By Genevieve Bernardino Rodas
Staff Writer
Ambassadors are bursting with excitement about their roles in assisting newcomers in adjusting to their new surroundings as the SOAR school year gets underway.
As new students adjust to school, an ambassador is vital in helping to mentor and positively impact incoming freshmen due to the early college high school experience that SOAR is. Indeed, juggling high school and college simultaneously can prove difficult, which is why the ambassador program is so needed.. Through their personal accounts as previous first-year students, upperclassmen assist new students in making this adjustment easier and more bearable.
Already, ambassadors have met with mentees beginning this summer when they went into their health classes to welcome them to SOAR and lead them through activities like Get To Know You Bingo, a scavenger hunt, campus tour, and large group rock, paper scissors. Future plans include bonding events during Halloween and Winter.
Ambassadors Dorian Kanavel and Taira Reyes say their plan is to have a big influence on their mentees.
"I am really excited to watch my mentees grow and learn at SOAR. Just as I did when I was a freshman, I'm looking forward to watching them participate in various events and find their place and identity in this new and exciting atmosphere,” said Dorian.
He is most excited about witnessing his mentees' growth throughout the academic year. Reflecting on his own freshman experience, he genuinely hopes to see them thrive in their new environment. He is dedicated to fostering their personal and academic development, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunities offered by SOAR, and to find success and fulfillment in their high school journey.
Another seasoned ambassador, Tiara, is particularly looking forward to her mentees' social encounters. She remarked, "I'm really looking forward to the school events that I hope they will attend," bringing back pleasant memories of SOAR's signature events. "It will be interesting to observe how they go through all of their firsts at SOAR, including their first prom, haunted house, carnival, and more," Tiara said. These activities, which provide the "where" and "when" of the SOAR experience, are essential, in her opinion, for fostering student relationships and helping them make lifelong memories.
With a strong support system in place, the new students at SOAR are set to thrive. Dorian, Tiara, and the other ambassadors are committed to making this year unforgettable for their mentees, from helping them through their academic growth to making sure they enjoy their first school events. As the school year progresses, these mentors will play a crucial role in shaping the freshmen's high school journey, making sure they feel supported and welcomed in their new environment.
Comments