections ripple through Frosh Week and beyond.
That late-night chat wasn’t just a laugh, it became the push to take on leadership and to keep creating moments that make others feel like they belong.
Your turn!
Orientation Week is always packed with concerts, events and energy, but the parts you’ll treasure most probably won’t be on the schedule. They’ll be in the tiny moments: the laugh waiting in line, the dance you didn’t plan the compliment you didn’t see coming.
That’s the beauty of lollipop moments. They sneak up on you, but they’re what make York feel like home.
So, when Frosh Week (or any York event!) comes around, stay open to the small stuff. Say hi first. Step into the circle. Laugh when you least expect it. Because your lollipop moment could be waiting right around the corner, and who knows, it might be the start of the friendships, memories and opportunities that define your time here.