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Student Orientation Leaders

2023 STUDENT ORIENTATION LEADERS

Anna Schlosser

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Anna
Schlosser
College of Allied Health Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: My biggest advice for a first-year would be to not compare yourself to others, in any regard. The transition to college is likely the biggest in your life so far, and everyone handles that in their unique way. So no matter how it seems like classmates or people you follow on social media are doing, give yourself some grace. This is especially true for friends and friendship groups. Do your best to engage with others in class, clubs, and any jobs you have, but don't stress. Additionally, so many resources and people on campus want to see you succeed, so do not be afraid to reach out to them!

Bennie Jefferson

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Bennie
Jefferson
College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Advice I would give to a first year is to never lose sight of who you are. College is a new and exciting time, you have a freedom that you never had before which is good. Remember that you will change as a person and that is okay. The change should be something that you want and feel comfortable with. Don't change because you are not like the people around you because then you will become someone you are not.

Blessing Hanson

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Blessing
Hanson
College of Allied Health Sciences



Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: My favorite spot on campus is Nippert because I love sports and everything about it, so I’m glad that it’s open to us as students because it’s such a relaxing place to watch people play sports or run up and down Nippert. I like to do my homework there and set up a blanket on the turf with my friends! It’s such an enjoyable spot on campus.

Camille Torio

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Camille Torio
College of Arts and Sciences

Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: The advice I would give to a first year would be to make sure to listen to your gut, and not be worried if you can’t find your people your first couple weeks. Making friends is difficult, and everyone is transitioning into a new period of their lives, so making friends won’t always be the easiest. Go up to people, and network, the worse response you could get is getting ignored, and you never know the chances or the people you potentially end up missing out on a meeting.

Caneacha Matthews

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Caneacha
Matthews
College of Arts and Sciences

Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: I wish someone would have told me to use my resources. Go to office hours, and the MASS center, get help from peers and talk to your advisors. If you are struggling, identify the problem early on and fix it before it's too late. Whether it's in classes, extracurriculars, and relationships. Also, have fun. College is serious, but experience is what is most important. Network!! In college and life, it's not about what you know but who! I promise that is the most helpful thing when getting a job, internship, or co-op. Finally, in college you will not be perfect., so do not beat yourself up. You won't always pass with flying colors or even at all. So go easy on yourself and be nice.

Carolyn Hanscom

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Carolyn
Hanscom
College of Arts and Sciences



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: I applied to be a SOL because orientation can be a very scary event for some and it can be exciting for others. I want to be someone who makes all of the new students feel as welcome and excited as they should. I also love interacting with people and becoming knowledgeable about the school I go to. I also want to be someone who makes parents feel like their student is in the right place! Overall I wanted to be a part of something inclusive and fulfilling!

Dan Nassirharand

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Dan
Nassirharand
College of Arts and Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Make sure you prioritize your life and stay organized. Allocate time to the things at the top of your list first, then fill in the gaps with what is left over. Using a digital calendar for this is extremely useful. You’ll find that you have room for a full 8hrs of sleep, a healthy study schedule, and a night out with friends if you stay organized.

Diego Reese

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Diego
Reese
Lindner College of Business



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Study hard and don’t be lazy! In this new experience, you’re going to feel like you have a million things to do, but the truth is that as long as you organize yourself and listen to what your teachers say, you will be completely fine. So take notes, learn how to use your calendar, and be organized, as long as you do the work, there is no way you’ll get a bad grade.

Grace Shepard

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Grace
Shepard
College of Arts and Sciences


Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: My favorite spot on campus is the University of Cincinnati Recreation Center. I go to the recreation center every day. It offers so many workout classes throughout the entire day for everyone. It's such an amazing way to stay healthy mentally and physically.

Ilerioluwa Olagbaiye

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Ilerioluwa
Olagbaiye
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences



Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: My favorite spot on campus would probably be Bearcats Café. It's the most comfortable space to eat and get your work done. They serve great food and you simply have to see the view of campus from there. It's also a really quiet space but it's still a great option to grab food with a bunch of friends. Plus it's "basically" in the middle of the West campus.

Jackson Nutter

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Jackson
Nutter
College of Arts and Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Come into college as open-minded as possible. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and experience new things you haven't had the chance to before. Take the initiative and be the first to go up to someone new and introduce yourself. Most incoming first-year students want to branch out and meet others, but they won't be the first to introduce themselves. Be the first to introduce yourself. Pave your own path.

JC Solis

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JC
Solis
Lindner College of Business



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: Because I understand the impact that SOLs can have on incoming students and I want to be part of that development. I want to help new students feel at home and feel identified in their new path. I heard great things about the SOLs and they haven’t failed to prove that.

Jenna Lowes

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Jenna
Lowes
College of Medicine

Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: My favorite spot on campus is definitely Langsam Library. I go there every single day between my classes to get homework done and hang out with friends. I may or may not also frequent the Starbucks inside of there from time to time. Another thing I like about it is that the floors get quieter as you go up, so you can socialize on the first floor or go to the second or third if you need to get work done.

Kanav Shetty

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Kanav Shetty
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: To any incoming first-year student at the University of Cincinnati, my first advice would be to just go out and make new friends without any preconceived notions of who they are! Most students who enter college want to start a new life, make new friends, and have newer experiences. So, they are much more likely to be open to making friendships and contact with anyone. So, making use of this time is very important. The more contacts and friends you can build during the first few weeks in college, the better. Another important thing that should be said is to make yourself aware of all the resources UC has available for its students. There are so many good resources the University has available and making use of them is so important to be successful in college.

Kyden Williams

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Kyden
Williams
College of medicine

Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Some advice I would give to first-year students is just don’t try to be anybody else. Also, try to get out and find new people. At first, you will be nervous and everyone is, so just relax and everything will work out.

Luisa Lopez

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Luisa
Lopez
College of Arts and Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: My first advice would be to take things slow and be kind to yourself. It’s normal to not know what you’re doing. I didn’t in my first-year. My second advice would be to go out there and do things that are outside of your comfort zone. I know it’s scary but I that’s how you’ll create awesome memories and even find friends. As my last piece of advice, I would tell you that time goes too fast. Enjoy every single moment and record it. Photos, videos, or diaries really help in your following semesters if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Madison Opitz

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Madison Opitz
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: The advice I would give is that it will all be all right. Going to college with people you don’t know can feel scary and very lonely. Everyone around you feels similar in the first couple of weeks. It takes time but you’ll eventually find lifelong friends and a community where you belong!

Mannat Choudhary

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Mannat
Choudhary
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: It is all about prioritizing and managing things which my leadership opportunities taught me. You have to be inspiring and inspire someone every time. Being an SOL, you’re in a position to help someone through a major transitional period in their life. That’s empowering and very, very gratifying. Being an SOL you’re in a significant leadership role. You learn the responsibilities of a leadership role through doing that which is a necessity in this fast-moving world.

Nandini Agarwal

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Nandini
Agarwal
Lindner College of Business



Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: Sigma Sigma commons because in my first year at the end of the spring semester, the weather was so pleasant so I and my friends were playing frisbee and I liked it a lot. That is the main reason I like Sigma Sigma commons.

Pankhuri Saxena

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Pankhuri
Saxena
Lindner College of Business



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: I applied to be a SOL to be able to share my experience and knowledge with incoming students to be able to make their transition from high school to college a lot easier. Being a SOL is also a great opportunity to make friends and get experience with public speaking. I wanted to become a SOL because of the housing benefits. I say this because I am a commuter and I have never had the chance of living on campus so I will get the experience of it.

Parisa Ahmed

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Parisa Ahmed
College of Arts and Sciences

Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: I applied to be a SOL because I love helping people. The transition from high school to college can be very intimidating. I want to help incoming students feel right at home when they come to UC and help them navigate their way in this new environment. I want to offer guidance and be a resource to incoming first-year students so that they can have a successful start to their college careers.

Phani Bharadwaj Jarugumilli

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Phani Bharadwaj Jarugumilli
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: The advice that I would give a first year is: Thinking you can and need to do everything on your own is not necessary. Ask for help whenever you need it and utilize campus resources to the fullest. Socialize with other students on campus, to make more friends, and your sources for information will increase by doing so too.

Reshma Sree Kotni

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Reshma
Sree Kotni
Lindner College of Business



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: I wanted to be a SOL because I want to get to know a different aspect of campus. I liked the idea of knowing ins and outs of the university I attend every day. Along with that, I felt that I needed a good community to bond with, be productive, and learn more about stuff altogether. Furthermore, I think it is very rewarding to go through the training because I get to experience and improve my professional skills which I think is important.

Riddhi Nijhawan

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Riddhi
Nijhawan
College of Arts and Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Take advantage of resources and support services such as tutoring, counseling, and career services. Don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the resources when you need them.

Rosie Komer

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Rosie
Komer
College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology



Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: My favorite spot on campus is Lindner Starbucks. The environment is very relaxing, I love spending my free time there with my friends. It's also convenient that I can get my favorite drinks and snacks if needed.

Sarisha Shetty

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Sarisha Shetty
Lindner College of Business



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: Being a SOL allows me to interact with people outside the business program. As a Lindner student, I often find myself mingling with business students exclusively. SOL is an amazing change of environment for me as now I interact & am up to date about things outside my comfort zone. Also, I love learning more about the campus, a lot of cool facts are unknown by most of the students!

Tara Kiran Bhatnagar

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Tara Kiran Bhatnagar
College of Arts and Sciences



Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: Have an open mind and try everything! Don’t just join clubs/ activities/ volunteer positions that are only related to your major. College is a time to make your career AND also find yourself. You can’t really know what you enjoy if you haven’t been a part of several opportunities.

Vishesh Anand

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Vishesh
Anand
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: Being an international student, it was rough to get accustomed to this culture and college as a whole. Therefore, I wanted to help the incoming first-year students to ace this shift. Also, by being a SOL I would get a chance to represent the University of Cincinnati while gaining leadership and team management skills.

Zoe Johnson

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Zoe Johnson
College of Medicine



Q: Why did you want to be a Student Orientation Leader?

A: I applied to be a SOL because I hadn’t gotten involved with anything on campus yet. I thought it’d be an easy way to socialize while also getting a foot in the door for the future. Becoming a SOL would look great for any other programs I wanted to do at UC which was a big plus. I also wanted to learn more about campus because I didn’t know much at the time.

Zumbi Rodriguez

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Zumbi
Rodriguez
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning

Q: What advice would you give to first-year students?

A: I would tell a first year to break out of their shell. Whatever they are comfortable with or did in high school, try to do something different. If there was a passion or interest you have not pursued yet, college is a great place to start. Also, be open to making new friends, and do not be too cool for school. You can meet some amazing people just by being open to meeting new people.