Before they get the chance to run through the iconic columns, freshmen are highly advised to attend Mizzou’s Summer Welcome orientation program prior to their August move-in day. At one of the many scheduled dates over the summer, incoming students get the opportunity to learn essential information about Mizzou in an interactive and fun way. A handful of selected students, currently enrolled at MU, serve as Summer Welcome Leaders and are in charge of directing a small group of incoming students each day, while advising them on their concerns and curiosities about college culture. Such a position is considered highly coveted, as the process is thoroughly selective. Loyce Nelson, a sophomore and secondary education major here at MU, was recently appointed the leadership position of Summer Welcome Student Coordinator where her duties include recruiting, selecting, and training the next 36 Summer Welcome Leaders.
Her Campus Mizzou: What motivated you to apply for this leadership position?
Loyce Nelson: I was motivated to apply for this position because I enjoyed my Summer Welcome experience tremendously. It was an amazing summer. So, I applied to help the next 36 leaders grow and learn from this experience; also, to help them have a crazy good time like I did!
HCM: Why do you think MU students should be SW leaders?
LN: MU students should apply to be SW Leaders because it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you have any opportunity to have fun and also learn so much about yourself and others you should take it, and Summer Welcome allows you to do that. MU students would learn how to be better leaders, and also learn about the diverse backgrounds that are represented here at Mizzou that are sometimes not noticed or recognized.
HCM: How can they apply? What is the process like?
LN: In order to apply students must attend one out of the five informational sessions (held on November 14, 15, 27, December 2, and 3. More information can be found on Mizzou’s New Student Programs website). They will learn everything else about Summer Welcome and the interviewing process at the informational sessions they attend.
HCM: How many summers have you worked as a SW leader?
LN: I have only worked one summer as a Summer Welcome Leader because you are only allowed to work as a Summer Welcome Leader once; that’s part of the reason why it is seriously a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, I’ll be working as the student coordinator this summer, which will give me two summers of working with Summer Welcome.
HCM: What was your favorite memory from your experience as a SW leader? Any strange experiences?
LN: The entire summer was my favorite memory. I really can’t choose one memory that was the best. There were a few strange experiences of course and many interesting questions asked from incoming freshmen, but it’s just a good time. I did love performing Revue, which is a one-hour show that all 36 leaders put together for freshmen and their parents, and leading student groups.
HCM: What is your favorite part about the program?
LN: My favorite part of the program would have to be meeting the 35 other Summer Welcome leaders and becoming great friends with each and every one of them. While bringing in close to 16,000 parents and studen.
Photo Credit:
http://newstudent.missouri.edu/loyce-nelson/