Shelton Students Serve As SOCs for SOAR Program

From Eastern CT State University: Twenty students at Eastern Connecticut State University are serving as student orientation counselors (SOCs) for the university's summer orientation program for incoming students. The SOAR program-Student Orientation, Advising and Registration-is designed to introduce new students to life at Eastern and provide academic advising before the start of the fall semester.

SOCs serve as guides and mentors as they lead groups of incoming students through informational sessions and social events. Among the SOCs are:

Sarah Henckel '19 of Shelton who majors in Social Work and Psychology.
"I'm most looking forward to meeting and creating connections with the incoming freshmen," said Henckel. "I'm so excited to be a resource for them around campus throughout their time here. I hope I can help make their experience on campus as great as mine continues to be.

"The biggest piece of advice I could give to incoming students is to get involved early," added Henckel. "Eastern will be what you make it. Getting involved in your passions allows you to make connections with faculty and other students who share your interests. This also builds your support system on campus which is extremely important to being successful, emotionally and academically. There are opportunities all around campus to find your niche and if you find that Eastern doesn't offer something you're interested in, you can easily create it yourself!"

Charlotte MacDonald '18 of Shelton who majors in Communication.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the new students and encouraging them join a club or organization, like the Campus Activity Board (CAB) or Student Government Association," said MacDonald. "I think being active on campus is crucial to your college experience. I'm also looking forward to seeing all the excited students start their college careers. I remember being so excited and I hope I can answer all their questions and calm their nerves about anything, like how to register for classes!

"I want students to know that Eastern is what you make it!" added MacDonald. "There's a lot to do on Eastern's campus, but making sure you're on top of your classes and work is important. Learning how to balance schoolwork and social life is vital to being a successful student."
Katherine O'Rourke '18 of Huntington who majors in Mathematics.

SOAR is meant to inform new students about campus resources and opportunities and help them adjust to life on a college campus. The two-day, overnight program is broken up into six sessions throughout the month of June, allowing hundreds of incoming students the opportunity to meet their soon-to-be classmates, student leaders and staff.

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