For the third consecutive year, a group of new students were allowed to move in earlier than their peers and participate in a pre-orientation program by the Wolfington Center that focuses on service, spirituality and solidarity, better known as S3.
“It’s a two-day long pre-orientation experience for incoming first-year students that allows them to jump into the college’s mission, make new friends and get to know our community partners all before the rest of their peers even move onto campus,” Stephen Eberle, Interim Director of the Wolfington Center, said.
The program consisted of 10 student leaders who were past S3 participants, and 12 first-year students. The leaders spent an entire day planning ice breaking games, reflections at the end of each day and service projects for the first-year students.
“I wanted to give back to the freshmen so they felt a little bit special and at home before they transitioned into the year,” Jenna LoMenzo, sophomore education major, said. “It is such a loving program and I love being apart of it.”
During the program, students were introduced to the mission of the college.
This year, students helped Catholic Social Services put together school supplies for low-income families in the Norristown area. Students helped the Police Athletic League set up its library and computer lab, and helped the residents at the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center do some end-of-summer cleaning. They also made tye-dye shirts outside of the mansion, joined in multiple ice breakers and enjoyed a picnic in Norristown Farm Park.
The picnic was catered by a local Norristown company and the students also enjoyed a special rendition of a Lady Gaga dance by Eberle.
“I think the S3 program is a great way for freshmen to start off their Cabrini experience,” Stephanie Salinis, Cabrini Minister, said. “I believe the program not only models the mission of Mother Cabrini, but the core values of an Education of the Heart. I am grateful for experiencing this program during my second week on campus.”
After completing the two-day program, the S3 students and leaders were invited to join Cabrini President Marie A. George for dinner to share their experience.
“Dinner with the president was really cool because I never thought I would meet the president after two days of being here,” Emily Paradise, freshman undecided, said.
“I loved S3 because it gave me a chance to get acclimated with the campus and make myself at home,” Maria Monastra, freshman undecided, said. “I was also welcomed immediately with open arms by the S-Cubed leaders and participants alike. Our time was spent lending our hands to the less-fortunate in the surrounding neighborhoods and watching as our assistance brought smiles to their faces.”
Students that attended S3 recommend next years incoming freshmen to take part in the experience, in order to meet new people and get involved from the start.
