PROFILE: UC Student Welcomes Newcomers To Campus

Edwin Adom is a prime example of how students at the University of Cincinnati are committed to their studies, their campus and the community. He’s often welcoming campus visitors, spending his weekends meeting high school students at events such as the recent Images of Color visitation program.

As a Student Orientation Coordinator last summer, the UC senior gained experience in training and managing the Student Orientation Leaders who guided new students and their parents through Summer Orientation. Plus, he assisted in the development of programming that gave new students their first introduction to the university.

“Edwin is one of those rare individuals who befriends everyone he meets,” says Sarah Leggesse, assistant director of Educational Services and director of Orientation Services. “As a Student Orientation Coordinator last summer, he was dedicated, sincere, committed and tenacious. He set a high standard for the Student Orientation Leaders and then helped them achieve it.”

“I really took that job personally,” he says. “I wanted to take the opportunity to share my accomplishments as well as my mistakes with the new students. I would tell them, ‘If I had known then what I know now, I would have done some things differently.’

“One high school student at Images of Color once asked me if college was hard. I said college is what you make it. It’s okay to have fun, but don’t get yourself into a complex situation.

“Most of all, I tell them they need to stick with their studies. Even if you don’t get the grades that you hoped to get, you still have to do the work.”

One of his best decisions about college, he says, was coming to UC from his hometown of Philadelphia. “I figured that with all of my friends and family there, I was worried that I might be distracted from my studies. So I wanted to put a little space between me and my family, but still stay close.”

The African American Studies major joined UC organizations for students of color as well as organizations that promote service and school spirit, such as the METRO men’s honorary organization. METRO co-sponsors a talent show each spring with Cincinnati Women in Excellence and Spirit Together (CWEST). Proceeds benefit the Clifton Lighthouse Youth Shelter.

He has been a student manager of the 56-member African American Cultural and Research Center Choir for the past two years, and has spent three years as a choir member.

Through his involvement in the Brothers and Sisters Excelling (BASE) program created by the African American Cultural and Research Center (AACRC), Edwin served as a peer mentor and has been active in programs to support the academic and personal development of African American students. During the 2000-2001 academic year, he mentored first-year students through the AACRC’s Transitions program, which helps African American freshmen stay academically successful through their college experience. He’s active in the new United Black Student Association (UBSA), dedicated to heightening the political and cultural awareness of African American students, building leadership, and networking with other UC student organizations. And, he is a member of the African Students Association (ASA).

As a member of Student Government, he serves on the community service panel. His student governance duties extend to the Student Advisory Committee on the University Budget (SACUB), which provides student input for the planning and review of the university budget.

Needless to say, he stresses to other students that they can enhance their education by getting involved outside the classroom. “You can build so many relationships with different people, and when you get involved, you learn about the structure of organizations in terms of organization and business. You can relate all of that to the real world.”