#nmuorientation

[northernstories]

Meet our summer 2017 orientation staff!

Gage Deeter is a secondary education major with an emphasis in chemistry. He is originally from Escanaba, Mich., and has plans to graduate in fall 2019.

“I chose to come to NMU because of the education program,” Gage said. “What we have here is so personalized and intensive. I could not have picked a better school, and who can say ‘no’ to living in the U.P.? A 15 minute walk to Lake Superior? Yes please!”

During the winter 2017 semester, Gage had the opportunity to observe a sixth grade classroom. It was his first time in the classroom as a teaching candidate, where he was able to put the theories he learns in his classes to practice. He described the experience as completely eye opening and amazing.

“I love how all of the professors in the education department know who you are as soon as you start your education classes,” Gage said. “Being able to work in a classroom at every available opportunity is something I would not have been able to do at other schools. I feel as though my education is tailored to me and I am allowed to make my NMU experience entirely my own.”

Gage said he is most excited to join orientation staff because he wants to get incoming students excited to start their lives at NMU.

"As an orientation staff member, you are the first face some of these students see that represents NMU, and I am excited to set the tone for next year,” Gage said. “I still remember how much fun I had at orientation, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to do the same for incoming students. Plus, who wouldn’t love spending a summer in Marquette?”

[northernstories]

Meet our summer 2017 orientation staff!

Kimberly Shuman is a social work major from Tomahawk, Wis. She decided to attend NMU after visiting campus for the Presidential Scholars competition.

“I fell in love with the friendly atmosphere of campus and the Marquette area,” Kimberly said. “When visiting, I felt comfortable on campus, which helped me adapt quickly. I knew I was in the right place.”

Kimberly said she enjoys her major because the social work professors are extremely helpful. She said they foster an open environment that allows students to feel more independent, yet connected to one another in the classroom.

“In my first social work class, we were required to do community service hours. I took this experience back home where I worked with a discount food store during the Thanksgiving season. Doing this I met and helped people from my own community that I had never seen before,” Kimberly said. “It was interesting to see the opportunities I had overlooked, and gain connections from that volunteer work which I know I can reference for future employment opportunities.”

All of her hard work has paid off, as Kimberly accepted an internship at Upper Peninsula Health Plan as a freshman. Kimberly said it has been the most rewarding experience in her college career thus far.

For all the incoming freshmen, Kimberly suggests walking in without any concrete expectations.

“College is eye opening and you will learn more in your first year than you learned in four years of high school,” Kimberly said. “Don't hold expectations of how your first year at NMU is going to go, because it's different and amazing for everyone. It's all about what you make it.”

[northernstories]

Meet our 2016 summer orientation staff!

Lexi Wieringa is a marketing major from Grand Rapids, Mich. She said she decided to come to NMU because she really liked the small class sizes, the community atmosphere and the unique location of the campus.

At NMU, Wieringa is actively involved in Housing and Residence Life, Superior Edge, Cru, the Student Ambassador Program, Marquette Ending Hunger and intramural sports.

“Working as a resident adviser in Malibu house in Spalding Hall this past year has been such a rewarding experience. I loved getting to know all of my residents and seeing them grow throughout the year. They have taught me so much and I am already looking forward to when they move back in this fall.”

As for orientation, Wieringa said she is most excited to see the students get connected to campus and to start growing to love NMU just as much as she has. Her advice to incoming students is to not be afraid to ask a resident adviser, professors and other staff any questions, because we’ve all been there before and someone before has likely asked the same question.

[northernstories]

Meet our 2016 summer orientation staff!

Taylor Susa is a neuroscience major from Buffalo, Minn. She said she decided to attend NMU because she felt right at home the first time she visited, she had a “this is it” feeling. NMU was also one of only a handful of schools to offer neuroscience as an undergraduate degree.

Susa is actively involved on campus as a member of the women’s swim and dive team, honors program and Superior Edge volunteer program. She plans to join the Neuroscience and Pre-Med clubs this fall.

She said she is most excited to meet all of the incoming freshmen at orientation and to share her passion for learning and NMU.

“Advice I would give incoming students is to always be yourself, first and foremost. NMU is the perfect place to learn and meet as many people as possible. College is hard, it’s not supposed to be easy, but what it comes down to is not just what you know, but also who you know. Connections are vital when getting into the real world. So don’t be afraid to take chances and break out of your comfort zone.”

[northernstories]

Meet our 2016 summer orientation staff!

Tavin Swanberg is a psychology major from Sparta, Mich. He decided to attend NMU because of the environment and the surrounding area - both of which provided a lot of outdoor experiences he felt he couldn’t get from another university.

As a resident adviser, Swanberg said helping students during stressful times has been a very rewarding experience for him, especially when he has been able to see students rebound and come back stronger after dealing with their problems.

Swanberg is most excited about orientation because he’ll be able to help familiarize the incoming first year students with NMU and everything it has to offer.

“Take every opportunity you’re given! There are tons of great things to take advantage of and take part in that are rewarding and can be great experiences.”

[northernstories]

Meet our 2016 summer orientation staff!

Avadon James is a hospitality management major from Kingston, Jamaica. She decided to attend NMU after being recruited to the women’s track and field team. In addition, NMU had the full program she wanted to study.

In addition to athletics, James is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

She said she is excited for orientation this summer because she will be able to have an impact on many first-time students, a rewarding opportunity to help mold them into the best they can be.

“My advice to the students would be this: take care and pay attention to your classes and make sure you get things done, this really marks your way for your future. And most importantly have fun.This experience has been a pleasure and I am grateful for the opportunity to show others what NMU is to me."

[northernstories]

Meet our 2016 summer orientation staff!

Alex Lasher is a multi-media journalism major from Kalamazoo, Mich. He chose to attend Northern Michigan University after two of his childhood best friends convinced him he would enjoy it. Lasher wants to get into sports broadcasting, and he’s been able to gain valuable experience at Northern by working on the television broadcasts of the home football and basketball games.

This summer while working on orientation staff, he is excited about hearing other students’ stories about their choice to attend NMU, as well as the opportunity to grow closer with the other members of orientation staff.

Lasher also has a bit of advice to offer incoming freshmen. “Throw the stereotypes you know about college out the window. Everyone’s college experience is unique to them. Don’t compare your own time in college to others, or try and model it after anyone else’s. Go down your own path and enjoy your time in college, every year seems to go by faster than the last.”