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Meet Your Bennie Orientation Leaders
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Name: Rhiannon LeGarde Class: 2013 Major: Hispanic Studies and Pre Physcial Therapy Involvement: Spanish Club treasurer, Journey Group, Benedictine Friend program, Track and Field, Information Technology, aerobics classes and yoga I became an OL because... My orientation experience was really great thanks to my orientation leader my first year and I want to give others the same experience. I also love getting involved and meeting new people and am excited to help them adapt to this new environment. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Roses are magenta, Violets are periwinkle" I really like bright colors and think that it is great to break away from the "norm" and think of things in new ways from a new perspective. All roses are not red :) Memorable College Experience: My first year of college, we had MIAC Championships for track after school let out and had to stay a couple nights in the dorms by ourselves. All the other rooms were deserted. We got a bunch of track people to come over and play sardines on the whole floor in Corona. It was a ton of fun! |
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Name: Ally Bauer Class: 2014 Major: Communication Involvement: I am a part of the executive committee for the main programming board on campus and put on events through the Joint Events Council where we are responsible for hosting an event every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I also give tours of the campus as a Student Ambassador. I am part of the Peer Resource Program as a facilitator to create opportunities to get people to step out of their comfort zones in activities to encourage personal growth! I became an OL because... My orientation leader shaped a lot of what I am involved in today. She showed me that you have to try everything until you find what you love. I want to be that person for someone else. I want to show the first-years that it is okay to try new things and maybe fail at them as long as they keep trying, to let themselves be embarrassed by putting themselves out there a little bit and to just take advantage of everything the school has to offer. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Busy, Busy, Worker Bee! Memorable College Experience: A memorable college experience that I have had so far was the first Johnnie football game I went to. My group of friends got there a half an hour early to stand front row center bleachers. After being here for two seasons of football, we have never left those first 3 rows. The pride in the sea of red is something that brings a smile every time I walk into a game. |
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Name: Allie Mareck Class: 2014 Major: Nursing Involvement: Joint Events Council, Benedictine Friends, intramurals, a tour guide in Admissions, Zumba Instructor, co-leading an ABE trip to Guatemala, and Johnnie Football Fan!!! I became an OL because... I want the incoming first years to see what a great school CSB/SJU is and get them PUMPED for their time here! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Humpty Dumpty because I can be clumsy and I like eggs. Memorable College Experience: The last home football game in 2010, it was snowing and all the fans were singing and dancing to Disney songs to keep warm. |
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Name: Anna Krieger Class: 2014 Major: Integrative Health Science and Hispanic Studies, Pre-Med Involvement: CSB Senate, Hynes Scholars, Honors Program, Biology TA, Undergraduate Research Assistant, All-College Choir, AKS Service Sorority, Admissions Ambassador, and Spanish Club I became an OL because... I absolutely love orientation, first-years, and CSB/SJU! It's an exciting experience the gives me the opportunity to share my love with the new members of our community! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Hmm...I think I would spin "Mary Mary Quite Contrary" and create a nursery rhyme called "Anna Anna Quite Bananas". I think life is too short to take it too seriously, so I like to be goofy and have a good time! Memorable College Experience: I absolutely love the holidays at college, especially Halloween and Christmas! At CSB/SJU, we make Halloween last an entire weekend and the Bennies and Johnnies get so creative with their costumes. It's fun to see everyone go all-out. Similarly, Christmas is great! The entire campus gets decorated with wreaths, Christmas trees, and twinkle lights - I love it! It really gets you in the Christmas spirit! |
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Name: Arianna Stotz Class: 2014 Major: Management Major and Economics Minor Involvement: Alpha Kappa Sigma as the service co-chair, a member of the Saint Ben's Senate, CSB dance team member, aerobics instructor, student ambassador for CSB, and mentee in the McCarthy Center and McNeeley Center I became an OL because... CSBSJU is AMAZING and I want to help all the incoming Bennies and Johnnies find the resources and outlets to make their 4 years here rock! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? 2 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed because it is super silly, fun and crazy! Also when I was little my sister and I would jump on our beds ALL the time :) Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience would have to be dancing at my first Johnnie halftime with the CSB dance team! From on the field looking out to the audience I thought to myself, WOW! What an AWESOME college! And from that time on I knew CSBSJU was a very special place to be! |
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Name: Ashley Forstrom Class: 2013 Major: Hispanic Studies Involvement: CSB tennis team (first-year and sophomore year), Theatre and Spanish Club I became an OL because... I love working with people, I'm outgoing and I love where I go to school and want to share my experiences with others. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme, it would be called "ONEstrom, TWOstrom, THREEstrom, FOURstrom" because it was a joke between some close high school friends and me. People started to just call me by my last name and even today, a lot of people still do (instead of Ashley or Ash). Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience was traveling to Puerto Rico my first year with the CSB and SJU tennis teams. It was great competitively and for team bonding. Blaza Blaze! |
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Name: Becca Lais Class: 2013 Major: Peace Studies Involvement: I am a member of Extending the Link, which is a non-profit, student run organization that researches and creates documentaries on unknown social injustices. I am also the Student Activities Representative for the St. Ben's Senate. I became an OL because... I wish I was still a first year! Your first year of college is a phenomenal journey, and this way I can live vicariously through all of all of the first years. Seriously though, you can never repeat your first year of college, and I want to provide them with an incredible experience that they will look back on with fond memories and lots of chuckles. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? I would be the classic and widely renowned, "Froggy Would a Wooing Go". Try saying that five times fast. Memorable College Experience: Well, I'd have to say the flash mob at Festival of Cultures in fall, 2011. Seven songs for seven continents, including flags and classic Zumba. You can't get much better than that. |
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Name: Teresa Gonia Class: 2014 Major: Psychology Involvement: I am a member of Delta Phi Theta service organization, a dedicated intramural soccer and volleyball athlete, a student naturalist at the Saint John's Arboretum, and I am also involved in a women's bible study on campus. I became an OL because... I became an OL because I am very excited about going to CSB/SJU and I want to get others excited about it as well. When I was a first year, I had two awesome orientation leaders who gave me awesome advice, answered all of my questions, and made my first few days at school fun-filled and as stress-free as possible! I want to be able to give that experience to others. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life were a nursery rhyme is would be the itsy bitsy spider! The itsy bitsy spider is a classic story of perseverance. The sun will always come out in the end and allow you to climb up the water spout! Memorable College Experience: I have had lots of memorable college experiences, but one that always sticks out in my mind is the annual Thanksgiving dinner at Saint John's. Volunteers from the community help to make a beautiful family-style Thanksgiving dinner and it's a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday with your friends! |
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Name: Britt Ortmann Class: 2013 Major: Philosophy Involvement: Student Activities and Leadership Development Team, Visto Volunteer, SAPD, Amnesty International I became an OL because... I absolutely love CSB/SJU. It is a place that provides several opportunities to grow as individuals and I have experienced so much of that through my past three years here. Orientation is the perfect time to step out of that comfort zone, meet some great people, learn new things and begin to discover how wonderful of a school you chose to go to. I am so beyond excited to be a part of that for this incoming class! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? The tortoise and the Hare. I have always identified with the tortoise! I move at a steady pace in life but will eventually get to where I want to be! Memorable College Experience: Canoeing with one of my best friends and getting stranded on the other side of the lake...canoeing is hard work! |
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Name: Camry Martinez Class: 2014 Major: Communication Major and Music Minor Involvement: On campus I'm involved in the Women's Choir, a member of the volunteer Admissions Ambassadors, and a participant in the Honors Program. I became an OL because... I think that first years are super neat! I wanted to be able to help first year students feel like they are a part of campus, and help them to get the most out of the orientation process. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme it would be called Itsy-Bitsy-Camry because I'm pretty short. And because I've always been really klutzy, but I get back up again when I fall down. Perseverance is a life skill :) Memorable College Experience: One of my most memorable college experiences was going hiking through the Arboretum at St. John's with my friends last fall. Our campus is so beautiful and we are lucky to have such a great place to spend time outdoors! |
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Name: Claire O'Brien Class: 2015 Major: Nursing Involvement: I am involved in the Joint Events Council, the AKS sorority, I play on the Blazer Soccer and Lacrosse teams, and now I am an Orientation Leader! I became an OL because... I love CSBSJU and had awesome orientation leaders last year. I wanted to meet some great people and become a part of making the first years feel welcome. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? It would be called Claire Bear because I am caring and am always trying to make people feel better and help them out when they need it! Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience has been on the first snowfall going out to play in the snow with friends and then going back to the dorms for hot chocolate and movies! |
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Name: Mary Jenkins Class: 2014 Major: Psychology Involvement: I am involved in the Johnball Club (club treasurer), SJU Campus Ministry (Weekly Adoration, Eucharistic Minister, 9 pm Mass), Intramural Sports (soccer, whiffle ball, softball), Praise in the Pub, Overnight Hostess, Art Club, Differbilities Club I became an OL because... Orientation is an awkward experience, but with the right elements (good OLs, open-minded group members) it can be a lot of fun! It was awkward for me at first, but by the end I was comfortable with my group members and orientation leaders and we all had a lot of fun. I want to be there for the incoming first years because this can be a stressful time, but I want to show them how fun college is. I'm so excited to be able to help these students in their first week at college. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Mary had a little cat" because my name is Mary and I have a cat. (idea submitted by Karly J. Queenan) Memorable College Experience: After the first big snow in November of my first year, there was a huge snowball fight in front of Mary Hall. It was so much fun because there were so many people there. Some people I was really good friends with and others I kind of knew, but we were all there together for the sole purpose of shoving snow in each other's faces! We watched one of my favorite movies afterward (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). |
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Name: Emily Furst Class: 2015 Major: Math/Pre-engineering Involvement: On campus I play the tenor saxophone in the symphonic band, I am a tour guide with student ambassadors, and when my roommate asks, I go to ballroom dance. I became an OL because... I became an OL because I love this school. I cannot imagine going to school anywhere else, and I want to show incoming first years why CSB/SJU is such a great place to be. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme, it would be called "Clutzy Bennie" because I have quite a few embarrassing moments caused by my clutziness. For example, one day my friend gave me a parkour challenge of the day. She challenged me to do a cartwheel, but of course, I fell on my butt in front of a huge group of people waiting for the link. I have yet to live this down. Memorable college experience: My most memorable experience was meeting my best friend Lucy. On the first day of classes, she sat down next to me in physics. After a few minutes, she turned to me and told me to make a wish because it was 11:11. She proceeded to close her eyes and shout her name. I gave her a blank stare and she turned to me saying, "SAY YOUR NAME! Say your name or the wish fairies won't know where to deliver your wish!" I said my name, and we've been best friends ever since. |
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Name: Erin Lanz Class: 2013 Major: Accounting Involvement: Roman-Greco participant, Delta Phi Theta Executive Board, Joint Events Committee, Up-Til-Dawn participant I became an OL because... I enjoyed my Orientation experience as a first year and can't wait to welcome the new Class of 2016 into the best community ever at CSBSJU. Be ready future Bennies and Johnnies! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme it would be Little Bo Peep because I would love to have pet sheep and have always wanted to star in a movie. Who wouldn't want to be the leading lady next to Buzz and Woody? Memorable college experience: I have had far too many memorable experiences at college to count but a few include: singing Christmas carols at a Johnnie football game in the snow, Thanksgiving dinner, watching Tyrone Wells perform in O'Connell's, watching the sun rise over the Vatican and riding donkeys in Greece. |
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Name: Hannah Von Arb Class: 2013 Major: Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy Involvement: CSB Residential Life, Biology Club, Allied Health Club, Intramural volleyball, Journey Group, and the Benedictine Friends Program I became an OL because... Coming to the College of Saint Benedict was one of the best decisions I've ever made. From day one, I felt welcomed and at home here, and I was ready to start gaining the experiences that would help me grow into my potential. A large part of this sense of welcomeness came directly from my Orientation Leader. I want the opportunity to help people transition into their new lives. I want to show them how great CSB/SJU is, and all the wonderful opportunities they have to look forward to. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Itsy Bitsy Spider" because I am a firm believer that a little bit of sunshine in life can fix just about anything. Just keep on going and everything will work out. Also, spiders are just so darn COOL! Memorable college experience: Oh wow, how do I pick just one!? Memorable college experiences for me have been the last three years! One that stands out is Johnnie football games. I love being a part of the sea of red, cheering so hard we lose our voices, and watching the Rat Pack's shenanigans with my best friends. Dressing up crazy for the Johnnie-Tommie game especially is such a good time! |
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Name: Katie Spoden Class: 2014 Major: Environmental Studies and Political Science Involvement: I work at Mary Commons Information Desk and am involved with the McCarthy Mentorship Program, the McCarthy Center for Civic Engagement, Companions on a Journey, intramural soccer, service learning at the Dream Center, Alternative Break Experience, the Office of Sustainability, and Eco Reps. I became an OL because... I want incoming first years to be confident that they've made the right choice in a college as soon as they step on to campus. I think that having an awesome Orientation experience is a huge part of their first impression. Therefore, I want to help make their Orientation experience awesome. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If I could self title my life if would be called "The Fate of Earthy Kate the Great," because it rhymes, mentions my love for the Earth, and makes my life sound really adventurous. "Memorable college experience: I have so many awesome college experiences, but one of my proudest moments was winning at least one game during last year's Bennie Flag Football Tournament refereed by Minnesota's greatest sports team, the Minnesota Vixens. |
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Name: Katie Tillman Class: 2015 Major: Political Science and German Involvement: Orientation Leader!!!, German Club, attend Praise in the Pub, and attend other fun events. I became an OL because... I had a fantastic orientation experience where I was able to meet many new friends and really start to feel comfortable on campus. I became an OL to help future first years have an equally fantastic experience. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? It would be called Humpty Dumpty rowed a boat. A combination of Humpty Dumpty and row, row, row your boat. This is because two things that characterize me are clumsy (Humpty Dumpty had a great fall) and imaginative (Life is but a dream). Memorable College Experience: This is a difficult question because I have had so many memorable experiences in the short time I have been here, I would have to say my most memorable experience was hiking through the arboretum during fall, with all of my awesome new friends, and trying to cross a log over a puddle and falling knee deep into muddy water, that was an interesting bus ride back to Saint Bens. |
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Name: Kayla Becker Class: 2013 Major: Peace Studies Involvement: Bonner Leader Program, Victus Deneuo Retreat Team, Praise in the Pub, and Amnesty International I became an OL because... I think it is important to give the new CSB/SJU students a sense of belonging and help them establish relationships right away. By being an OL I get to watch these first-years develop new friendships and gain a sense of comfort in the place that they will call home for the next four years. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? It would be called "Busy Bee" because I'm always running around to meetings, work, class, and whatever else. I never seem to get the chance to just sit down and catch my breath. Despite all the hustle and bustle of my crazy life, I do somehow manage to find time to just have some fun, though. Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience thus far has been doing a study abroad to Australia as well as a May-term to Tanzania (yes, I'm cheating, I'm putting two). Both of these trips were filled with experiences I never could have even dreamed of. I've had the chance to swim with wild dolphins in the Indian Ocean, hold beautiful orphaned children of Africa, see kangaroos bounce around the outback, and swim in the Great Barrier Reef. All these experiences (and others) have helped me grow so much and taught me valuable lessons about being an independent individual. I absolutely loved my time abroad! |
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Name: Kristin Bjork Class: 2014 Major: Management Involvement: OLTA program, All College Women's Choir, Johnball Club and Outskirt Snow Crew I became an OL because... I became an orientation leader because I love St. Ben's and want to be one of the people that get to welcome the incoming first years. I want to be there to get them excited and comfortable in the place where they will be spending the next 4 years making some of the best memories and friendships of their lives. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life were a nursery rhyme it would be called "A Shmogishborg Of Events," because there are so many diverse things that have happened throughout my life time that there is no other term as fitting to compile them all under. Memorable College Experience: One of my most memorable college experiences happened the night after we had a big ice storm. I ended up having to drive one of my guy friends to the emergency room, at 10:00 on a Sunday night to get stitches, because he slipped and cracked his head open on the ice while sliding around waiting for the link with some of his friends. After scraping my car windows with our id's, driving down the icy road and spending four hours in the ER, we made it back to campus safe and sound. |
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Name: Laura Hey Class: 2013 Major: Theology/Pre-Dental Involvement: Pre-Dental Club, Volunteer Tour Guide, Blood drive, Women's Bible Study, Magis Ministries, Benedictine Friends, Intramural Sports, Organ Lessons, Mass Liturgies I became an OL because... I love CSBSJU and want to bring that positive experience to all of the new first years coming in! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "The Little Girl and Her Random, Crazy Family" because my family is so complex throughout divorces, remarriages, many siblings and half-siblings, so it gets a little crazy. But I love everyone in my family so much. Memorable College Experience: Studying abroad in Greece and Rome! |
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Name: Lindsey Gideon Class: 2013 Major: Biology, Pre-Med emphasis Nutrition minor Involvement: I run Cross Country and Track at CSB/SJU. I am a Researcher for Extending the Link. I am a Volunteer EMT, a Pre-Medicine Mentor and a Student Athletic Advisory Committee Representative. I play Alto sax in the school jazz band as well as the occasional flute, clarinet and bamboo flute. I have been an RA/CA for two years and I represent my staff on the RA/CA council. I became an OL because... I love being a Bennie and I want to share that excitement with the incoming First year students. I know that this time is confusing and scary and exciting all at the same time. It is like trying to take a drink of water from a fire hose-there is a lot of information-but I feel that I can help incoming students adjust to college, living away from home and to embrace and flourish in their new found environment. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? The Road Less Traveled- I have never taken the easy way. I love a challenge and I constantly push the limits and test people's expectations. I can't imagine living my life any other way. I can't say no to a challenge and I love showing people what I can do. Being involved is a wonderful part of who I am. Memorable College Experience: The entire journey has been memorable. If I had to pick one experience that stands out, it would be the trip to Bosnia with Extending the Link. The entire experience of preparing for the trip and seeing it come to fruition is a wonderful thing. I love the team and I believe wholeheartedly in what we are doing. I could not imagine a better way to spend my winter break. |
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Name: Maddie Hansen Class: 2013 Major: Environmental Studies and Hispanic Studies Involvement: I am the Sustainability Representative on the St. Ben's Senate. I'm a member of Extending the Link, the Sustainability Alliance/Echo, Full Circle Greenhouse, the Ultimate Frisbee Club, and I work for the Benedictine Institute. I became an OL because... After three years at CSB|SJU I have learned how things work, how to survive, and how to have fun. It wouldn't be any fun to keep all of this to myself so I became an OL so I can relive that "new college" experience and share I bit of what I've learned. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Little Miss Maddie, like Little Miss Muffet. I've been told I have a baby face and that I look at least 7 years younger than I am, but don't let my face fool you. I've been around for a while. Memorable college experience: Too many to count, but my off campus experiences have been amazing! Traveling with PRP has been incredible and studying abroad in Chile was life changing! |
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Name: Meggie Battista Class: 2014 Major: Nursing Involvement: CSB Lacrosse, ABE trip to Guatemala, Admissions employee, praise in the pub regular, intramurals (Volleyball, Softball, Ultimate Frisbee) I became an OL because... I want to help introduce the incoming first years to my favorite place, CSB/SJU! I would love to show this new class what it truly means to be Bennies and Johnnies and help them to love this school at least half as much as I do! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Little Meggie Peep has lost her [insert item], because I have really bad luck losing all my things. In my first year of college I lost/broke 3 phones Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience was getting snowed-in in Denver with the girls lacrosse team after our Santa Barbara tournament and getting to spend a week team bonding in different hotels and missing school. |
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Name: Yingting Wang Class: 2013 Major: Accounting, Public Accounting Concentration Involvement: E-scholar of Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship, Community advisor of Residential Life, Accounting and Finance Club, Alternative Break Experience, Harvard Model United Nations, Festival of cultures, CSB Senate I became an OL because... I am a Bennie and I love CSB/SJU! I want to go back to experience the first-year excitement with YOU and hopefully help you to HAVE AN AWESOME START OF YOUR COLLEGE LIFE! As an international student, I also highly suggest all of you to have an OPEN MIND and EMBRACE THE DIVERSITY AND NEW ADVERTURE AT CSB/SJU! O(∩_∩)O If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? I love this questions :) It would be called Sun flower, simply because I believe in positive energy and love smile and sun shine. Memorable College Experience: There are seriously a TONS of memories that I can't decide to tell you which! I remember the first time I jumped in an iced lake with beautiful women from the IWL dog sledding trip, I miss the time we played Mafia when driving to Philadelphia for our Alternative Break Experience, I am proud of the RA/CA staffs every time when they share stories about their experience with their community... there is not a single word can summarize all those memories but they are all really precious to build me as a more well-rounded person. You will be proud to be a Johnnie or Bennie! |
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Name: Meghan Simmet Class: 2013 Major: Communication Involvement: St. Ben's Senate, Companions on a Journey, Alternative Break Experience, Institute for Women's Leadership, Event Technician for CSB Events Office, Joint Events Council, intramurals, Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland I became an OL because... The first experiences at CSB-SJU as a first year are such a memorable time, and I can't wait to be a part of all the excitement and help make the transition to college as fun as possible for the newest members of our community. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? It would be a rhyme like Jack and Jill because the line "And Jill came tumbling after" describes my clumsiness very well. Memorable College Experience: While working on campus the summer after my sophomore year, a group of friends and I participated on a team in the "Amazing Race" event held at SJU. Racing in canoes across Lake Sag to look for our first clue in the chapel, running all over campus completing various tasks, jumping in the lake to cool off, and then enjoying a cook-out afterwards made for a perfect summer evening with great friends. |
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Name: Kaley Flynn Class: 2013 Major: Elementary Education Involvement: Special Olympics coach for bowling and floor hockey, Intramurals, CSB Women's Hockey (first-year and sophomore year) I became an OL because... I became an OL because I realize the importance of orientation for first-year students. I want all of the incoming students to have as great of an experience as I have had here at St. Ben's. Orientation week was a very positive introduction for me into the CSB/SJU community! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? London Bridge is falling down because I just studied abroad in Australia and I now have a new found love to travel and see everything! Memorable College Experience: Studying abroad in Australia, Football games, Westkaemper 7, spending time with my amazing friends. |
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Name: Abby Roche Class : 2013 Major: Communication Involvement: Joint Events Council, Marketing Club, Student Manager at O'Connell's/McGlynn's, Photographer for Johnnie Football, Intramural Volleyball, Benedictine Friends I became an OL because... I absolutely LOVE CSB/SJU, and want the first-year students to get excited about the fabulous decision they've made by enrolling here! You're in for the best four years of your life, Class of 2016! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? It would most likely be titled "Gabby Abby," and it would absolutely be accompanied by a very catchy tune! I'm a pretty talkative person, and I love getting to know new people (that means you, first-years!), so the name seems fitting. Memorable College Experience: Well, I'm writing this from Athens, Greece, right now, so that's memorable! Aside from the incredible experience of studying abroad in Italy and Greece, though, I'd have to say my most memorable college experience would be every second of my time at CSB/SJU (no joke). In particular, I've really enjoyed Johnnie Football (including that time I got tackled on the sidelines while taking photos...), the Tyrone Wells concert in O'Connell's, rollerblading to SJU on the Wobegon Trail, swimming in Lake Sag, and getting to have ridiculous amounts of fun with some of the best people on the planet, every single day! |
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Name: Sarah Ober Class : 2015 Major: Nursing Involvement: I am on both the Fall performance dance team and Winter competitive dance team. I began this year working in the Athletic office at St. Ben's but second semester I will be taking over as a head coach of the St. John's Prep dance team. And now, I am a part of the fabulous 2012 Orientation team! I became an OL because... I LOVED my own orientation and wanted to keep doing it over and over again! I am passionate about all that CSB/SJU has to offer and being able to share that is very exciting for me. Orientation is where you kick off your life as a Bennie/Johnnie and I love that I can share in that experience with the first-years. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Dancing Through Life!" For one, I am a dancer. It is a huge part of my life and one of my greatest passions. More metaphorically speaking, this portrays how I try to "dance" through my life rather than simply going thru the motions-by dedicating myself fully to my passions, surrounding myself with wonderful people, and always looking for opportunities to grow. Most importantly, however, I stole the title from one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite Broadway shows, Wicked. Memorable College Experience: Dancing at Johnnie football games is so much fun! I love fall Saturdays around here-football, family, and dance, whoo! Orientation was also awesome; it was where I met some of my best friends and where I finally figured out what I was in for. Most importantly, every crazy night in Aurora and the silly things my friends and I get into. |
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Name: Sarah Osberg Class : 2013 Major: English and Secondary Education Involvement: Education Club Officer, CSB Club Volleyball Officer, CSB Intramural Manager, Companions on a Journey, Benedictine Friends, member of the MAGIS community, intramural volleyball, basketball, and soccer I became an OL because... I love being a part of the CSB|SJU community and want to share the awesome experiences I have had with others and inspire them to create their own experiences. I want to help ease the transition for incoming first-years and make it as stress-free and fun as possible! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery it would be the Itsy Bitsy Spider because I never let the rain of life get me down! Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience is living the "suite life" in Lottie with five awesome roommates and then continuing to live with three of them in Dominica the following year. They have brought the most spontaneous, random, inspiring moments into my life and I would not have had the same college experience without them! |
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Name: Morgan McGrath Class : 2015 Major: Global Business Leadership Management Involvement: I'm involved in Intramural soccer, pilates, OLTA's, and now I'm an Orientation Leader! I became an OL because... I loved my Orientation experience! My Orientation Leaders made me feel so welcome at CSB/SJU and inspired me to become an Orientation Leader. I hope I can do the same for the incoming first year students! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme it would be called "Little Miss Muffet" because I'm terrified of spiders just like Miss Muffet. Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience was the Tommie Johnnie Football game! I loved watching the famous MIAC rivalry and meeting up with my high school friends down at St. Thomas. |
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Name: Courtney Kimball Class: 2013 Major: Theology and Asian Studies Involvement: Praise in the Pub, Saint Ben's Senate, Cultural Affairs Board, Intramural Soccer, FYRE Retreat, Theology Tutor, Volunteering, Student Ambassador, Japanese Corner, frolicking along on the Wobegon Trail, and composting I became an OL because... I became an OL because I love CSB/SJU and I want to share my enthusiasm for our schools! I'm so proud to be a Bennie, and I want to bring my college experience full circle by welcoming students into our Bennie/Johnnie family! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme, it would be called "Courtney and the Beanstalk," because I just really like vegetables. Memorable College Experience: Some of my fondest memories have been spending time with my beloved roommates, playing pranks on my beloved roommates, and cheering on my beloved roommates at Blazer volleyball games! Making new friends, going to Johnnie football games, and rocking out at the PRP Roller Disco have been great memories also! However, the last day of first-year particularly stands out, where a group of friends and I made a fort to watch the Emperor's New Groove in! |
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Name: Brenna Miland Class: 2013 Major: Nutrition - Dietetics Involvement: Intramural Volleyball, Magis Ministries-Praise in the Pub and PMS Bible Study, Companions on a Journey, Nutrition Club, and Advisory Board of Students for the Advancement of People with DIFFERBILITIES I became an OL because... I want to show off the school I have come to love. CSBSJU has become home for me, and I want to help the future Bennies and Johnnies make it their home as well. A big part of the community at CSBSJU is to give back; this is probably the most interesting and fun way because I get to teach the first-years what it is like to be a Bennie, and give those future Johnnies some tips. :) If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Brenna's Pet Elephant because I LOVE elephants and I would love to have a pet elephant...although I'm not sure where I would put him. The nursery rhyme would of course have a 'lesson to learn' in it as well...it would probably be "don't take on things that you can't handle." Life is so great; don't over pack it so you can't enjoy every living moment of it. Memorable College Experience: Johnnie Saturdays. LOTS of Volleyball. Studying Abroad (Australia...with a vacation to New Zealand). Sohler 5. O'Cons Frappe. Snow Days. ABE-Philadelphia. PRANK WAR. Road trips. Thanksgiving Dinner-CSB Style. Midnight Jollies. But most importantly, meeting some of the best people I know. |
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Name: Christina Pollock Class: 2014 Major: Management Involvement: I am a member of SIFE and an executive for the AMA Marketing Club. I became an OL because... When I look back at my first days at CSB I remember driving up crying because I was so nervous to start, once orientation started I was fine and excited to start the year. I want to give that ease to other first years and make them feel at home so they are ready to start the year with a positive attitude. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Jack be Nimble- I am able to roll with whatever, I understand that not everything goes as planned but if you nimble and quick it can still be a success in the end. Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience was the first snow day of my first year. I remember waking up to the entire hall screaming in excitement that we didn't have class. Girls went to Gorecki back in the day when they had trays, and borrowed one to go sledding. My roommate and I took down our beds from the lofts, drank hot chocolate, and watched movies the entire afternoon with friends. It was nice to have a free day and everyone be in the same mood during a down time in the year. |
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Name: Rachel Ziegler Class: 2013 Major: Peace Studies and Biology Involvement: Amnesty International, working at the Institute for Women's Leadership, volunteering in the St. John's Arboretum, composting!!, Benedictine Friend program, and more I'm sure I've forgotten! I became an OL because... Orientation was a whirlwind of activities, and I loved it! I want to help the Class of 2016 find their place here at CSB/SJU and come away with a great Orientation and four-year experience. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? A classic: "Old Mother Hubbard.../Rachel". First, because I sometimes think I am secretly an old lady who likes things like getting up early and playing Bingo. And second, because I can't cook at all, so my cupboards are always bare! Memorable College Experience: Hanging out and swimming at the beach on Lake Sag during those first warm weeks at school. How many other colleges have their own BEACH?! |
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Name: Miah Winterfeldt Class : 2014 Major: Social Science, Secondary Education Minor Involvement: All College Choir, Intramurals (softball, volleyball, and soccer), CSB Dance Team, Writing Center Tutor I became an OL because... I want to help incoming first years start the year off right and take advantage of everything this amazing institution has to offer! And as an added bonus I get to meet all the stellar girls that make St. Ben's wonderful! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Little Bunny Foo Foo because I enjoy frolicking through the forest and bopping field mice on the head. (Plus Little Bunny Foo Foo is just fun to say.) Memorable College Experience: This was the hardest question because I've had soooo many great experiences already and I'm sure there will be many more to come but a few that stick out are swimming in Lake Sag on late nights in the fall, getting all dressed up and going to an opera in the cities through JEC, and decorating the halls with friends for Christmas! |
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Name: Isabel Porter Class : 2014 Major: Nursing Involvement: SAPD Club, Nursing Club I became an OL because... I became an orientation leader because of the experience I had during my first year orientation. My orientation leader made an impact on me because she helped me acclimate to the new environment. She also made me feel welcome as soon as orientation began. The experience I had during orientation is one that I wish all first years to have. I became an OL because I want to make orientation as special for incoming first years as it was for me. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Expect the Unexpected." I choose this title because I have learned that you can't predict or plan for the future. Many of the things that I want out of life or that I plan for often don't happen the way I want, or at all. Because of this, I have learned to go with the flow and let things happen if and when they are going to. Memorable College Experience: My most memorable experience was when I went on a camping trip to Itasca State Park with PRP. I had never been camping before so it was a brand new experience for me. I learned a lot not only about camping, but also about myself. It was a great experience that I will always remember! |
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Name: Alivia Tison Class: 2013 Major: English and Hispanic Studies Involvement: Extending the LINK, Saint Ben's Senate, The Record, ZUMBA aerobics, Guatemala Study Abroad 2012, Bennie-Johnnie Optimist Club, Alternative Break Experiences, Student Ambassador, Journey Group, Quidditch champion team 2010, Flashmobs :) I became an OL because... Orientation, first-years, food, orientation leaders, and CSB/SJU are amongst some of the greatest things known to mankind!! I am so excited to be a part of orientation 2012 to be amidst so much greatness and help spread it to others too! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? After doing a quick Google search, "London bridge is Falling Down" caught my eye. It would be my nursery rhyme because I like to think that people may seem me as some of kind "Fergie," as well as a fair lady. Memorable College Experience: Hard to narrow it down between Zumba-ing in many locations around school, summer and fall spent in Westkaemper7, the ABE U.S./Mexico Border trip, anything involving Optimist meetings, being named Quidditch champion, and everything in between! |
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Name: Cat Quinn Class: 2013 Major: Elementary Education Involvement: Special Olympics Basketball and Bowling Coach, Intramural Three-Season Athlete, Admissions Programming Assistant, Tour Guide, Benedictine Friends, Journey Group, Orientation Leader I became an OL because... what a better way to help the new first years be welcomed and love their first week at CSBSJU :) If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake, Baker's Man because I love to bake and wish I owned my own bakery (: Memorable College Experience: Team ApplePie Intramurals, Night Games, Late night Perkins runs, early morning local blend roommate dates and snowdays (: |
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Name: Kelsey Swenson Class: 2013 Major: Nursing Involvement: CSB Health Advocate, Nursing Club, Orientation, Benedictine friends I became an OL because... I love CSBSJU. I have a passion and craziness for this school! Orientation was such a fun and welcoming event to start the year off right and I love being a role model and providing the blue prints for first years to start off the year right! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Cut loose ya goose" Because life can always use some goofy spontaneity! Memorable College Experience: The last night of the semester, my friends and I have a tradition that we stay up really late and order Gary's. And every year someone almost sleeps through their check out time. |
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Name: Madi Burns Class: 2013 Major: Nursing Involvement: Club Volleyball, Student Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, Alternative Break Experience Co-Leader, Nursing Club I became an OL because... I want the first-years to get excited for the next four amazing years they will have at CSB-SJU and start them off with a fun few days before school starts!! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Hot Cross Buns- because I love to cook! Memorable College Experience: Snow days sledding with lunch trays! |
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Name: Riley Johnson Class: 2013 Major: Psychology, Pre-Physical Therapy Involvement: St. Ben's Senate, student worker for Admission and Study Abroad, Orientation, and going to as many fun campus events as I can! I became an OL because... I have a great, big love for CSB/SJU and there are few things I look forward to more than sharing it incoming First Year students! My years here have been remarkable and I know that the students coming are excited to have their own amazing experiences. Orientation itself has also been some of the most fun I have had at CSB/SJU, both as a First Year student and an Orientation Leader. I can't wait for it to start! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life was a nursery rhyme, it would be called "Little Miss Muffet". I feel that I can identify with the trials and tribulations of Little Miss Muffet. I have a tuffet of my own that I enjoy sitting on while I eat my curds and whey and whenever a spider comes along and sits beside me, I am ALWAYS frightened away. Memorable College Experience: I was lucky enough to really bond with my First Year Seminar class and come of my favorite experiences in college have been how we have all stayed close friends! We have an annual Thanksgiving dinner together along with various social gatherings at our professor's house. They are amazing people and great friends I may not have met if it weren't for FYS! |
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Name: Rita Allen Class: 2013 Major: Philosophy, Pre-Med Involvement: Magis Ministries, Journey Group, Hardcore Parkour "Club" co-founder, ETL volunteer I became an OL because... Orientation can be one heckuva time, and I want to hop onboard that wild ride! I was a leader last year and had a blast, and I am excited to show more first years how very cool this school is. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? "Rita Pita Pocket and the Unruly Bottle Rocket" - use your imagination. Memorable College Experience: Studying abroad... Spain and INDIA. Overwhelming. |
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Name: Laura Erding Class: 2013 Major: Elementary Education Involvement: I am involved with Special Olympics and am a Coordinator for Kids Hope through Campus Ministry. I also volunteer at Madison Elementary School and work with students on their reading skills. I became an OL because... I became an OL because all the other OLs are awesome and super fun to be around! I also love welcoming in the First Years. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Little Bo Peep, because I lose everything. Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experience would most likely be borrowing trays from Gorecki to go sledding on a snow day! Too bad they no longer have trays .... |
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Name: Alex Brancale Class: 2014 Major: Physics and Numerical Computation Involvement: SJU Wrestling Manager, Tour Guide, MaPCoReS Program, Companions on a Journey, Benedictine Friends, Up 'Till Dawn, College Republicans, Sustainability Intern for the Ecuador May Term, and Catechist at the Church in St. Joe I became an OL because... I had a great orientation leader! She made me realize how truly special this school is! I absolutely love CSBSJU, and I want others to have the same experience! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? It would be called "The Itsy Bitsy Bennie" because although I hate spiders, I'm just as bound and determined as the itsy bitsy spider. Memorable College Experience: I have had so many great experiences! Just a couple of them are hanging around with my friends on the weekends, going to many different states for Johnnie Wrestling (of course!), Intramural Volleyball, and the holiday dinners! |
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Name: Molly Reger Class: 2014 Major: Communication and Management Involvement: CSB Dance Team, Admissions Ambassador, Social Media Ambassador, part of Benedictine Friends, and an Orientation Leader! I became an OL because... I love CSB/SJU! Orientation marks a time when the First-years officially become a Bennie or a Johnnie and I want to make that transition as easy as possible. I also hope to share my experiences and show them all of the wonderful things CSB/SJU has to offer! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? If my life were a nursery rhyme it could be any nursery rhyme because I will most likely fall asleep before the last line anyways. (I love naps!) Memorable College Experience: Just one?! There are so many to choose from! Some of my favorites include; Tommie Johnnie football, sledding at SJU with trays from the reef, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and the CSB dance team flash mob at Gorecki! |
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Name: Gretchen Sitzer Class: 2014 Major: English and Philosophy Involvement: Benedictine Friends, OLC EmployeeArboretum Volunteer, VISTO Volunteer, Intramural Soccer, Kickball and Frisbee, Institute for Women's Leadership involvement, Orientation I became an OL because... Orientation was a huge part of my adjustment to campus, I loved getting to know fellow group members and meeting the OLs. I became an OL because I want to help be a part of welcoming first years to campus! I had a blast at Orientation and want to pass on a fun and memorable experience to incoming students. I loved the energy of the OL's and wanted to be a part of helping incoming Bennies and Johnnies adjust to college life and give them an opportunity to get comfortable with the campuses and have memorable and enjoyable first days of school. If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Wiggly Giggly - because I'm wiggly.... AND giggly! And it rhymes! Memorable College Experience: The Polar Plunge into Lake Sag on the first snow of this school year... or Bottling fresh maple syrup from the Arboretum with the Monks. |
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Name: Mikayla Mages Class: 2013 Major: Communication Involvement: Orientation Leader, Admissions Ambassador, Up 'Til Dawn, VISTO swim program, Journey Group, Benedictine Friend, Communication Club I became an OL because... I love sharing my love for CSB/SJU with the first-years! If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Baby Beluga by Raffi! I swim so wild and swim so free, with heaven above and the sea below; I'm just a little whale on the go. J Memorable College Experience: Canoeing backwards across Lake Sag, Thanksgiving Dinner at SJU, stargazing on the Mall, and so many more! |
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Name: Nikkie Reza Class: 2013 Major: Hispanic Studies, Pre-Dentistry Involvement: Blazer Swimming/Diving, Pre-Dental Club, ORIENTATION LEADAAHH!! Special Olympics, Spanish Club, CSB/SJU Ambassador, lifeguarding I became an OL because... I initially did it because I wanted to meet all the cute first years and have them love CSB-SJU as much as I do, but I also LOVE working with the other orientation leaders. It's truly an amazing group of people and a life changing experience. Memorable College Experience: so far: my unlimited meal plan, tommie johnnie 2010, margretta basement, training trip to Puerto Rico, and STUDYING ABROAD IN SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Name: Christine Cohen Class: 2013 Major: Elementary Education Involvement: Optimist Club, Education Club I became an OL because... I want to show the new Bennies and Johnnies what a fantastic community they are becoming a part of. I am from Connecticut, and being from out-of-state I appreciated everything my orientation leader did for me. I am looking forward to retuning the favor! :) If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? Christine Mary, quite contrary, How do you your college years grow? With football wins and choir grins, And Bennies and Johnnies all in a row! Memorable College Experience: Over the past few years, I have been an active member of the CSB Women's Choir. Our biggest concert of the year is Christmas at Saint John's in which we perform with both of the other choirs. The setting, music and company have created some of the best memories I have at CSB/SJU! |
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Name: Kayla Blevins Class: 2013 Major: Political Science and French Involvement: VISTO site coordinator, Office Assistant in the ESSS Department, Alpha Kappa Sigma Service Sorority, avid people watcher If your life was a nursery rhyme, what would it be called? Why? A nursery rhyme about my life would be called "Dancing Pants!" It would remind all of the children that you never know when a dance off may start up, so it is best to always wear your dancing pants. Plus if you are wearing your dancing pants, you can dance wherever you go without feeling like a weirdo. Memorable College Experience: My most memorable college experiences have been the little things that many may overlook. Looking back, the things that stick out the most are those all nighters that you pull with your friends (around 4 am delusion commences!), going into Gorecki just to get an apple because you have unlimited punches, the happy dance that you and your roommates do when you find out that it is a snow day, and the game nights with friends that get a little too competitive. The little memories that make college amazing and in the future you will wish that they had never ended. |
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