Welcome to campus as a new student! There’s a lot to learn and experience; take it all in. To help guide you in your new world, orientation leaders are among the many friendly faces on campus who make the transition a little easier.
Here’s some words of wisdom from orientation leaders who have forged their own paths and learned some lessons along the way.
David Anthony Barbier Jr. ’23, of Miami
David Anthony Barbier Jr.
“There’s no limit to what you can achieve here at SU and beyond. The worst thing someone can tell you is ‘no.’
“With a combination of hard work, an incredible support system and faith in yourself literally anything is possible.”
Ronald B. Ditchek ’23, of Brooklyn, New York
Ronald B. Ditchek
“When I was a first-year student, I was very nervous to meet and make new friends. I was so used to my social life during high school and leaving that was definitely a challenge. I got to SU for the Hillel Freshfest program one night, and the people there taught me an important lesson: never be afraid to meet new people because they are on the same boat as you!
“That’s my advice I can give to first-year students, in which people are so willing to connect with you because they are feeling the same way of wanting to make new friends that will help them adapt to a new environment. This piece of advice I took to my residence hall that same night, then to the many organizations I signed up for, then to the classroom and so on. Ultimately, spread your wings out because you’ll never know who you’re going to meet that will end up impacting your life forever!”
Tawny Hawthorne ’24, of Chicago
Tawny Hawthorne
“Don’t be afraid to try things and meet new people. Text people on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, whatever you use.
“Go to the involvement fair. Just try things so that you can find your people and make college the best experience for you.”
Olivia Henderson ’23, of Atlanta
Olivia Henderson
“Try not to see things as wasted time or wasted opportunities.
“Instead, be grateful that you were able to experience something and form your own opinion about it rather than always wondering ‘What if?’ or basing your opinion off of another person’s experience.
“Allow everything in college to help you discover who you are and also who you aren’t.”
Riley Wall ’24, of Rochester, New York
Riley Wall
“Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. College is a time for personal growth where you can learn a lot about yourself and meeting new people and undergoing new experiences is an excellent way to achieve that.
“Best of luck this semester and throughout your entire time here at SU and most importantly enjoy it!
“Go Orange and Good Luck!”
