Story and photos by University Communications.

B ehind each orientation held this summer, there were eight peppy students greeting nervous newcomers and herding the new class to each day’s events. Orientation leaders are the glue that holds orientation together. They are some of the first faces new Georgia College & State University students see, making it vital they represent all things Georgia College.

Let’s meet three orientation leaders who used this opportunity to grow and help nurture first-year students this summer. 

Caroline Leonard is a senior accounting major.

“Being an orientation leader has encouraged me to think on my feet and be bold,” she said. “This role requires creativity and flexibility. These are things I will carry with me into my professional career.”

After Leonard graduates, she intends to pursue a Master of Accountancy program and get her certified public accountant certification. She wants to pursue a career in advisory accounting.

“This line of work will allow me to apply my skills in a way that can help a business maximize its financial success,” Leonard said.

Like other orientation leaders, she’s worked all six orientations. Leonard wasn’t sure what to expect, since the Coronavirus pandemic put a pause on Georgia College orientations for two years.

“The energy level among new students has been great,” she said. “It has been so exciting to greet the first-year students and create a welcoming environment for them at GCSU.”

“Orientation is the first time newcomers get to feel like students. They’re no longer prospective students,” Leonard said. “It’s their first taste of freedom and college. I love the ability to connect with students and parents as they begin their GCSU journey.”

Keller Pantsari, a junior mass communications major, became an orientation leader to help refine his social skills. This training should serve him well in his chosen field as a sports broadcaster. 

“Being an orientation leader helped me get out of my comfort zone, especially when it comes to talking with new people,” he said. “It also gives students an opportunity to share their experiences and to make new students more excited to start their journey at GCSU.”

Pantsari, or “Gold Leader”—the name he’s called over the orientation walkie talkies—thinks the anticipation level among new and current students has been high. 

“Current students have been excited to table for their organizations and introduce themselves to new students,” Pantsari said. “I also see the excitement on a lot of their faces as they gear up for a new phase in their lives.” 

He feels it’s vital for new students to attend orientation for the exposure to campus and student life.

“It gives them a chance to explore campus as a student for the first time and the opportunity to meet peers and current students,” Pantsari said. “Having this experience makes the college transition much easier and more comfortable.”

Christina Lewis is a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in public health. Once Lewis graduates in May 2023, she’ll return to Georgia College in the fall to pursue her Master of Science in health and human performance with a concentration in health promotion. Her goal is to become a health education specialist, focusing on mental and sexual health. 

As a child, she loved helping people. Now, she wants to pursue that passion in a career that puts people first.

“I view myself as a bridge, connecting people to resources and information,” Lewis said. “As a health education specialist, I will provide information and recourse to community members.”

Being an orientation leader sharpened her public speaking skills and built her confidence.

“I have the opportunity to talk to students and guests and be one of the first smiling faces they see once they arrive on campus,” Lewis said. “It also helps networking with GCSU faculty and staff.”

Orientation allows students and families the chance to envision themselves on campus and experience what students’ lives would be like for the next few years.

“My favorite part of orientation is when guests approach me and say that I was their tour guide,” Lewis said. “It’s rewarding and a full-circle moment, knowing I was able to help students in their college search process.”

Her most memorable moments happen with Lewis’ orientation team. They run errands, make welcome packets and gather together at 6:30 a.m. on orientation mornings.

“Without this team, I would not be able to do my job effectively,” Lewis said. “I’m appreciative of our boss, Brittany Bryan, who leads us every step of the way and allows us to take part in different leadership experiences. We are from different walks of life, but come together to make sure people have a positive experience—even if they are only on campus for one day.”