Riley N.
Campus Ambassador at Mount Allison University
Class of 2022
Hometown: New Brunswick, Canada
Major: Commerce
Minor: Economics & French
Campus Ambassador at Mount Allison University
Class of 2022
Hometown: New Brunswick, Canada
Major: Commerce
Minor: Economics & French
Orientation week and starting a new chapter of your life at University can be very overwhelming especially if you aren't going to the same University as your close high school friends. It is definitely okay to take a break from everything going on with all the events and meeting new people. It is nice to reach out and make a bunch of new friends but if that isn't easy for you you can start small, reach out to your neighbour or someone in your Orientation group. Starting with one new friend can go a long way and can get the ball rolling for you to put yourself out there more and meet even more new people. It always starts with one.
The first one that comes to mind would have to be participating in Orientation week my first year and also being a house team leader for Orientation week in my second year. Being part of Orientation week the second time gave me an opportunity to meet a ton of great first years and also be in a leadership position where I can be energetic and loud to try and break the first years out of their bubble, which I love to do. To narrow it down the BBQ dance-off was my favourite moment from Orientation week. From the early morning practices to the adrenaline of actually doing the dance in front of a huge group of people, I absolutely loved every single aspect of that event.
I really liked how small the community was and how everybody knew everybody. Being a shy person coming out of high school I also enjoyed how it was close to my family at home in Moncton. Since I was shy it was nice being in Thornton House as well because it wasn't too overwhelming coming into the experience only having less than 70 students in my residence. The small class sizes were a great selling point as well having a great student to professor ratio is important to be able to be comfortable to ask questions and to get quicker feedback and replies from the faculty. The town of Sackville intrigued me with all the little pizza places and cute restaurants and cafes that they have.
Coming out of high school I was a pretty shy kid who really wasn't sure how I would make any friends coming into University. Being at Mount Allison has changed me for the better because since day 1 I did make all of those friends I was scared I wouldn't have and I became the self-confident, extroverted person I am today. Also being in Thornton House helped me as well because being in that smaller community as a shy person was an important aspect of me breaking out of my shell and being more out there and social.