Orientation Leaders Ready to Welcome New Students

Champlain College Orientation Leaders are gearing up for a great weekend of Orientation activities as we welcome new students to our Burlington, Vermont campus!

With four days left until Orientation, we’d like to introduce you to four of the many orientation leaders who will help you get acclimated to campus, answer your questions, and encourage you to bring the fun! Be sure to tag @champlainedu in your Orientation photos and use the hashtag #ChampWelcome.

Addie Anderson ’24 (they/them)

Major: Psychology, Minor: Social Justice

Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?

“Coming into Champlain in 2020, I did not get much of an orientation experience, so I can understand how scary and lonely it can be to come into college knowing nobody. I want to help incoming first years get those opportunities to meet people and have fun while they experience a scary transition! I am really looking forward to seeing people relax, become more confident, and make friends over the few days of orientation!”

What advice do you have for incoming students?

“Go to events! Engage with the new environment and community! I am a very anxious person myself so I can completely understand the reflex to freeze up and shut down in new situations, but the point of orientation is that nobody knows each other and are actively looking to make connections. Talk to each other! Talk to your OLs! I promise it will be okay!”

Zach Fucci ’23 (he/him)

Major: Graphic Design & Visual Communication

Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?

“I wanted to become more involved on campus, and to meet peers who had the same passion for involvement as me. I’m looking forward to seeing a whole new group of faces at Champlain who will keep the legacy of the college going.”

What advice do you have for incoming students?

“Put yourself out there and get involved. By getting involved early at Champlain, you are setting yourself up for a great four years here. You’ll make connections with faculty, and make friends you’ll have for the rest of your life.”

Annabel Kusnitz ’24 (she/her)

Major: Professional Writing

Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?

“When I was a first year, I really appreciated having older students and friends provide guidance and advice— especially considering I felt like I had no clue what I was doing! I like being an OL because I like connecting with new students to “bridge the gap” and show them a fun time so they feel more comfortable in this new landscape.”

What advice do you have for incoming students?

“Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether that’s joining a club, walking around Burlington, or talking to new people! College is what you make of it, so enjoy the freedom of choice and discover something about yourself at your own pace.”

Madison Mueller ’23 (she/her)

Major: Environmental Studies & Policy

Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?

“I became an OL to become more involved in the Champlain community and to make new friends. I loved the idea of being able to make students feel welcome and introduce them to campus! I am looking forward to the boat cruise and all the icebreakers!”

What advice do you have for incoming students?

“Explore Burlington and Vermont as much as you can! Take public transit to neighboring towns, walk down to the waterfront, dine at local eateries, grab your hammock and go for a hike—making Burlington feel like home is easy and essential! It is a beautiful place to live and love for the next four years!”