4 TO
WATCH
EACH AUGUST, AN UNDERGRADUATE TEAM PLANS AND MANAGES EVERY ASPECT OF THE WEEKLONG OPENING DAYS PROGRAM THAT WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY AND SALEM. HERE FOUR OF THE LEADERS TALK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES.
MICHAEL CHEN ’18
CADEN CROWSTON ’18
KANDACE KING ’17
BRIDGET SUMMIT ’17
Math major, economics and environmental science minor
Civic communication and media major
Economics major, French and Francophone studies minor
Theatre major, psychology minor
Why I joined the program: Since the moment I arrived on campus and saw all the energetic Opening Days leaders, I knew I wanted to be one. My Opening Days leader pushed me out of my quiet shell and motivated me to become involved within the Willamette community. What I enjoy most about it: I get the chance to bond with awesome first-year and transfer students before anyone else does. It makes me smile at the end of the day knowing that I made an impact (small or large) on a new Bearcat. How it’s affected me: Opening Days has given me the opportunity to become an even better mentor to others. I aspire to teach mathematics one day, and I want to demonstrate inclusivity, lifelong learning and enthusiasm in my classroom.
22
SUMMER 2016
Why I joined the program: In addition to being an incredibly fun time, Opening Days introduces students to college in a safe and informative way that helps them form close bonds with their peers. What I enjoy most about it: Many people say forming social relationships is one of the biggest components of the first week at Willamette, and it feels good to help foster these relationships and watch them grow as the year progresses. How it’s affected me: This experience has definitely improved my leadership abilities, such as communication skills, planning and the art of compromise. The great thing about Willamette’s student leadership model is that it gives a large amount of responsibility to student leaders.
Why I joined the program: My Opening Days experience as a first-year student was absolutely incredible. I had wonderful leaders who really made Willamette feel like home, as well as a great group of other students to bond and share some of my first college memories with. What I enjoy most about it: I enjoy knowing that I am one of the first representatives of Willamette that many students encounter — and that the university trusts me with such an incredible responsibility. How it’s affected me: This experience has taught me a lot about service leadership, interpersonal skills, working on a team and being adaptable. I’ve found so much fulfillment that I’m looking into student affairs as a possible future career path.
Why I joined the program: I became involved with Opening Days because I had a pretty hard freshman year at Willamette, so I am empathetic to situations that might arise for first-year students. What I enjoy most about it: As Opening Days gathers people from all areas of the community, I’ve been able to meet people I never otherwise would have encountered. Plus, it’s very heartening to see people who love Willamette so much that they want to share it with others. How it’s affected me: When I became involved with Opening Days, I was very lost in terms of career direction. Now, my goal is to take a year off after graduating and then go to grad school for some sort of career in student affairs. So Opening Days has completely changed my life and helped me find my purpose.
Illustration by Stuart Patience