Names:Â Haley Schoeck & Charles Sanky
Years and schools: BC ’16 & CC ’16
What made you want to be on the NSOP Committee?HS: I loved NSOP as a first year, had a fantastic OL and great experience overall. So was it was a natural decision for me to be Orientation Leader last year and I really enjoyed having that role in NSOP and wanted to further my involvement. I was intrigued by the enormous scale of events and all of the planning that goes in to orientation. I’m also interested in higher education and student life administration as a career so having the opportunity to work with Barnard and Columbia’s Student Life offices has been an amazing opportunity for me. NSOP is one of my favorite times on campus because of the amazing energy that everyone has.Â
CS: Two years ago, I participated in the Columbia Urban Experience (CUE) pre-orientation program and had the opportunity to meet Columbia and Barnard students, volunteer in the city, and get acclimated to campus life. The next week was NSOP, and my Orientation Leader (OL) abandoned our group. Orientation Leaders are fundamental to facilitating this bonding early on during our time here, so I did not have the support from him to form these relationships with my orientation group. Without the Columbia Urban Experience, I do not think I would have the support network of caring friends or the knowledge about our university necessary for me to succeed. As a result, I wanted to get involved and make sure that all students are supported and do not fall through the cracks. While I could have worked as an Orientation Leader, a Crew Chief, or a Columbia Urban Experience leader, I believed that there were changes that could be made to NSOP on a larger scale that could affect the experiences of more students. Last year, I served as the Academic & Educational Programming Coordinator, and because I felt there was even more to be done, I have the honor of serving as the CC and SEAS Student Chair this year.
2. What will be the best activity of this year’s NSOP?HS: I’m really excited for the NYC Event on the Intrepid! The dance floor is out on the flight deck of the ship with views of the city skyline, so it should be pretty amazing.  CS: Oh – there are so many amazing activities! In my opinion, my favorite activity of NSOP is Community Forum. Held on the Wednesday of NSOP, it highlights the various identities and diversity of our student body. After an interactive and exciting ceremony, students will have an amazing dance party on Low Steps!
3. What are the top 3 things you hope new students take away from NSOP?HS:Â
#1NSOP has a very balanced combination of academic and social programs. You can replicate this balance in the rest of your college experience. With effective time management, it is very possible to find a healthy balance between being academically successful and having time for your self. Â
#2 Professor and administrators here are expressly interested in your success and wellbeing. Take the time to develop relationships with these people. Their knowledge and insight are invaluable.Â
#3 You can lot to learn from your peers. The students who come to Barnard and Columbia are incredibly driven, talented, passionate, and intelligent people who all bring very unique identities and experiences to campus. Â Living, learning, and interacting with such an incredibly diverse group of people is an amazing opportunity to grow and learn.
CS:
#1 You are so valued and loved by our Columbia community. Embrace that and enjoy that fact!
#2 Everyone here is so special and valuable, and you should get to know them, build strong friendships and relationships, and learn from them.
#3 If you see something that can be improved, fix it. Don’t complain about it and make Facebook posts, but go out and do something. Here, you have the power to move mountains for what is right. You have an important role in shaping your community, your education, and your time here as well as that of others!
4. What was the best part of your NSOP?HS: I’ve always loved the Barnard Ice Cream Social. Barnard Deans and administrators come to Lehman lawn to scoop ice cream for all of the Barnard first years! It is such a great representation of the unique relationships that Barnard students and faculty and staff are able to build. The event gives insight into how much effort Barnard administrators put in to building positive relationship with and mentoring students. At what other school are your deans and administrators going to come to campus to serve ice cream to new students?!CS: The best part of the past two NSOPs I experienced was helping new students move into their first year residence halls. They are so excited and grateful to be here, and Orientation student leaders are so happy to welcome them. It is literally the happiest time on campus, and it makes you proud to be a Columbia University student.
5. One thing you wish you had known as incoming first year?HS: Nothing is off limits to you. There are so many opportunities on campus to get involved in things you’re passionate about or to try new things. Every club and organization is open to first years and excited to meet you.CS:  It’s totally ok to experience a setback or not do as well as expected! I’ve fallen several times. In high school and earlier, I worked hard and was used to holding lots of leadership positions and having top grades. Life is a bit tougher here, and it is ok to not do as well in something. Learn from it and move on. Your supportive friendships and community will help you with this.
6. Favorite spot to relax on campus?HS: I’m a big fan of Joe’s coffee in NoCo. I go there all the time to do work, just read a book, or to meet with TAs about papers. The coffee is absolutely amazing and it has a great view of Broadway.CS:  I love going to JJ’s Place. Great food, amazing people, and just lots of fun!