With a Little Help From Their Friends

Class of 2017 settles in with help from student volunteers

by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson

The posts and tweets poured in from across the country last week, as members of the class of 2017 traveled to campus to launch their Dickinson careers. “Mom, we haven’t even left the driveway yet; pull yourself together,” one student warned. Others declared: “I would like to restate: I love college!”and "I've never been this happy, ever."  And then there was, simply, “Let’s do this!” 

They came for Dickinson's Orientation Week, a series of fun and informative activities that provides new students with a compass for the journey ahead. 

It began with Move-In Day, when staff members and student volunteers pitched in to help the new students unpack and settle in. And after a flurry of introductions to roommates, resident advisors, neighborhood members and staff, the real work—and fun—began.

Faculty, staff members and students joined forces throughout the week to help the first-years navigate campus, locate helpful resources and gather the tools they need for a successful 2013-14 year. “I tell them that whenever they have any questions they can come to me,” said Orientation advisor (OA) Julia Dolinger '16, who was in the first-years' shoes just one year ago. “It's important to me to be there for them, because someone else did that for me last year, and I want to return the favor.”

For OA Emma Sander '15, it's all about helping new students balance academic demands with a rich extracurricular life. “College is a learning experience not just academically, but also in terms of personal growth," she noted. “It's great to help them transition, because it gives you a fresh view and makes you excited all over again to be here.”

The evenings were filled with performances, movies, parties and a new tradition—the Red & White Toast. “It’s been exciting, meeting new people who have the same interests,” said Natalie Pope ’17, who’s looking forward to starting her classes in psychology and archaeology, two subjects she’d never studied before.

 Orientation Week ended with the Convocation ceremony, and at its close, Dickinsonians such as Charlotte Heroux ‘17 added their signatures to the college register. Moments after signing in, Heroux was inspired and ready to go.  

“I’m excited about making a difference here,” she said. “I feel empowered.”

Published August 29, 2013