Starting something new in life is challenging, but also incredibly exciting. Going into the unknown can be difficult, and that’s why it is so helpful to have guides along the way. Cabrini prides itself on a place where offering guidance to anyone who may be a bit timid. Especially during orientation for new students. Two new Orientation Coordinators have been hired and they are so excited to lend a hand.
Jack Dunleavy and Sabrina Lee are both juniors eager to guide the Orientation Leaders during their senior year.
“I wanted to become an OC because I have had some great experiences during Orientation. The entire process while I was a freshman, sophomore and junior has really helped me come out of my shell and thanks to those who have helped me, I felt like I could do my best with creating a great Orientation this year,” Dunleavy said.
“I wanted to become an OC because I wanted to have a large impact on the planning of Orientation for the new freshman. The Orientation program was a huge help for me as a freshman, it prepared me to succeed at Cabrini and it introduced me to my best friends,” Lee said.
“The Orientation Coordinators work with the full time staff from SEaL to: recruit and select the Orientation Leaders (OLs), plan the details of OL training including meals, trips, activities, guest speakers, etc. They also execute OL Training, plan the details of New Student Orientation, oversee the New Student Orientation program and Evaluate OL training and NSO,” Amber Lajeunesse from the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership, who hires the OCs, said.
“We look for students who have served as Orientation Leaders at least once so they have a prior knowledge of how the NSO program works. Ideally, they are organized, creative and able to lead a large group. They need to be strong leaders who respect their peers and hold the respect of their peers. Dedication for the role and a love for Cabrini are also essential to a successful performance as an OC,” Lajeunesse said.
A love for Cabrini is definitely something these OLs share.
“As a part of the Cabrini family, I am able to be a part of a community that cares about each other, supports each other and watches each other grow,” Lee said.
“Cabrini and family go hand-in-hand, in my opinion. From the moment I stepped on campus the summer before my senior year of high school, I was stunned with how much I felt at home. Although I only live a few short minutes away, this is my second home. Everyone is so welcoming and warm. I can feel the love at every event I involve myself with,” Dunleavy said.
Their passion for the Cabrini family is what make the Orientations so great.
“Although the OCs are behind the scenes during NSO itself, they put a lot of thought, time and effort into planning every detail of the weekend. They also have created a great training program for the OLs. If the OLs had a good experience during training and they are enjoying their positions, they will assist with making NSO a great experience for the new students,” LaJeunesse said.
Creating a fun, welcoming and informative orientation sets the tone for new students in the school. The OLs are looking to improve what already happens at Orientation, as well as pitch some new ideas.
“I would love to improve some of the workshops the freshmen attend and work on making events such as the skits a little more exciting and engaging. We would love to make all of our events throughout the weekend diverse and applicable for all of the incoming students,” Lee said.
“I would definitely like to improve the carnival and make it more culturally-based. I want to get diverse clubs like Black Student Union and Pura Vida involved if they would be interested, as well as reaching out to the Office of Student Diversity for their advice,” Dunleavy said.
“We hope this incoming class of 2021 will understand the value of all Orientation activities and attend everything. We will add or alter aspects of the weekend based on the evaluation the program each year and the needs of this year’s incoming students,” LaJeunesse said.
As far as the new ideas for Orientation, they are left to be surprises.
“There are new ideas every day, but so many are a secret or still in the works, that they will remain secrets until the summer months come around!” Dunleavy explained.
The OCs have new student’s best interest at heart.
“I hope that freshman leave their Orientation experience more comfortable with Cabrini’s campus and ready to have a successful first year at Cabrini. I would tell the more timid students, to take a step outside of their comfort zone every once in a while because that is where the best part of college happens. You don’t have to go to every event, but pick a few and introduce yourself to a few people at the event,” Lee said
“For the students who do not want to get involved, I do understand how you feel. I was in your shoes as a freshman. I barely left my room and I never attended any events. If I have learned anything from my time at Cabrini, it is that involvement is the greatest thing you can do. Everyone on campus is ready to embrace you and your special talents with open arms, so no fear needed!” Dunleavy said.
“I want the incoming freshmen class to feel like they are entering the same family that I felt like I was entering only a few years ago. Every one of the students has their own story and own battle, and through Orientation, I want them to feel like that story is influential to all that will listen. For my lovely Orientation Leaders, I want them to feel like they are breaking ground on something so important to the Cabrini University legacy, because they truly are!” Dunleavy said.
Students who want to get involved with the Orientation process must complete and submit an application. Any other questions regarding the Orientation process can be answered at the SEaL Office.
