August 14, 2018
Incoming freshman Sephia Philip had an inkling she would come to St. John’s University years ago because her sister attended St. John’s. “It was the best time of her life,” the finance major observed during one of several two-day orientation sessions held throughout the summer on the Queens and Staten Island campuses. “Orientation is never boring. I already feel at home. We’re always engaged,” Sephia stressed.
Orientation is an opportunity for the over 3,000 incoming St. John’s freshmen to experience a taste of campus life while engaging with faculty, administrators, and current students, all of whom want to make their transition to college life as seamless as possible.
“Every year that I work with the orientation program I see the impact that it has on students and how it will shape the student’s experience for their next four years at St. John’s,” observed Brian Fausto, Assistant Director, Student Development. “These students go on to join organizations, become student leaders, and immerse themselves in the St. John’s community. The goal is to have incoming students realize they have a home here and are part of a bigger community.”
He added, “We strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where all incoming students will feel welcomed. Our highly diverse team of Orientation Leaders helps us represent every aspect of St. John’s, where every student has something or someone to whom they can relate.”
Throughout the two days, new students are assigned peer groups headed by Orientation Leaders (OLs), current St. John’s students whose role is to guide incoming freshmen through experiences designed to build relationships and make that initial week or month of school much less daunting.
Informational programming discussing tips for success, campus safety, friendships and relationships is balanced with ice breakers, such as “Johnny’s Social,” or the “St. John’s Riff Off,” giving the students a chance to bond with their peers. A number of OLs remarked that they made their closest friends during orientation when they were new on campus.
Rising sophomore and OL Thomas Scarabino initially didn’t want to become an OL because his brother had served as one. “I wanted to blaze my own trail, but I just loved my OLs,” he said. “They exuded confidence and were so multi-faceted. They really inspired me.”
“I fell in love with the people running the program,” observed Nathonya Chery, a rising senior who was serving as an OL for the third time. “I’ve grown so much during my time in the program, both as a person and a leader. You come across so many different situations during orientation. You have to be adaptable.”
When faced with a new student who seems nervous or overwhelmed both Nathonya and Thomas have found success by quietly engaging these students one-to-one. “Everybody’s experiencing the same nervousness no matter how they express it,” said Thomas. “Everyone wants to make friends and find their place. You may be making small talk with your new best friend.”
Business major Amaia Collins said she felt some trepidation at the start of orientation, but that quickly disappeared. “The OLs did a really good job of making sure everyone was comfortable and always busy. There was never any time to feel lost.”
Incoming freshmen will return to campus for their official welcome during the New Student Convocation, September 4 on the Queens campus.