NSU Fall 2012 Horizons Magazine

First impressions are made in the blink of an eye, and staff members at NSU’s Office of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement keep that in mind daily. The office’s student orienta- tion leaders are a huge part of making sure students and fami- lies have a smooth transition when coming from high school to college, transferring from another college, or returning to school from the workplace. “Attending orientation is the foundation of any student’s col- lege experience,” said Heather Studenberg, NSU’s director of orientation and commuter student involvement. “And our orientation leaders, who are students themselves, help new students create successful starts to their academic careers.” At orientation, new students meet classmates, deans, and faculty members; learn about the university’s student services and resources; and discover what it’s like to be an NSU Shark. Visit www.nova.edu/studentorientation for more infor- mation about NSU’s orientation programs and leaders. Let’s meet some of the extraordinary Sharks who lead NSU’s orientation experience. n By Andra Parrish Liwag Orientation Leaders Create Lasting First Impressions Age: 21 Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida What program are you in? Psychology; a senior Why did you choose NSU? I came to NSU for leadership camp during high school and fell in love with it. From that moment, I knew NSU was my number one choice. I brought my parents to open house; they fell in love, too. Since then, I’ve been a proud Shark! What is the best part about being a Shark? NSU’s staff and faculty members care so much. I wouldn’t have had as many opportunities if I went to another university. I’ve learned to be a better leader, communicate, and work in diverse groups. Also, being a Shark has given me the opportunity to help develop traditions and spirit at NSU. What’s your favorite NSU tradition? First Bite, because it is the first giant pep rally of the year to celebrate being a Shark. It is also an event I helped develop, which was an amazing experience. What organizations and activities are you involved in? Vice president of programming for Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, campus entertain- ment director for the Undergraduate Student Government Associa- tion, orientation team leader, Finatics, and the President’s 64 What are you most passionate about? I am most passionate about helping people, and in each organization, I am able to do that in different ways. What made you decide to become an orientation leader? At freshman orientation, I asked my leader how to become one, and he introduced me to the director of orientation right on the spot. Ever since then, I’ve been working in the Orientation Office. Who is your favorite professor? I learned so much in Abnor- mal Psychology with Dr. [Thomas] Fagan [at Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences]. His stories were always my favorite. What is your favorite place on campus? The Orientation Office! I have made so many memories and friends and learned so much about myself there. I love it. What are your career aspirations? I will pursue a master’s [degree] in college student affairs, and ultimately, would love to be a director of orientation and eventually a vice president of student affairs at a university. What is a fun fact we should know about you? Through my involve- ment at NSU, I was able to find my passion and future career. Brittany Marie Schemtob 4 HORIZONS 5 HORIZONS Brittany Schemtob, left, and Ashley Challenger review a class assignment. ‘‘ I had an amazing experience during my summer 2009 freshman orientation. The program made sure students had personalized guidance and support. I wanted to have that effect on other students.” Adrien D. Glazil Age: 20 Hometown: Union, New Jersey What program are you in? Double major in Legal Studies (prelaw) and Criminal Justice; a senior. Why did you choose NSU? NSU is among the few South Florida universities offering a prelaw major. Others offered political science, which wasn’t a route I was looking to pursue. The small class size appealed to me, because it would allow for more networking opportunities, as opposed to other larger universities. Also, it was cost efficient. What is the best part about being a Shark? The community support. The sense of community is not just a saying here, we truly are all part of the Shark family while attending this university and thereafter. What’s your favorite NSU tradition? Homecoming Week What organizations and activities are you involved in? The Presi- dent’s 64, commuter senator for the Undergraduate Student Govern- ment Association, orientation team leader, secretary of the Criminal Justice Club, and DJ G-Sharp at Radio X 88.5 FM What are you most passionate about? I am very passionate about school. I enjoy the late-night studying, the class discussions; every- thing about learning attracts me. I am passionate when it comes to learning, whether academically or socially. What made you decide to become an orientation leader? I had an amazing experience during my summer 2009 freshman orientation. The program made sure students had personalized guidance and support. I wanted to have that effect on other students. I applied at the end of my freshman year and have been with the program for the past three years. Who is your favorite professor? Stephen Ross Levitt [who teaches comparative politics and law at Farquhar College of Arts and Sci- ences], is such an engaging and knowledgeable professor. What is your favorite place on campus? The Alvin Sherman Library What are your career aspirations? I want to be a criminal defense attorney because I believe some people deserve a second chance, not to mention those wrongfully convicted. What is a fun fact we should know about you? I am a good dancer, in my own special way.