UC Blue Ash provides first welcome to new students

The Student Orientation Leaders (SOLs) at UC Blue Ash College play a pivotal role in welcoming new students and preparing them for the exciting, and sometimes challenging, transition to college life. These dedicated student leaders are committed to providing a welcoming environment and making every newcomer’s introduction to the campus a positive and fulfilling experience. 

There are 22 SOLs this year at UC Blue Ash, and they work every orientation session throughout the summer, with an opportunity for students to move up and become coordinators and interns. There are 16 in-person sessions, which bring in about 200 people, including parents/guests, and eight virtual sessions. These sessions are required for all new incoming students to become familiar with the campus and all the resources UC Blue Ash offers.

Images above (L to R): Bakhtiyor Butabekov, Jensel Reyno and Lindsey Morgan.

To showcase what it’s like to work at new student orientations and why they became student leaders, we interviewed four of the current SOLs: Bakhtiyor Butabekov, Isabella Trapp, Lindsey Morgan and Jensel Reyno.

SOLs have a variety of different backgrounds, creating a diverse team that facilitates orientation sessions, provides support and guidance among parents and students and promotes campus involvement. 

“Being new to Cincinnati, I wanted to be a part of a community," Butabekov, a marketing major and exchange student from Russia, said. The orientation program was the perfect outlet to reach new students and inspire them, while also creating lasting relationships with my coworkers.”

A core benefit of this position is the opportunity to witness and contribute to the development of peers. “I love to see the fellow SOLs grow professionally and personally within this role, it makes the job much more meaningful," Morgan, a pre-business administration major, said.

While this job brings out the best in student leaders, it also offers unique opportunities for growth and development as a young professional.

"This job has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, speaking to the public and having one-on-one interactions with students," Reyno, a pre-middle childhood education major, said. "These experiences have greatly improved my confidence and communication skills, which I struggled with before becoming an Orientation Leader."

“I’ve learned how to communicate with others and work with a larger team that has a common goal, all while having fun at the same time," biological sciences major Trapp added. 

The SOL program is one of the many ways that students can get involved on campus, learn professional skills and become part of a close-knit community. The friendships and networks formed through this program extend beyond college, creating a lifelong team of support and connection.

Additionally, students earn money while gaining practical experience, enabling students to not only contribute to the vibrant campus life at UC Blue Ash but also to lay a foundation for continued success in their academic and professional journeys.

Featured Image: Student Orientation Leaders gathered outside on the UC Blue Ash College campus.

Contact

Jessica Vidourek, Communications Intern
vidourja@mail.uc.edu