Orientation Leaders
Maddie Ames
Journalism
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing About Nebraska:
The most surprising thing about Nebraska is how tight-knit the community is. I will find myself stopping at least three to four times on the way to a class because I see someone from a former class or RSO that I am involved in. Coming to college from a smaller high school was nerve-wracking, and I felt like the smallest fish in an ocean. However, after a semester at Nebraska, I knew more people than I realized by simply going to events and putting my name out there. By taking the time to introduce myself in my classes and going to a faculty member's office hours, I am finding ways to make a large university feel small.
Dylan Anderson
Management
Omaha, Nebraska
The Impact of Getting Involved in a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
Coming to college is a huge change; the people are different, the classes are different, and the environment is different. It can be easy to feel anxious or isolated when you first come to college. I felt all these things when I first came to Nebraska, and it wasn't until I joined the RSO Bathtub Dogs that I finally felt like I actually belonged here. Joining an RSO gave me a purpose on campus, something I could use as an escape from classes and the craziness of college. It also gave me all my best friends and long-lasting relationships.
Myah Anderson
Special Education (7-12)
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Impact of Getting Involved in a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
Making the transition to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, I was nervous that I would not find involvement opportunities that I would love as much as I did in high school. Specifically, I was an active member in Unified sports and activities, and I hoped to find a similar community at the university. Freshman year, I went to club fairs and campus-wide events and was introduced to UNL Unified. UNL Unified is a recognized student organization (RSO) that provides sports for individuals with and without intellectual and physical disabilities. My first semester on campus, I was a member of a flag football team through UNL Unified and have played basketball and volleyball since! As a Special Education major, I am thankful for the experience, connections to others in the field, and a relationship with Special Olympics Nebraska. UNL Unified is a community that continually brightened my day, led me to beautiful friendships, and brought me some of my favorite college memories!
Elise Benson
Architecture
Lincoln, Nebraska
Choosing My Major & Career Aspirations:
Ever since I was a kid, I loved anything having to do with art and creativity. I would build mini cardboard houses for my toys and constantly draw the rooms of my house in my sketchbook. As I progressed into high school, I became involved with computer-aided design classes, which pushed my creative problem-solving skills to the point where I wanted to do it as a career. Now, being a second-year architecture major, I know for sure that this is my calling and my passion. After I graduate from Nebraska, my goal is to become a licensed architect and design buildings that will impact people's everyday lives around the world.
Crystal Carrillo
Spanish
Schuyler, Nebraska
Getting Involved in a Multicultural Organization:
In the fall of 2022, I rushed Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc., or KDCHI for short. KDCHI is a multicultural Latina-based sorority that promotes the values of unity, honesty, integrity, and leadership. During my freshman year, I focused all my attention on my studies and chose not to get involved in anything but Intramural Sports. However, I realized that I wanted to find a community of people who will support me and push me to be my best self. I had always wanted to go the Panhellenic route (traditional sororities), but I did not feel like I belonged in that world. I did not see anyone who looked like me and that is when I found KDCHI.
Grace Charlesworth
Psychology
Papillion, Nebraska
The Impact of Having an On-Campus Job:
I initially got involved at the Outdoor Adventures Center by going on an 11-day backpacking trip through Utah that the organization offers each spring break. This was a life-altering experience. I created many amazing friendships and realized this was a community I wanted to be a part of. I applied for a job with the organization this past summer, and now I work with some of the most interesting people I have ever met and have learned many new outdoor and leadership skills. I mainly work with the rock-climbing wall and am training to become a rock-climbing instructor to help students on campus get out of their comfort zones in a safe space. I am also training to lead trips, like the one I was able to experience my freshman year. This organization gave me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and expand my mental toughness. My bosses are amazing and are flexible with my school schedule and other commitments. I am grateful to be part of the Outdoor Adventures Center.
Tori Cocannouer
Music Education
Wichita, Kansas
Choosing My Major & Career Aspirations:
I chose my major not with aspirations of making money but rather making a difference. I am a music education major with a voice emphasis and a minor in music technology; my career goals are aimed at becoming either a secondary-level choir director or an elementary general music teacher. I was raised in a very high-pressure academic environment beginning in kindergarten, so by the time I reached my senior year of high school I decided it was time to focus on what I loved instead of what I'd felt obligated to pursue. Growing up, music was something that surrounded my life, but I could never afford to take it seriously until I was much older and got into choir and orchestra at school. Because of the impact of and the bond I had with my music teachers, I chose to follow in their footsteps to one day become that same support system for future generations of musicians and students. I am a firm believer in "do what you love, love what you do" and music education is truly something I love.
Carlie Davis
Management
Sandy, Utah
Coming to Nebraska as an Out-of-State Student:
To be fully honest with you, coming to Nebraska as an out-of-state student can be difficult. It feels like everyone already knows each other, and you have to find your way to fit in, but I can confidently say that this is only partially true. It is true that you will find that many people already know each other, but it couldn't be more false that you have to find your way to fit in. The people on this campus and the environment our faculty created instantly bring you in! You are welcomed with open arms and encouraged to be heard! So, my best advice to new students is to put yourself out there to take advantage of the many available opportunities. For instance, I quickly found myself involved in the Clifton Strengths Institute, helping lead philanthropy events for a Panhellenic organization (sorority), and now as an Orientation Leader. The opportunities are seemingly endless, so find the ones that are right for you and get involved.
Maddie Hansen
Journalism
Omaha, Nebraska
The Best Advice I Could Give an Incoming Student:
My advice to incoming students is to try. Trying sounds so simple and obvious, but it's surprising how hard it can be sometimes. It's scary to take risks and get involved with something new. My freshman year, I tried out for the club volleyball team, and I got cut. Although I was upset, I met one of my best friends just by trying it out, and I ended up having a blast playing intramural volleyball. After taking a design class, I decided to apply for a graphic design job. I didn't think there was any way I would get the job since I had no experience, but I did. College can be an amazing adventure, but it's up to you to shape that journey. Join the ballroom dancing club, sign up for a group fitness class or go through recruitment. Not everything will be a fit, but you never know who you'll meet or what opportunities you'll get along the way.
Shane Horwart
Biochemistry
Cambridge, Nebraska
Moving to Lincoln From a Small Town:
I grew up in a small town in southwest Nebraska with a population of around 1,000 people; around 5% of the amount of people who attend Nebraska. I had some reservations about making this move to a bigger city and a large campus but I was immediately impressed with the welcoming environment on Orientation day. Everyone was extremely welcoming and willing to answer any questions I had about the upcoming semester. The various communities I was able to be a part of in my residence hall, classes and various clubs and organizations on and off campus truly allowed me to feel at home.
Tenley Katt
Finance
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Impact of Getting Involved in a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
I got involved in the Greek Life system on campus through my sorority, and it has had the biggest impact on my college experience. Getting to be a part of such a tightly knit community so early in college truly did make the transition easier. I quickly made some of my closest, genuine friendships, and also met role models who motivated me to seek out opportunities on campus and taught me to believe in myself. My sorority is such an empowering environment. I've even found myself in leadership positions that I never would have pictured myself in, and I learn and grow as a person with every new situation that comes my way. Greek Life is a great way to build your network and meet a wide variety of students, give back to organizations and people in need through philanthropy events and socializing with people on campus outside of academics.
Chase Kavanaugh
Accounting
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Best Advice I Could Give an Incoming Student:
The best advice I can offer for incoming freshmen is to truly maximize your time in college and make the most of the opportunities that come your way here on campus. Involvement is a great place to start, but this notion can take many different forms. Prioritize what helps you be successful in the classroom, but also, cut out some time for yourself. Personally, I find a lot of value in my academics and being involved. Yet, sometimes it is just as important for me to give myself a break, whether that is going to the rec center or playing guitar in my room. Such activities provide a relieving pause from the at-times hecticness of school. Striking a proper balance of this at first might be difficult, but you will eventually get the hang of it. If you have any interest in the programs your college has to offer, or you have been encouraged by others to check out a certain RSO, go for it—nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Emily Kennedy
Child, Youth, & Family Studies
Ashland, Nebraska
Moving to Lincoln From a Small Town:
My high school graduating class had only 40 students, so I came to college without even knowing a single person at Nebraska. My advice is to never deny yourself opportunities to form new connections because it is always possible! Take time to prioritize yourself and gain more confidence if you are a little more shy, like me! Talk to people in your classes and join campus organizations. You never know what connections you can form through a conversation with just one person! Greek life is also a great way to become connected but know that there are also so many other non-Greek organizations to become involved in as well!
Preston Kotik
Biochemistry
Hooper, Nebraska
Choosing My Major & Career Aspirations:
Coming into college, I was a business administration major on the pre-med track with the aspiration of going to medical school. Before I had even set foot on campus, I had my educational journey mapped out and decided. However, when I started to meet with my advisors, I ended up making some drastic changes, eventually landing on a double major of Biochemistry and Political Science. An unusual combination that reflects my interests and most adequately prepares me for my aspiration of going to medical school, with the hope of eventually becoming a Pediatric Surgeon. All of this would not have been possible if I had remained committed to my original path with no room for changes. I urge you to take the advice of your advisors extremely seriously because they have helped guide countless other students. Growing up I had broken several bones and even had the potential of losing my arm if it had not been for my own pediatric surgeon. My life's goal is the hope that I will get to pass on my good fortune through my work as a surgeon. That is the reason I wish to become a doctor and why I chose my specialty.
Marcus McCaskill
Veterinary Science
Omaha, Nebraska
Tips for Approaching a Faculty Member:
I often see my classmates, friends and peers forgetting that faculty members are people too. Most of the time, people fear interaction with professors and Teaching Assistants (TAs) the most. However, it is important to remember (most) of the professors and TAs are here for the sole purpose of helping their students! In fact, every professor I've had or worked with has often implored students to ask them questions and meet with them because all too many students are too shy and intimidated to do so. So, my advice for approaching a faculty member is to understand they are humans, just like you, who are here for your learning experience.
Loui Mercadante
Meteorology & Climatology, Spanish
Georgetown, Texas
Coming to Nebraska as an Out-of-State Student:
Coming to Nebraska as an out-of-state student can be a very daunting experience, though it doesn't have to be that way. Coming all the way from Texas, people were mind-blown that I chose Nebraska since it was pretty far away. Therefore, making new friendships was going to be my greatest challenge, though the university does a great job of making everyone feel included. For me, the easiest way to make friends was during the welcome week events that the university hosts. During these events, you will meet many people coming from many different places. Some of my closest friends today are people I met during this week, and without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's important to remind yourself that everyone is embarking on the same journey for the first time, no matter where they are coming from. So, as you meet new people, don't feel out of place, and keep an open mind.
Teish Ngoi
Theatre (Performance)
Toronto, Canada
Utilizing Resources On Campus:
During my freshman year at Nebraska, I faced a lot of mental health struggles. I had a difficult time finding my footing and adjusting to college life; I was at an incredibly low point and felt really isolated. Thankfully, I had an amazing Resident Assistant (RA) who spoke to me about Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). There, I was able to schedule appointments around my class times and meet with a licensed psychologist and counselor at no cost. My CAPS counselor helped me compartmentalize my struggles and adjust to the new environment I was in, and I truly began to thrive on campus.
Brecken Obermueller
Finance
Lincoln, Kansas
The Impact of Having an On-Campus Job:
Going to college can be financially stressful; on-campus jobs are a great way to relieve some of that stress! I currently work at the College of Business Advising and Student Engagement office. I have learned so much through working an on-campus job. I have met some amazing faculty members as well as made friends with my coworkers. My biggest advice to incoming students is to find an on-campus job. Campus jobs are super flexible around your classes, and they teach you a lot about time management and organization. Having a campus job helped relieve some of my financial stresses and has taught me how to better track my finances and save my money. There are so many options for campus jobs; there is sure to be something up your alley. You can find desk jobs, such as my job at the College of Business. You can work in food service, like at Selleck Food Court. If you enjoy working outside, you can work for Landscaping Services. No matter what you enjoy, there is an on-campus job for you!
Sam Pribyl
Supply Chain Management
Papillion, Nebraska
The Impact of Getting Involved in a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
When I first got to campus, I struggled to find a group where I could share my interests, passions, and goals here at Nebraska and outside of the college. After searching through the 400+ clubs, teams, and other organizations on NvolveU, I created a list of groups that interested me. It wasn't until finding mutual connections and talking to the managing directors during the Street Fair that I decided to pursue my first involvement with a registered student organization. Unlike other RSO's, Husker Venture Fund (HVF) had a selective application process and an 8 week Bootcamp to determine admittance to the fund. Through these eight weeks, I learned the basics of venture capital, met with guest speakers, and learned how HVF operates. I also got to know the other members of the second cohort as we completed our acceptance to the fund. Now, I have gained a family of peers with similar values and interests to me and opportunities to learn from them.
Emmerson Putnam
Biological Sciences
Papillion, Nebraska
Tips for Approaching a Faculty Member:
The thought of approaching a faculty member may be nerve-wracking, but always keep in mind that they are people too and are excited to help you! Professors are very passionate about what they teach and look forward to helping students reach their goals. I have never had a negative experience when seeking help from a professor or faculty member. They will be very happy to get to know you, share their own experiences, and are eager to offer guidance whenever you may need it. I remember being a little nervous when meeting my new advisor, scared that she would not truly care about me or my plans because of how many students she advises. I could not have been more wrong! She is always there to listen to me, even if it has nothing to do with school, and encourages me to explore interests outside of my major. If you put yourself out there and make connections, faculty members will give you unwavering support and confidence in your future!
Mainor Ramirez Tercero
Nutrition & Health Sciences
Grand Island, Nebraska
Utilizing Resources On Campus:
Coming to college I wasn't sure what I wanted to study but always knew I had an interest in helping others. The Explore Center was a great source that helped me narrow my options down and introduced me to a ton of majors that aligned with my interest and plans in life. Not only did I get a list of possible majors, but it became overwhelming as I did not fully understand the idea of a major or a minor. So, I ended up scheduling a meeting with my academic advisor, located in the Explore Center, where they explained and walked me through what I needed to know to be successful in college. They also helped me decide what courses I needed to take to help me decide what I wanted to major in. Coming to a large university can be overwhelming, especially if you are undecided, but scheduling a meeting with an academic advisor is very helpful and helps get some pressure off your shoulders.
Ellie Reznicek
Psychology
Waverly, Iowa
The Best Advice I Could Give an Incoming Student:
One piece of advice I could give you would be to not stress if you do not know what you want to do with the rest of your life. I found myself struggling with my major choice and what I wanted to do for a career halfway through my freshman year. In my head, I believed that I was truly the only student who could possibly be undecided, right? Wrong! There are so many students who are still trying to figure it all out too. Luckily, Nebraska has many on-campus resources, like career coaches, which are geared toward helping students that are still exploring what they want to study or what they want to do in the future. Utilizing these resources early and often is a great way to ease any stress, answer any questions about academics, or seek advice about future careers.
Jayda Starks
Psychology
Omaha, Nebraska
The Impact of Getting Involved in a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
One of the many RSOs I am involved in on campus is Dance Marathon. Dance Marathon is a nonprofit organization that raises money to benefit Children's Hospital in Omaha through various events involving our Miracle Kids who have directly benefited from treatment at a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Not only has Dance Marathon given me the ability to touch the lives of others through being a part of something larger than myself, but I have also met some of the most amazing, selfless people on this campus through our efforts. My RSO is so much more than our goal to change kids' health. I am constantly surrounded by welcoming, positive individuals who genuinely care about how I am doing and every major and minor accomplishment in my life.
Andrew Stubblefield
Management
Newbury Park, California
The Best Advice I Could Give an Incoming Student:
The best advice I could give to an incoming student is to put yourself out there! College is a time of growth as you become more independent and an adult. The first few weeks of college can make someone super anxious, nervous, and scared to go up and talk to new people, but it is the best few weeks to make friends. Go to all the club and job fairs, join intermural sports, join an RSO, and sporting events. As a huge sports fan, I found comfort in immersing myself in Husker athletics and attending almost every sporting event. At the first Husker football game I had ever been to, I met some of my best friends who coincidentally lived three doors down the hall from me. I found a great group of people who had the same interest as me simply by putting myself out there and trying to meet new people. To this day, I still wear my striped overalls to every football game with the same group of people I did on my first-ever Husker football game.
Jackson Taylor
Mechanical Engineering
Wahoo, Nebraska
Moving to Lincoln From a Small Town:
While I was excited to come to Nebraska and start college, coming from a small town where I knew everyone in all my classes and in local shops and restaurants, I was overwhelmed to be on campus with 5 times more people than my hometown. With over 25,000 students on campus, I thought it would be tough to have the personal connections I was used to. When I moved in the week before class, I quickly found friends and made connections that will last a lifetime, making the campus feel smaller and smaller with each new friend that I made. By the end of the year, I couldn't walk anywhere on campus without running into someone I knew and having some small talk in between my classes. Establishing my own little community within the larger campus helped me get through some tough times, feel more comfortable knowing people before starting a class, and making the campus feel a bit smaller, just like home.
Isela Tercero
Agricultural Education
Broken Bow, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing About Nebraska:
Before moving onto campus for my first year, I was scared but enthusiastic to be involved in campus life. I felt unprepared to be in a place with no guidance on what college would entail, which left me petrified. Even with uncertainty in the air, I felt delighted to pursue my passion for gaining an education to develop and shape future scholars. Despite my preconceived notions, I was able to acclimate to the campus's welcoming environment from the moment I arrived, creating an ease of mind. Ever since then, I have been experiencing moments that have and will continue to shape the person I am. My first experience in finding my people began immediately when I created friendships on the sixth floor of Abel Hall on move-in day. This solidified my sense of belonging on campus, which allowed me to experience genuine friendliness through laughter and spontaneous moments. I have been pushed to grow as a person since the moment I came to the university, and I am grateful for it. Throughout my experiences, the uncertain girl I came into college has grown and blossomed into an individual who is confident in her place at Nebraska.
Sophi Throener Rodriguez
History
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Impact of My Study Abroad Experience:
After my first year at Nebraska, I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad for a month in Angers, France over the summer. When I first heard about the study abroad program, I was so eager to join! I have such a passion for language and wanted to be able to practice my French in an authentic environment. Like many other college students, I was very worried about the price tag that came along with travelling abroad. Luckily, Nebraska had so many different scholarship opportunities to help make studying abroad accessible to all students, and I was able to go through the whole experience on full scholarship. Being able to study abroad did wonders for my grasp of the language, and most especially the confidence I had in speaking it every day. I made so many friends that came from Nebraska, but also from countries around the world. The friends I made throughout my study abroad experience with Nebraska will last me a lifetime.
Cristina Villa
Secondary Education (7-12)
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Impact of Getting Involved in a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
During my freshman year, I heard about an on-campus group called Future Teachers of Color (FTOC) through my scholarship advisor. After attending a social event that they hosted, I instantly knew that I belonged there. I was surrounded by people who shared similar identities, passions, and career aspirations as me. I later learned that FTOC was not officially registered as a Recognized Student Organization, or RSO, and my friends and I wanted to change that. So, we spent time adjusting and rewriting bylaws in the constitution, having meetings, attending university trainings etc. It was a lot of collective effort and long hours put into the process of officially registering FTOC as an RSO, but the payoff was very rewarding. I currently serve as the president of FTOC, and I'm glad I was able to give back to FTOC what it has given to me. The community I found in this RSO had a profound impact on me, and I'm excited to see what other students it has an impact on in the future.
Annie von Kampen
Music Education
North Platte, Nebraska
Tips for Approaching a Faculty Member:
It can seem daunting to approach your professors in college. Often, we hear how tough professors are in college, and it can become easy to feel like that means we must figure out everything on our own outside of class without their guidance. At the end of the day, your professors want to help you learn, grow, and be as successful as you can be! Look in your class syllabi and note when each of your professors holds office hours to answer your questions. Also, keep track of their email address in case you need to schedule a time outside of their normal office hours. To get a start on building connections with your professors, I suggest going to their office hours in the first few weeks of the semester just to introduce yourself to them. This can help it feel less scary to approach them when you have questions about course material!
Jordan Westenbroek
Management
Frederick, Colorado
Coming to Nebraska as an Out-of-State Student:
While moving out of state for school appears scary, coming to Nebraska from Colorado was my most courageous and rewarding decision. The seven-hour move from home was intimidating, but the transition came with many new opportunities I wouldn't have had at home. I have a twin sister, and moving away from her pushed me to grow more independent. I joined organizations and applied for positions where I found my calling for leadership and business management. Within these extracurriculars, I made connections and found places that became my home. Finding my community away from Colorado and exploring a new state has come with many unique experiences. I'm so happy that I came to Nebraska and am proud to be a Cornhusker.
Delaney Wetjen
Human Development & Family Science
Omaha, Nebraska
The Impact of Having an On-Campus Job:
Applying for an on-campus job is an awesome way to get involved in your Husker community, gain real work experience, dig deeper into your chosen field, gain confidence, and so much more. Last year, I applied through Handshake, Nebraska's on-campus job portal, to work at the Children's Center because I noticed that it was a campus job, and it would help me gain experience in a field that I was interested in. I knew that I liked working with children, but getting the job at the Children's Center has helped me see how much I would love a career involving helping others, especially children. It solidified my decision to major in human development! One huge bonus about on-campus jobs is that all the full-time staff understand that the employees are college students, and the flexibility and empathy I've experienced at my job has been so awesome. Especially as a busy student! It's so cool to be able to apply the things I'm learning about in class to my job, even while I'm still in undergrad.
Jacob Zitek
Mechanical Engineering
Louisville, Nebraska
The Best Advice I Could Give an Incoming Student:
College can be quite a challenge at times. For me, it felt as if I was completely starting over when I started college. High school had a much smaller atmosphere than what I was faced with at Lincoln. Luckily, I met people right from the start and built relationships with them, bonding over the challenges school created. Developing a social network with those around you is the best advice I can give anyone starting college. Having a strong support system from the start was very important in my first year academically and in dealing with the other things life throws your way. I took a less traditional approach to college and joined the military, and I had to take a semester of leave. Thankfully, because of the relationships I had developed during my first semester, returning to college again was much easier and I was able to lean on others instead of solely carrying the weight myself.