Hi everyone! My name is Greta Alexandra-Parker, and I am from Burlington, Vermont. I am a member of the Women's Basketball team, involved in the dance community at Wesleyan, and have worked on a senior film thesis this past year. I hope to become more involved with film and photography on campus during my sophomore year. Figuring out the best schedule for you, particularly as a student-athlete is really important, and after balancing academics and athletics my first-year I am excited to help guide you through the transition from high school to college. During my spare time, I love to dance, lift, and eat good food with my friends. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to talk about anything at all!

Advice to First-Year Students

When looking at classes, take something out of your comfort zone. I did this during my second semester and ended up falling in love with a class called Queering the Dancing Body taught by Hari Krishnan.

Hi! My name is Shakira Fortson, and I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I identify as a First Generation and Low income, LGBTQ+ and POC student on campus. I speak English and Korean, and a little of French.

I love science and have taken courses that include biology, intro physics, general physics, psychology, statistics, earth materials, astronomy, planetary science, calculus, and etc! Currently, I am studying cognitive-emotional interactions and mood instability in a Psychology research lab at Wesleyan.

At Wesleyan, I was apart of many organizations like the FGLI Advisory Board, KDC, Ujamaa, KSA, Martial Art Club and more. Outside of school, I love fashion, singing, makeup, listening to music, and games! I love to listen to R&B, soul, jazz, kpop, and hip-hop.

Advice to First-Year Students

Remember who you were before you got here and who you want to become. Remember that you belong, even if at times you don't feel like it.

My name is B Frankenstein, and I am a Questbridge Scholar. Over the summer I have worked in Olin Library as a circulation assistant and at the Sustainability Office as the sustainability intern! I will continue my work at the Sustainability Office as an EcoFacilitator in the fall, along with working with ASHA (Adolescent Sexual Health Awareness) to teach sex-ed to high school students all around Connecticut.

Advice to First-Year Students

Take a deep breath! Navigating college life can be incredibly stressful at first, especially in a new place. The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out at once. Not only are there plenty of resources available to you and no shortage of people who want to help, but you have four years to do all of the things you want to do 😊 .

My name is Yehrim Hwang! I identify as a Korean American, and am involved in the Deans' Peer Tutoring Program and Asian American Student Collective.

Advice to First-Year Students

Don't feel pressured in figuring everything out (ie your friend circle, academic interests, etc). Things work themselves out 😊

I'm Patrick Lenard. I am the Financial Manager of the FGLI Advisory Board, Board Member of invisible Men, involved in Club Boxing, and Photography. I work as a Tour Guide, and Admission Front Desk Worker. I'm also involved in Ujamma: Wesleyan's Black Student Union, Invisible Men, FGLI Community, and the Caribbean Student Association.

Advice to First-Year Students

Utilize professors as much as possible; professors at Wesleyan genuinely would like to see students at Wesleyan succeed. I can count several times when I was on the edge of a grade but came out with a better grade because of my presence during office hours and my participation in the class.

Hi everyone; my name is Lucy Rossi-Reder, and I am not sure about my major yet! Although I have not had the chance to take an art class at Wesleyan, there are lots of other opportunities to get involved with art, creative writing, and photography.

I am a member of Wesleyan's photography club, I have written poetry for Lavender Magazine, and illustrated for Intercut Magazine. I also work on campus putting up posters for all the events that the Center for The Arts events has to offer.

I took a gap year before coming to Wesleyan so I am happy to share my experience with adjusting to college after taking time off.

Advice to First-Year Students

Take first-year seminar classes in subjects that sound exciting--even if they are not in the discipline you plan on studying. I came to Wesleyan thinking I would major in English or COL but after taking a religion and anthro FYS, I plan to focus on the social sciences!

Hello, my name is Anoushka Saluja! I am a member of Collective Motion (a dance group on campus); I was the Showcase Coordinator for a year and now I am a Co-Director. I am also one of the founders for the club WesBridges.

I am also a member of Shakti (the South Asian group on campus), the Wesleyan Cardinal Cheerleading team, and the International Student Association. I identify with other international students and South Asians.

Advice to First-Year Students

Don’t stress yourself out about the number of people you know or don’t know compared to others… you will definitely find friends eventually (through whichever medium - expected or not) and when you do, you’ll be glad you took your time because they’ll be the best people you have ever come to know!!

Hello, my name is Luciel Sanchez. I spend most of my time outside of classes involving myself with the theatrical side of Wesleyan, both in working at the Center for the Arts as a Theatre Technician and by working on theatre productions on campus. I am a Latinx, FGLI student, who was admitted into Wes through the QuestBridge National College Match program.

Advice to First-Year Students

Make sure that you enjoy what you do and give yourself the space you need to breathe.

My name is Alistair, and I’m I’m very excited to be an NSO Peer Advisor this year! One of the things I love about the open curriculum here is that I can double major in two completely different subjects and still have so much time to learn and commit to both.

There are many activities and extracurricular opportunities within both of my majors which I’ve had a lot of fun exploring. The Chinese teachers here, for example, are always putting together weekly events for students to play Mahjong, and they also put together a weekly lunch table where you can go meet fellow students and talk in Chinese with them. Outside of my majors I’ve had a lot of fun playing Intramural sports here with my friends which is a great opportunity I’d recommend trying out.

Advice to First-Year Students

Check the websites of all the majors which you might be interested in, because your advisor for the first two years won’t necessarily be related to your major; they may not know the ins and outs of requirements to complete it, which are always good to know from the start!

Hi! My name is Terry Yuan, and I’m from Guangzhou, China. I am part of KDC, the K-pop Dance Crew, and a member of the Chinese Music Ensemble, through which I explore my Chinese and Asian identity a lot. I’m so excited to meet with you during the orientation. I know it could be stressful when you start a new journey, but you’re not alone!

Advice to First-Year Students

Just remember that a lot of people are experiencing the same things as you. There is no dumb question, so please feel free to reach out!