Student Assistant

Bradley Phibbs, Sophomore, TheatreWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?How important it really is to go to class.

What’s your response to people who say you’re just a tour guide?We are much more than tour guides. We are a student’s first experience of FAU and it is our job to make sure it’s a good one.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?Get involved! College is what you make of it – make it good.

What skills have helped you be a good leader?I spent five years working with Boys Scouts when I was younger. If I wasn’t an orientation leader I would be an RA (resident assistant).

Why did you become a student assistant?I love training new leaders because I know what they’re going through. It’s cool to see them [the leaders] go through what I went through.

Orientation Leaders

Trudi Barry, Sophomore, BiologyWhat do you say to people who say you’re just a tour guide?They are poorly mistaken.

What was your best memory at FAU?Being with my friends and rock climbing.

How has this experience affected your life?It’s given me better people skills by making me more professional and independent. I have also met some amazing people.

Toni Brooks, Sophomore, NursingWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?How quickly the term ends.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked?“Where can I post a sign?”

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Take time to find yourself.

Austin Budaszewski, Sophomore, TheatreWhy did you become an orientation leader?To help new students get a good start at FAU.

What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about FAU?We used to be an army base.

How has this experience affected your life?I have become a better leader and gained some great friends.

Kelsie Case, Freshman, Computer ScienceWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?There are free tutors.

What do you say to people who say you’re just a tour guide?I’m more than that, I’m an orientation leader and someone here to give you firsthand experience about my university.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Stay focused.

Renee-Bianca Casseus, Junior, CommunicationWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?That all my credits would not transfer!

How has this experience affected your life?Not only have I learned about the many resources within FAU that can help me with my major and career, but I have also gained lifelong relationships that I will forever be grateful for. Orientation leaders rock!

Chuck Forbes, Freshman, Multimedia JournalismWhat do you say to people who say you’re just a tour guide?Tour guides guide tours, orientation leaders lead students into the new arena of adult life, fun and education.

What’s the weirdest question you’ve been asked?“Do guys and girls live in the same room?”

Cynthia Giraldo, Senior, Biological Science/Pre-medWhy did you become an orientation leader?Because I enjoyed my own orientation and I wanted to be a part of it.

What do you wish you knew your freshman year?The best places to park on campus.

What do you say to people who say you’re just a tour guide?I am your guide to the beginning of your awesome experience at FAU.

Kristina Hall-Michel, Junior,Political ScienceWhat was your best memory at FAU?Our orientation retreat and the ropes course.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are many resources on campus.

Why did you became an orientation leader?I wanted to help freshmen transition to their college careers.

Elisia Hampton, Sophomore, Criminal JusticeWhat do you say to people who say you’re just a tour guide?I am an orientation leader and I want to lead you through the wonderful world of FAU.

How has this experience affected your life?I will be more willing to help and I feel as though I have been given the opportunity to make so many new friends. I have also become more open and excited about coming to school.

Samir Jean-Baptiste, Sophomore, Pre-medWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?I wish I knew that we didn’t have to take classes every day.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked?“What class do you teach?”

What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about FAU?Carrot Top went to our school.

Jennifer Joseph, Sophomore, Biological ScienceWhat advice would you give incoming freshmen?Be sure to keep an open mind and get involved.

How has this experience affected your life?Being an orientation leader has given me a chance to feel more involved and welcomed into the Owl family. It has given me a chance to do more than just attend classes.

Nashyka Jospitre, Freshman, ArchitectureWhat’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about FAU?The most interesting would have to be the underground tunnels!

How has this experience affected your life?The experience has affected my life in the sense that it’s made me a better person and opened my eyes on the flaws that I need to work on. It also improved my people skills on all positions.

Cynthia Mendoza, Sophomore, Music EducationWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?That I need to take the CLAST.

What was your best memory at FAU?Staying up all night and going to class the next day fine and dandy.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?My biggest mistake and worst habit is procrastinating. DON’T DO IT!

Sabine Myrtil, Sophomore, Urban and Regional PlanningWhat’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked?“Where can I smoke?”

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Always check your FAU e-mail throughout the day.

What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about FAU?It used to be an army base.

Sarah Peak, Sophomore, Vocal PerformanceWhat’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked?“Do you speak English?” People thought I looked European and could only speak Polish or Swedish or something.

How has this experience affected your life?It has helped me to juggle more responsibilities as well as being there for a lot of other people that depend on me.

Nancy Pierre, Junior, PsychologyWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?Time management and study skills.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Use all your resources – loot loans and tutoring because you don’t know when they won’t be available.

Alexandra Salas, Junior, Music EducationWhat advice would you give to incoming freshmen?Keep track of classes and money! Keep your eyes open!

What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about FAU?There are real burrowing owls on campus.

Chris Scott, Sophomore, BusinessWhat was your best memory at FAU?Freshman year: being chosen as winner of the T-shirt design contest for the presidential primary debate tickets.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked?“I heard there were sex parties, where can I find them?”

Stephan Szymanski,Senior, Marine BiologyWhy did you become an orientation leader?I was interested in meeting new people and learning how to have a conversation.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked?“Are there free laptops in the library?”

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Get involved! Meet people and make friends!

Vanessa Van Dyke, Junior, Intercultural CommunicationWhy did you become an orientation leader?To get more involved on campus.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?Get involved and meet lots of new people.

What response do you give people who say you’re just a tour guide?I’m more than a tour guide. I’m here to help new students adjust to a new experience at FAU

Chrissy Williams, Senior, Biological ScienceWhat do you wish you knew your freshman year?I wish that I knew more about the different clubs and organizations on campus because I wasn’t that involved freshman year.

How has this experience affected your life?It has allowed me to become more open to various people and to become more comfortable with dealing with others. Also, it has taught me great leadership qualities along with having patience for others.

Not pictured: Marcelle Aquino

Want to become an orientation leader?E-mail Christine at [email protected]