As I go into my senior year, I find myself wishing I had more time left in my undergrad career at FDU. But, then I realize that I can still make a difference, I can still make an impact on those incoming students. If you asked me my senior year of high school what I was going to do in college my answer probably would've been "theater". Now, I'm doing so much more than that. And when I look back, I realize that my drive is the First- Year experience for other students. I remember my first year of college like it was yesterday, I felt so lost. No one deserves to feel like that. So, here are some things that I found myself getting involved in to make new student's experience their first year, as wonderful as my experiences have been for the past 3 years.
Being an Orientation Leader. This is my second summer as an orientation leader and I couldn't be more excited. Last summer, I learned more about myself and about the little bubble I found myself in and I broke away. I remembered what it felt like at my Orientation. I did everything in my power to make sure the new students felt at home.
Being in the Florham Programming Committee. All year, FPC puts on events to get people out of their rooms and meeting new people. I remember meeting some of my very best friends on trips and at events, but I still resisted making myself go to said events. Half the time, I wasn't paying enough attention to even realize these events were happening. Because of my own experiences and more, our team works extra hard to provide an inclusive, safe environment with fun things to do when you're feeling homesick or alone.
Being in Greek Life. Being in Greek Life was something I never thought I would do in college. After finally getting the ball rolling my the end of my Freshman year, I asked myself "what else can I do?". After not being able to go out for recruitment my first year, I waited until first semester Sophomore year. Now, I encourage anyone who even thinks about Greek Life, to give it a shot. Last semester I was the Co-New Member Educator and that experience even furthered my want for new members to feel like they've found their place. With two semesters left as a sister, I will continue to work hard at making sure girls find their place in my organization like I did.
Being a Leader. At this point, I don't even realize that most of the time I'm busting my ass to be a leader, not because I even want to but because it's just in my instincts. I've had leaders who I was afraid of, who I wanted to be, and everything in between. Now, I want to lead by example.
I didn't spend a lot of time my first year doing what I wanted to be doing. With everything I do on campus, I want to make sure that the incoming students feel like they have the power and bravery to do what they love from the first minute they get here.
