43
Welcoming students back warmly
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State University students enjoyed muffins, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate for a cold first day back to school.
Students and staff hosted various Welcome Back Week programs to get students excited about the spring semester.
“Activities like this really set the tone for the rest of your semesters,” said Olivia Antonescu, sophomore, of Cleveland.
Carolyn Jesco, Student Activities Association assistant director and graduate student, helped host New Mojo, a photo-booth station manned by students ready to give advice, answer questions and get other students motivated for the semester.
Students chose folded up papers from a fishbowl with thoughtful sayings or questions on them – some contemplative writings asked, “What are three words to describe 2016?” and “What are some skills to learn and master in 2017?”
Sophomore Koshala Selvakumar of Cincinnati said the event helps her both think of and make memories during her college years.
“It just really helps you interact,” said freshman Sarah Johnson of Youngstown.
Culminating friendships and support as well as bonding with fellow students is what events such as New Mojo seek to promote, Jesco added.
“We focus on creating a sense of community for our students,” she said. “We want to show how proud and excited [YSU is] to have students.”
Jamie Stahl, peer leader and fourth-year student, handed out dry shampoo and detergent samples as well as granola bars and events calendars.
“We’re here to answer questions for any students who have questions, like where classes are,” she said. “It’s what we can do to offer a little.”
Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center student interns and Chrystyna Zellers, dietitian, are offering their services, as well.
Student interns Amber Schneider and Lexi George encouraged students to participate in a fitness challenge of push-ups, sit-ups or pull-ups. If students complete the challenge, they spin a wheel for prize.
George said the challenge was a way to get students active for the season.
“It gets them kind of out of the winter slumps,” Schneider said.
Zellers stood next to the challenge table with information to provide students about free nutrition counseling.
“We are trying to get students aware of free nutrition counseling by appointment,” she said. “Many of them don’t know that it’s not all about changing. ... People hear so much out there, and they need to know about the balance there is.”