Student-athletes welcome newcomers as orientation leaders

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Several of Lesley University's student-athletes volunteered time out of their summer to be orientation leaders for the new students coming to Cambridge in the fall of 2008.  Four of them sat down to talk about their experiences and what it has meant to them.  Their overall reaction was extremely positive and each of them said that they would, without a doubt, return next summer to do it again. 

Dana Datillo (Derry, N.H.), senior captain of men's basketball

"These students are the future of the school.  For them it's a complete culture change from what they are used to and that's why we are here.  We are just trying to make this a smooth transition for them as they make one of the biggest adjustments of their lives."

"I was here at the very beginning of Lesley's movement into co-education.  To see how many guys there were on campus back when I was a freshman and to now see the number there are just in orientation is mind-blowing.  It is a testament to the growth of our community."

Chris Davis (Brockton, Mass.), sophomore men's soccer player

"It has been fun.  We've been stressing to the students that they need to get involved because that is one of Lesley's biggest strengths.  As leaders, we are the ones to show them the ropes early on so they can enjoy their time once they arrive to campus full-time."

"All of the new students have had so much positive energy.  The overall message I've gotten from them is that they want to be here."

Matthew Grassa (Medford, Mass.), junior captain of men's basketball

"I've been giving a lot of advice of which classes to take, the best places to eat, and basically all the essentials of being a Lesley student.  The only things we can tell these students is what we've been through and hopefully they take our recommendations.  It is important for them to hear from the upperclassmen what college life is going to be like so they can take advantage of all that Lesley has to offer."

Sarah Groh (Warwick, R.I.), sophomore women's soccer player

"Being an orientation leader has been such a great experience. We really get to help set the tone for the incoming class, they definitely pick up on how we feel about Lesley  It's great to have so many students coming in that are excited to play a sport or join SGA or get involved somehow on campus."

"I think a lot of students coming in are nervous about balancing social life and classes and being involved.  I think it comforts them a little bit to say hey I play a sport and I'm involved in clubs and I have a full schedule of classes. It's great to be able to talk to them about all the advantages of going to a small D3 school like Lesley."

"I've had such a great experience here and everyone's really supported everything I want to do on campus, my coaches, my professors, the staff.  Hopefully sharing that with the new students will help them find a place here at Lesley."

Lauren Polinsky (Palo Alto, Calif.), junior women's soccer player

"I've made a lot of new friends through being an orientation leader.  The experience gave me an opportunity to meet people who I may not have met otherwise since a lot of my time is spent at practice or games.  I also feel like showing my leadership skills here will definitely translate on the playing field.  It's one thing to be a member of a team, but to be the one that others listen to and mimic because of your positive actions is a great thing."