Meet Some of Our Orientation Assistants!

Meet Some of Our

ORIENTATION ASSISTANTS Read more about some of these returning O-Team members who are working hard to help prepare our fabulous OLs to welcome you into the Bentley family!

Looking to connect more with the O-Team and ask us your questions?

- DM on Instagram @welcomefalcons - Give us a phone call at 781-891-2271 - OR send ga_orientation@bentley.edu an email to set up a video call to chat with us!

Rona Mejiritski Class of 2022, she/her Hometown: Bowling Green, OH Major: Corporate Finance and Accounting Minor: Law Favorite Involvement: Varsity Women's Swimming and Diving Team

Why Rona is excited to be an OA this year: I'm so beyond excited to be an OA this year after being an OL for the last two years. I really wanted to make a bigger impact on the program in my last year but also wanted to reach even more of you Baby Falcs by working with OLs one-on-one. I'm going to be able to help new OLs and returning OLs help their own Baby Falcs which just brings the biggest smile to my face :) Even though I won't have my own group of kiddos, you'll definitely still see me around, joining in on icebreakers and getting to know everyone!

What is one thing you wish you knew in your first year? One thing that I definitely wish I did more of my first year is ask for help.

I was used to being able to figure things out on my own in the classroom in high school or just daily life by myself. Going to college is very different from high school and you are forced to be even more independent and manage your time well. That being said, don't be afraid to ask for help in class or ask to meet a professor for office hours. They are always there to help you and answer any of your questions. You also get to build a great relationship with that professor which help you even further down the line. Bentley professors have some pretty awesome backgrounds, so don't be afraid to get to know them! They are human just like you! As for just life as a college student, ask questions to any older students you meet on campus. Your OL is that resource for you from day one. We are there to ask any kind of question you have! We've been in your shoes and know all the ins and outs. My OL gave me so many tips and tricks my first year that I still use as a incoming senior! That being said, I know it can be a little scary to speak up and ask, but remember everyone here is here for you and to help you on your journey. Take advantage of it!

What is one tip you have to offer for the first semester of classes? Make sure you stay organized! It's one of the easiest things you can do and it sets you up for classes so well. This past year I've started using an online productivity app called Notion. You can use it to make a master list of all of your assignments and exams for all of your classes in one place. You can make an agenda page, a page for each class, anything you want really! I love being able to see the big picture and then planning out week by week which I do using this platform. Otherwise, I'd say make sure you are ready to get started right away. Even though that first week is syllabus week and nothing has really started yet, some professors will jump into lectures right away or will even have a prereading assignment before the first class (oftentimes it's the syllabus but read it over and ask questions!). Use this week to plan out your semester once you get all of your syllabi and ask any questions you have when it comes to the bones of the class!

Arafat Rasheed Class of 2022, he/him Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan Majors: Professional Sales & Diversity and Society Favorite Involvement: South Asian Student Association

Why Arafat is excited to be an OA this year: Orientation has given me the confidence to be true to myself and make some of my closest friends ever! It’s time that I’m able to mentor the next generation of orientation leaders to understand their own true potential and excel at making sure the baby falcons are safe, happy, and excited about Bentley.

What is one thing you wish you knew in your first year? The number of different types of clubs and organizations at Bentley! I would have never missed activities fair!

What is one tip you have to offer for the first semester of classes? College is about challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone sometimes. At a place like Bentley, all your hard work will pay off!

One of Arafat's orientation memories as a first-year student: I remember seeing all the orientation leaders dancing on the Greenspace together after lunch! I felt such a great connection with the school seeing the amount of love there!

Maria Daly Class of 2022, she/her Hometown: Saint Paul, MN Major: Marketing Minor: Law Favorite Involvement: Alpha Psi Omega, National Theatre Honors Society

Why Maria is excited to be an OA this year: I am PUMPED to be an OA because I know I'll have a positive effect on my fellow OLs and baby falcons. I want to push people to be authentically themselves, to make lasting connections, and to think critically about how they are going to be a positive addition to our community.

What is one thing you wish you knew in your first year? Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people or join clubs. Your first year is the BEST time to put yourself out there and get outside your comfort zone.

What is one tip you have to offer for the first semester of classes? It can be a difficult transition from high school classes to college classes. Make use of your resources to make sure you don't fall behind. Talk to classmates, your professors, or go to academic services and stay on top of your grades.

One of Maria's orientation memories as a first year student: I remember getting S'mores on the lower green space with all the incoming freshmen. It was so fun to get to know people in such a chill and carefree setting.