March 29, 2024

Krystal Pizzi, of East Providence, RI Serves as Orientation Leader at Nichols College

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Dudley, MA -- Each summer Nichols College welcomes its freshman class with on-campus orientation sessions, but as is often the case in 2020, plans needed to be reimagined. At the end of April, the decision had to be made to take new student orientation online. The student leaders taking on the role of orientation leaders showed great resiliency and creativity when asked to step up to the challenge of creating an engaging virtual orientation session. This year the team included 13 student leaders, including, Krystal Pizzi, of East Providence, RI.

Beth Gionfriddo, Director of Student Involvement, shared that "The students who make up BOLT (Bison Orientation Leader Team) didn't hesitate to make the adjustment - learning how to manage and navigate Zoom, trying out new ice breakers to do online and receiving all of their training online. They even scheduled 'hang out sessions' virtually with each other so they could get to know their teammates better."

At first, the orientation leaders were nervous that freshmen wouldn't show up to an online orientation or that they wouldn't be engaged. They brainstormed ways to get everyone involved on the call. One of the most successful activities was when they asked freshmen to share a personal item that means something to them from their room, such as a family heirloom, a trophy or keepsake from travel. It was a great way for the students to get to know each other.

Orientation leader Krstyal Pizzi, a junior majoring in criminal justice, shared that although orientation was online, she was very proud of the feedback received from students. "The new students enjoyed orientation and had a lot of fun. I kept getting messages thanking me for their experience and sharing that they can't wait to be on campus." Pizzi shared that she felt proud being able to support students by answering their questions and welcoming them to the Nichols community. Pizzi feels "that being an orientation leader has been one of my greatest experiences at Nichols so far. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity."

Another orientation leader, Deegan Eggleston, a sophomore and double major in criminal
justice and psychology, was inspired to take on the role because he had an amazing experience at his freshman orientation. Eggleston shares, "I used to be very anxious and antisocial. In my senior year of high school I just started to come out of my shell. I was extremely nervous for my orientation at Nichols, but the orientation leaders made me feel comfortable. By the end of our time together I had 10 new friends and felt excited to move to campus. I decided to become an orientation leader because I wanted to give a new student like me who might be anxious about starting college the same great experience that I had."

Eggleston expressed that there were many highlights of being an orientation leader but what he is most proud of is making an impact on the students. "I have grown so much at my time at Nichols. I started as a shy kid and now I am the one pushing our new students out of their comfort zone. I hope that I have empowered our freshmen to be comfortable getting to know their peers and to embrace all that Nichols has to offer." An added bonus, he made great new friendships with his fellow orientation leaders.

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