Eastern Student Robert Zielinski of Bethany to Serve as Head Student Orientation Counselor

2016 Jun 6

Robert Zielinski '17 of Bethany has been selected as a head student orientation counselor (SOC) for the upcoming Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program at Eastern Connecticut State University. Zielinski's major is Mathematics.

Zielinski, who was a SOC last year, is grateful that he got involved with the SOAR program. "As a freshman student, I never thought I would be a head SOC. This position has presented me with many great opportunities that have helped develop my confidence and leadership skills."

SOAR is Eastern's premier transitional program for incoming freshmen and transfer students. It is coordinated by the Office of Student Activities and led by students trained as SOCs who act as guides and mentors for groups of new students.

Zielinsk,i and only one other student who has been selected as a head SOC are in charge of ensuring that the SOCs are both qualified and prepared to lead groups of new students through the multi-session orientation process.

"The most exciting thing about being in this position is working with this phenomenal group of student leaders," said Zielinski. "I'm looking forward to seeing the SOCs develop as individuals and succeed in their roles."

Zielinski has been training for the position and preparing for SOAR since January 2016. When asked about some of the challenges related to being a head SOC, Zielinski replied, "The program has many moving parts that align perfectly in the end. But the planning process is rigorous and ensuring that everything is correct can be tedious. Seeing the final program's results makes it worth it in the end."

Zielinski will co-lead the group of SOCs through an intensive weeklong training session, filled with a number of activities and teambuilding exercises, in June.

"SOAR effectively welcomes all students to Eastern and shows them the diverse resources available to them. Registering for their classes, meeting other students and staying overnight really prepares them for college life." Zielinski said. "It makes the transition from high school to college seamless."