Every August, the Nest comes alive with the excitement of a new beginning. Bags are packed and unpacked, parents share one last hug before saying goodbye, and strangers quickly become classmates as the next class starts its Endicott journey.
While these incoming Gulls have spent the summer looking forward to Move-In Day, a group of seven Orientation Assistants has spent theirs making it all possible.
Led by Dan Chapman, Director of Student Transitions & Family Programs, and Victoria Badagliacca, Associate Director of Student Transitions & Family Programs, a select group of upperclassmen is chosen each summer to live on campus and support the ONBOARD and Orientation experiences.
With six ONBOARD sessions throughout the summer, the Orientation Assistants stay busy planning every detail. From creating schedules, developing themes and games, and shopping for supplies to leading activities and ensuring each session runs smoothly, they play a key role in making every new student feel welcome at the Nest.
They also train and work alongside the Orientation Leaders—a larger team of student volunteers who help welcome the incoming class during Orientation.
To get a behind-the-scenes look at what summer as an Orientation Assistant is really like, we sat down with a few of the OAs to learn more about their experience preparing to welcome the Class of 2030.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
What made you want to become an Orientation Assistant at Endicott?
Kiera Mallett ’27: I remember how important it was to have welcoming, approachable student leaders when I first came to campus. I enjoy meeting new people, working as part of a team, and helping others feel like they belong. Also, seeing how supportive and hardworking the Orientation Assistants were last year with the Orientation team is what made me want to be an OA!
Abby Barry ’27: I wanted to make an impact on incoming freshmen and share my love for the College. Creating an environment where students enjoy campus life, clubs, academics, and internship programs as much as I do is something so special.
What’s a typical day like for an Orientation Assistant during the summer?
Jackson Skane ’28: For office days, we come together for a morning meeting to discuss what our tasks for the day are, look at upcoming events, and discuss any questions we have. Then, throughout the day, we will work on planning for events and gathering supplies for the ONBOARD sessions and Fall Orientation. During ONBOARD, we will play connection activities, tour campus, eat at the dining hall, and have bonding activities for our onboarders.
Kristina Wright ’27: The typical day in my role as an Orientation Operations Assistant (OOA) starts with checking in with my team members so I am aware of where I may need to step in more to support them throughout orientation or ONBOARD. I work closely with Dan and Victoria, so a big part of my day is usually planning large-scale events for Fall Orientation and ensuring that those plans are working within a certain budget.
While doing this, I collaborate with other staff and faculty on campus when appropriate, so I have been able to build meaningful connections with many important individuals on campus. I review the fine details of plans to ensure the best flow of programming, but my main role is in support of the OAs and stepping up wherever professional staff members may need me.
What’s your favorite part about helping new students transition to college life?
Delaney Flewelling ’27: I love getting the opportunity to ease their worries and build their self-confidence. College is a time for personal growth and identity building, and getting to aid so many students in that process is a privilege!
Barry: Watching them grow as a person and seeing all they do, whether it is getting involved on campus, joining clubs, playing a sport, or just growing into a more independent and strong individual.
Skane: Helping to ease and normalize the anxiety of students. I love this because I was an anxious student when I first came to Endicott, and having the support I had made my experience ten times better. When I have students who confide in me about their nerves and anxiety, it helps build a great connection, and I love being a great resource to any student who has questions or concerns.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about the work OAs do behind the scenes?
Wright: A lot of training goes into the Orientation process, including health and safety, as well as belonging. I don’t think that students may know about this training or the care that we go to to make sure our OLs are the best leaders possible and working in the best interests of students. We also spend a lot of time making themes for our Orientation Leader training every year; for instance, this year’s theme is Inside Out!
Barry: People would be surprised to learn that OAs are always having a good laugh behind the scenes. All the OAs are super hardworking, but we love to joke around with each other!
Flewelling: Our team looks at our work through an emotional lens—meaning we are always considering the mental toll moving into college takes on an incoming freshman, the long hours an Orientation Leader works, the worries parents may have for their kids. We work to make sure students of all ages are embracing their new life at Endicott to the fullest extent, and grow as people in the process!
How do you and the OA team build community with each other over the summer?
Skane: We have open communication. We are always talking to each other about who will handle what, and what changes need to be made to keep the summer going smoothly. We also like to give each other compliments when we see each other doing something great, as it helps each of us feel special, appreciated, and supported by our team.
Mallett: When we start off the summer, we go over what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are so we know how to best work together. Outside of work, we try to all hang out, whether that is going to Mingo Beach for sunset, going to Cherry Hill for ice cream, or just staying in and watching a show.
Wright: We spend a lot of time hanging out after hours. Whether it’s making dinner all together, movie nights, or going to the beach, we spend a lot of time getting to know each other on a very intimate, deep level so we understand where each other is coming from and how we can not only best work together but also support each other.