Orientation Leaders
Advice From Orientation Leaders
Connect with your orientation leader. Orientation Leaders are an integral part of the new student orientation program. As part of a team of students, Orientation Leaders help new freshmen and transfer students form connections and transition into the FSC community. Orientation Leaders are students who simply love FSC and are excited to welcome new students to campus.
Anna Abell
Major: Applied Mathematics and Statistics: Data Analytics
Hometown: Ramstein, Germany
One thing that every new student should do during their first year at FSC is to try to attend as many events as you can! It is a great opportunity to meet new people, see/experience new things, and to have fun during college!
Hometown: Ramstein, Germany
One thing that every new student should do during their first year at FSC is to try to attend as many events as you can! It is a great opportunity to meet new people, see/experience new things, and to have fun during college!
Ben Acton
Major: Applied Math and Economics
Hometown: Winter Garden, Florida
I think every new student must go to Blast Off and Meet the Greeks to meet new people. There are also tons of fun things to do on campus such as Southern Takeover and other events put on by ACE, as well at the Farmers Market downtown.
Hometown: Winter Garden, Florida
I think every new student must go to Blast Off and Meet the Greeks to meet new people. There are also tons of fun things to do on campus such as Southern Takeover and other events put on by ACE, as well at the Farmers Market downtown.
Tommy Anderson
Major: Theatre Performance BFA
Hometown: Naples, FL
When you get to FSC, you wanna do five core things. Get involved, get at least 8 hours of sleep, take advantage of campus meals, manage your time wisely, and don't be afraid to mess up!
Hometown: Naples, FL
When you get to FSC, you wanna do five core things. Get involved, get at least 8 hours of sleep, take advantage of campus meals, manage your time wisely, and don't be afraid to mess up!
Eric Arnau
Major: Sports communication and Marketing
Hometown: East Quogue, NY
I would suggest for people to check out Greek life.
Hometown: East Quogue, NY
I would suggest for people to check out Greek life.
Joshua Atchley
Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Hudson, FL
Make sure to connect with older students in your major and areas of interest! They can help guide you through your first year, and connect you with other similar people.
Hometown: Hudson, FL
Make sure to connect with older students in your major and areas of interest! They can help guide you through your first year, and connect you with other similar people.
Rosey Avila
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
During kickoff week, every first-year freshman should go to Blast Off! It’s a fun and easy way to find your place on campus and get involved!
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
During kickoff week, every first-year freshman should go to Blast Off! It’s a fun and easy way to find your place on campus and get involved!
Adam Ayer
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Riverview, Florida
One thing I think every new student should do during their first year is walk Lake Hollingsworth. The lake itself takes about an hour to walk around; it's a great stress reliever, especially with some music or with friends.
Hometown: Riverview, Florida
One thing I think every new student should do during their first year is walk Lake Hollingsworth. The lake itself takes about an hour to walk around; it's a great stress reliever, especially with some music or with friends.
Gianna Barry
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Morgan Hill, CA
Go to every event you can! You never know when you will make a new friend and meet super nice people!
Hometown: Morgan Hill, CA
Go to every event you can! You never know when you will make a new friend and meet super nice people!
Jordyn Bell
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Go to clubs and campus events!
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Go to clubs and campus events!
Kaelyn Benoit
Major: Communications, w/ a focus on Media Strategies & Production
Hometown: Belchertown, MA
Go to events (talk to people, be open, and just get involved!), take some time to explore the campus (visit the rose garden, explore a building you don't have a class in, etc.), visit the Lakeland Farmer's Market on Saturday, talk to someone new (smile at someone passing by, introduce yourself to someone in class), and pet a campus cat! Remember that everyone is going through this for the first time as well, and college is the place to explore and make connections.
Hometown: Belchertown, MA
Go to events (talk to people, be open, and just get involved!), take some time to explore the campus (visit the rose garden, explore a building you don't have a class in, etc.), visit the Lakeland Farmer's Market on Saturday, talk to someone new (smile at someone passing by, introduce yourself to someone in class), and pet a campus cat! Remember that everyone is going through this for the first time as well, and college is the place to explore and make connections.
Mia Braun
Major: Marine Biology
Hometown: Harrisburg, NC
Get involved in everything you can and meet lots of new people but be careful to not overload yourself!
Hometown: Harrisburg, NC
Get involved in everything you can and meet lots of new people but be careful to not overload yourself!
Delaney Carey
Major: Marine Biology
Hometown: Green Cove Springs, FL
I highly recommend getting involved in any events and clubs that you can go to! Get yourself out there!
Hometown: Green Cove Springs, FL
I highly recommend getting involved in any events and clubs that you can go to! Get yourself out there!
Blake Carter
Major: Applied Mathematics
Hometown: Naples, FL
Keep an eye on your Snake Bites and spend wisely.
Hometown: Naples, FL
Keep an eye on your Snake Bites and spend wisely.
Olivi Cicco
Major: Secondary Education - Social Science
Hometown: Clermont, FL
Attend a Festival of Fine Arts performance, especially the Christmas Gala and Dance Performances.
Hometown: Clermont, FL
Attend a Festival of Fine Arts performance, especially the Christmas Gala and Dance Performances.
Adrianna Correia
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Howell, NJ
Take advantage of opportunities presented to you; create connections and build relationships with your professors; maintain good school/life balance!
Hometown: Howell, NJ
Take advantage of opportunities presented to you; create connections and build relationships with your professors; maintain good school/life balance!
Emily Crudup
Major: Nursing (BSN)
Hometown: New Port Richey, FL
I believe every student should take advantage of the awesome performances that take place at Southern Takeover during their first year here at FSC!
Hometown: New Port Richey, FL
I believe every student should take advantage of the awesome performances that take place at Southern Takeover during their first year here at FSC!
Alyssa Drynan
Major: Sports Business Management
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Take as many internship opportunities you can; experience is a huge take-away from college.
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Take as many internship opportunities you can; experience is a huge take-away from college.
Sarah Dunsmore
Major: Marine Biology
Hometown: Brandon, FL
My top 5 things to do on campus as a first-year student are Blast Off, the pep rally, the community living programs (your RA will tell you about them!), any events put on by ACE, and the athletic games here on campus. All of these are great ways to meet new people and have fun while staying on campus, and you can easily find all the information on Engage through your student portal!
Hometown: Brandon, FL
My top 5 things to do on campus as a first-year student are Blast Off, the pep rally, the community living programs (your RA will tell you about them!), any events put on by ACE, and the athletic games here on campus. All of these are great ways to meet new people and have fun while staying on campus, and you can easily find all the information on Engage through your student portal!
Riley England
Major: Biotechnology
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Go to all the events! It is a great way to connect with fellow students and even create new friendships that will last a lifetime.
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Go to all the events! It is a great way to connect with fellow students and even create new friendships that will last a lifetime.
Beatrice Fleurant
Major: Communications
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Every new student should do these five things:
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Every new student should do these five things:
- Go to Blast Off
- See a show on campus
- Have a pool day
- Rent out a kayak
- Check out our off-campus sports like hockey and baseball.
Ryan Foley
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Bedford, NH
Get involved and try new things! Florida Southern is what you make it, so experience it all!
Hometown: Bedford, NH
Get involved and try new things! Florida Southern is what you make it, so experience it all!
Olivia Foli
Major: BFA, Theater Performance
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
I feel as an incoming freshman it is super important to put yourself out there, meet new people, make new friends, and find a group of people that will really encourage and support you through your time here at Florida Southern!
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
I feel as an incoming freshman it is super important to put yourself out there, meet new people, make new friends, and find a group of people that will really encourage and support you through your time here at Florida Southern!
Katie Gundersen
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Southington, CT
Don’t be afraid to step out if you comfort zone! The best memories come when you least expect it!
Hometown: Southington, CT
Don’t be afraid to step out if you comfort zone! The best memories come when you least expect it!
Lauren Hamner
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Get out of your room and go to the events! It may seem scary, but everyone is just as scared as you are!
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Get out of your room and go to the events! It may seem scary, but everyone is just as scared as you are!
Kaleigh Hardesty
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Middleburg, FL
Be open to the change, everyone is experiencing the same situation! Attend as many events as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be open to new ideas!
Hometown: Middleburg, FL
Be open to the change, everyone is experiencing the same situation! Attend as many events as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be open to new ideas!
Karlie Heaberlin
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Kenansville, FL
My top 5 things every student should do are:
Hometown: Kenansville, FL
My top 5 things every student should do are:
- Pet a campus cat
- Go to a home game (my favorite is hockey)
- Go to southern takeover
- Get coffee at Tutus
- Join a club.
Mya Hernandez
Major: Marketing
Hometown: McDonough, GA
One of my top things I think every new student should do during their first year is go to all of the big school hosted events, like Winter Wonderland and Southern Takeover.
Hometown: McDonough, GA
One of my top things I think every new student should do during their first year is go to all of the big school hosted events, like Winter Wonderland and Southern Takeover.
Taryn Hughes
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Toms River, NJ
Go to as many events on campus as possible! It’s a great way to get involved right from the start!
Hometown: Toms River, NJ
Go to as many events on campus as possible! It’s a great way to get involved right from the start!
Malachi Jean
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Things you should know: Bring headphones/earbuds; make sure to go look to see where your classes are (you don’t want to get lost on the 1st day); attend Blast Off--it will help you find your people; and have a laptop--trust me, you’ll need it. Some teachers don’t use paper and everything is online.
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Things you should know: Bring headphones/earbuds; make sure to go look to see where your classes are (you don’t want to get lost on the 1st day); attend Blast Off--it will help you find your people; and have a laptop--trust me, you’ll need it. Some teachers don’t use paper and everything is online.
Allison Johnson
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
I think the top 5 things every new student should do during their first year at FSC would be to take a picture in front of the Florida Southern sign during move-in so you can take another picture there when you're about to graduate; go to Blast Off; go to the Saturday Farmer's Market downtown; go to HTeaO; and get involved on campus/go to an ACE event.
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
I think the top 5 things every new student should do during their first year at FSC would be to take a picture in front of the Florida Southern sign during move-in so you can take another picture there when you're about to graduate; go to Blast Off; go to the Saturday Farmer's Market downtown; go to HTeaO; and get involved on campus/go to an ACE event.
Brooke Kellogg
Major: Pre-PA Biology
Hometown: Northampton, MA
Go to the farmers market - Go on a lake walk - Get involved! Find your interests - Play an intramural game - Find a good way to study that works for you.
Hometown: Northampton, MA
Go to the farmers market - Go on a lake walk - Get involved! Find your interests - Play an intramural game - Find a good way to study that works for you.
Ryan Krall
Major: Psychology
Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN
I think that every new student should explore Lakeland and the surrounding towns, try all the amazing restaurants in town, and go to as many school events as possible. Another thing that I think every new student should do is find a place on campus that helps calm them down or is just a fun place to study other than their room. Also, remain close friends with orientation group members, and try to separate from your bungee-cord buddies and meet new people.
Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN
I think that every new student should explore Lakeland and the surrounding towns, try all the amazing restaurants in town, and go to as many school events as possible. Another thing that I think every new student should do is find a place on campus that helps calm them down or is just a fun place to study other than their room. Also, remain close friends with orientation group members, and try to separate from your bungee-cord buddies and meet new people.
Lexi Lapore-Paternostro
Major: Communications
Hometown: Wellington, FL
Every student should definitely attend Blast-Off their first week of school because it sets the stage for the rest of your college career. From meeting new friends to finding clubs that you love to getting free stuff, it’s a great time!
Hometown: Wellington, FL
Every student should definitely attend Blast-Off their first week of school because it sets the stage for the rest of your college career. From meeting new friends to finding clubs that you love to getting free stuff, it’s a great time!
Kaylee Laporta
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Joliet, IL
Hometown: Joliet, IL
Micah Liss
Major: Communications- Media Strategies and Production
Hometown: Waukesha, WI
Pet a Campus Cat! So many of the fuzzy friends around campus love nothing more than some friendly company, and if you're patient and calm enough, many will gladly accept a scratch behind the ear.
Hometown: Waukesha, WI
Pet a Campus Cat! So many of the fuzzy friends around campus love nothing more than some friendly company, and if you're patient and calm enough, many will gladly accept a scratch behind the ear.
Gabi Lopez
Major: Biology
Hometown: Gurabo, PR
Some things I think every first-year student at FSC should do would be to walk the lake, visit the waterfront, find study spots outside of the library, go to school events and try to have fun :)
Hometown: Gurabo, PR
Some things I think every first-year student at FSC should do would be to walk the lake, visit the waterfront, find study spots outside of the library, go to school events and try to have fun :)
Morgan MacMillan
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Get involved! Have fun finding your home here at Florida Southern, there's something for everyone!
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Get involved! Have fun finding your home here at Florida Southern, there's something for everyone!
Lucas Miller
Major: BFA, Musical Theatre
Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL
Intermurals – Meet the Greeks - Go to events - Make friends - Go to the ESports arena.
Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL
Intermurals – Meet the Greeks - Go to events - Make friends - Go to the ESports arena.
Meaghan Murphy
Major: Marine Biology
Hometown: Willards, MD
One of the things every new student should do is join or attend events for as many clubs as they are interested in. It’s a great way to meet new people with shared interests and find that key sense of belonging.
Hometown: Willards, MD
One of the things every new student should do is join or attend events for as many clubs as they are interested in. It’s a great way to meet new people with shared interests and find that key sense of belonging.
Emily Northup
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Orlando, FL
One of my top 5 things I did as a new student and recommend is attending Blast Off. Blast Off is an event that displays all the clubs on campus and is a great way to get involved!
Hometown: Orlando, FL
One of my top 5 things I did as a new student and recommend is attending Blast Off. Blast Off is an event that displays all the clubs on campus and is a great way to get involved!
Angedith Ortiz
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Spring Hill, FL
Students should attend Blast Off so they can find clubs and people who share similar interests with them.
Hometown: Spring Hill, FL
Students should attend Blast Off so they can find clubs and people who share similar interests with them.
Libby Paige
She/Her
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
I think everyone should get to know Lakeland more once they get here, because this is where you will be spending four years.
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
I think everyone should get to know Lakeland more once they get here, because this is where you will be spending four years.
Kam Pannone
Major: Biology
Hometown: North Port, FL
GO TO EVENTS. there is no better way to meet people with similar interest with you. Even if they are different you are still meeting people and who knows who you could meet.
Hometown: North Port, FL
GO TO EVENTS. there is no better way to meet people with similar interest with you. Even if they are different you are still meeting people and who knows who you could meet.
Madeline Paquette
Major: Biology
Hometown: Newberry, FL
As a new student you should join new clubs, go to class, go to random events on campus, and enjoy!
Hometown: Newberry, FL
As a new student you should join new clubs, go to class, go to random events on campus, and enjoy!
Celeste Parker
Major: Biology
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Get involved on campus to meet new people and engage with faculty.
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Get involved on campus to meet new people and engage with faculty.
Noah Rader
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Tampa, FL
One thing that I think a new student at FSC should do is get a few friends together and head to the beach.
Hometown: Tampa, FL
One thing that I think a new student at FSC should do is get a few friends together and head to the beach.
Sofia Restom Gaskill
Major: BA in Theatre Arts; BA in English, concentration in Writing
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, FL
I think all new FSC students should definitely make an effort to go to as many events as possible! They're a great way to learn about different organizations and clubs on campus, as well as meet new people.
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, FL
I think all new FSC students should definitely make an effort to go to as many events as possible! They're a great way to learn about different organizations and clubs on campus, as well as meet new people.
Keith Ritter
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Cocoa, FL
Hometown: Cocoa, FL
- Try the TuTu’s sandwiches; they are great.
- Visit the wellness center and try a group class.
- Walk the lake with friends.
- Try a club! There are tons.
- Study at the pool.
Emma Rodriguez
Major: BFA Technical Theatre, Costume emphasis
Hometown: Brooksville, FL
Go downtown for the weekly farmer's market on Saturday mornings! It is a great group activity and a fun way to grow closer to your new college friends!
Hometown: Brooksville, FL
Go downtown for the weekly farmer's market on Saturday mornings! It is a great group activity and a fun way to grow closer to your new college friends!
Ben Ruby
Major: Communication: Multimedia Journalism
Hometown: Ambler, PA
Hometown: Ambler, PA
- Take advantage of Travel Florida trip discounts. On the college website all the yearly trips are listed and registration typically opens a month before the trip date.
- Explore downtown Lakeland. There is so much to do including a weekly Farmer’s Market.
- Join at least one major club on campus. A great way to find one is attending Blastoff!
- Find a friend group that loves and supports you like a family. 5. Develop a strong relationship with FSC faculty members.
Grace Saunders
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Every new student should join a club!
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Every new student should join a club!
Logan Schultz
Major: Communication
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Getting involved in clubs on campus is so good to do once college starts. This lets you pursue your interests outside of academics and find friends who have interests in common with you.
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Getting involved in clubs on campus is so good to do once college starts. This lets you pursue your interests outside of academics and find friends who have interests in common with you.
Faith Schwartz
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: East Meadow, NY
My top 5 recommendations that every new student should do is attend ACE events like Southern Takeover, try to join a club on campus to meet friends outside of their major, explore downtown Lakeland, try to find all the campus cats, and lastly make memories with your new friends and have fun!
Hometown: East Meadow, NY
My top 5 recommendations that every new student should do is attend ACE events like Southern Takeover, try to join a club on campus to meet friends outside of their major, explore downtown Lakeland, try to find all the campus cats, and lastly make memories with your new friends and have fun!
Emi Shannon
Major: Music Performance (Voice) and Psychology
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
Take some time for yourself and do something you wouldn’t normally do. It’s the best way to explore FSC and Lakeland!
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
Take some time for yourself and do something you wouldn’t normally do. It’s the best way to explore FSC and Lakeland!
Gaby Shortridge
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Farewell Festival, Frank Lloyd Wright Day, attend an athletic game, Cram Jam, go see a theater production.
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Farewell Festival, Frank Lloyd Wright Day, attend an athletic game, Cram Jam, go see a theater production.
Sydney Silva
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Freeport, ME
Hometown: Freeport, ME
- Time management is so important
- Get involved
- Get to know your professors and advisors
- Keep your door open the first week of school
- Sign in to Engage right away so you know what’s happening on campus!
Haleigh Simons
Major: Communications: Multimedia Journalism
Hometown: St. Cloud, FL
Join a club, involve yourself in your department, meet a campus cat, check out all the food spots, and go to events like hockey games and Southern Takeover!
Hometown: St. Cloud, FL
Join a club, involve yourself in your department, meet a campus cat, check out all the food spots, and go to events like hockey games and Southern Takeover!
Trey Snell
Major: Psychology and Humanities
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
No matter how confident you are with your grade in a class, make a study group. Not only will your grade increase, but that is an easy way to make new friends!
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
No matter how confident you are with your grade in a class, make a study group. Not only will your grade increase, but that is an easy way to make new friends!
Isabella Spruell
Major: Biology
Hometown: Winter Haven, FL
Go to Blast Off and join a club; my first semester I went to Blast Off and because of that joined the cheer team, Southern Ambassadors, and became a game worker for athletics. This allowed me to get very involved and I met some of my best friends through this involvement!
Hometown: Winter Haven, FL
Go to Blast Off and join a club; my first semester I went to Blast Off and because of that joined the cheer team, Southern Ambassadors, and became a game worker for athletics. This allowed me to get very involved and I met some of my best friends through this involvement!
Julia Stefanowicz
Major: Dance
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Visit the farmers market on a Saturday morning/afternoon!
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Visit the farmers market on a Saturday morning/afternoon!
Tia Suleiman
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Davenport, FL
Make friends, ask questions, get involved in all the activities that are on campus, join a club, and lastly have fun! This is college and although you have a degree to earn, memories are to be made.
Hometown: Davenport, FL
Make friends, ask questions, get involved in all the activities that are on campus, join a club, and lastly have fun! This is college and although you have a degree to earn, memories are to be made.
Ashley Sutherland
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Deland, FL
The top 5 things to do as first year student at FSC are engage in the events on campus, get to know the students in your major by joining the learning community, get in involved in campus clubs and explore the world outside campus.
Hometown: Deland, FL
The top 5 things to do as first year student at FSC are engage in the events on campus, get to know the students in your major by joining the learning community, get in involved in campus clubs and explore the world outside campus.
Katie Swanson
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Altamonte Springs, FL
Any first-year student should go to Blast Off, Winter Wonderland (well, really all ACE events) and go to all the fun orientation events! Also get to know the people in your hall and get to know your professors (they’re people too!)!
Hometown: Altamonte Springs, FL
Any first-year student should go to Blast Off, Winter Wonderland (well, really all ACE events) and go to all the fun orientation events! Also get to know the people in your hall and get to know your professors (they’re people too!)!
Taylor Thompson
Major: BFA Dance Performance
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
One thing I think every new student should do during their first year at FSC is to attend events and join clubs. It’s so much fun and you’ll meet a ton of new people!
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
One thing I think every new student should do during their first year at FSC is to attend events and join clubs. It’s so much fun and you’ll meet a ton of new people!
Daphne Vanderford
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Plant City, FL
One thing every new student should do during their first year at FSC should be to play IM games! They’re so fun and help you meet and connect to so many people!
Hometown: Plant City, FL
One thing every new student should do during their first year at FSC should be to play IM games! They’re so fun and help you meet and connect to so many people!
Zion Virgil
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
Making friends is not as hard as it may seem. Once you make an effort to put your authentic self out there, you are destined to find your people in one way or the next.
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
Making friends is not as hard as it may seem. Once you make an effort to put your authentic self out there, you are destined to find your people in one way or the next.
Charlie Wallace
Major: Biology
Hometown: Eagle River, AK
I recommend everyone to follow the FSC Wellness Center Instagram! It's an easy way to get involved on campus and meet new people in your first semester.
Hometown: Eagle River, AK
I recommend everyone to follow the FSC Wellness Center Instagram! It's an easy way to get involved on campus and meet new people in your first semester.
Alyssa Wisniewski
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Tavares, FL
Every new student should attend at least one sports game during their first year!
Hometown: Tavares, FL
Every new student should attend at least one sports game during their first year!
Kat Woods
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Coconut Creek, FL
I would recommend that all first-years at FSC to go out to all the events they can and meet people. Do not be afraid to go alone to things because you might meet a new friend.
Hometown: Coconut Creek, FL
I would recommend that all first-years at FSC to go out to all the events they can and meet people. Do not be afraid to go alone to things because you might meet a new friend.