Meet the 2009 Orientation Committee

Photograph of memebers of the oreientation staff.

2009 Orientation Assistants: Anna Lingan, Leah Inglis, Alex Jue, Lindsay Brainard

Welcome, Class of 2013!

Please allow us to be the first to welcome you to the College of Wooster! We hope you're as excited to find your place at the College this August as we are to meet you! In the meantime, we'd like to encourage you to keep checking this website for information that will be helpful to you as you prepare for the prospect of life as a Wooster student. The orientation program we're planning for you promises to be both fun and informative, and we're here to answer your questions and provide you with some insight along the way. We hope you have a great summer and are enjoying the process of preparing for your life as a college student!

Congratulations on being the newest members of the College of Wooster community!

See you this fall,
Your Orientation Assistants

Name: Mohammad Saif Ahmad Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica/Patna, India Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Undecided (Math, Physics or Computer Science) Extracurricular Activities: Muslim Students Association, International Students Association, Cross Cultural Living Program, Intramural soccer, Caribbean Students Association Favorite Free Time Activity: Watching movies with friends and random visitors while having elaborate and deep discussions Favorite Lowry Food: Lettuce Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: A flurry of emotion, a cluster of anticipations. Take a deep breath and with a bold step embrace this new world - beautiful and amazing. Leave behind inhibition, it’s liberal arts time! Welcome to Wooster…
Name: Lindsay Brainard Hometown: Gustavus, OH Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Philosophy Extracurricular Activities: Model United Nations, Philosophy Journal, Philosophy Roundtable, Chinese Culture Club, Publications Committee, Educational Policy Committee Favorite Free Time Activity: Outdoor lounging/napping with friends on sunny days Favorite Lowry Food: Quesadillas Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Don’t hold steadfastly to your preconceived notions of what you should be doing in college. If you let the things you are passionate about shape your experience, you will find your time here much more fulfilling than if you refuse to deviate from a course you plotted in advance.
Name: Bassel Channaa Hometown: Cairo, Egypt Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Economics Extracurricular Activities: MSA, Intramural Soccer, Intramural Ping-Pong Favorite Free Time Activity: Playing chess, computer games, reading and playing sports Favorite Lowry Food: Chicken patties Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Everything is going to be fine; don’t you worry about it. We’re here for you.
Name: Mitchell L. Chavers Hometown: Maple Heights, Ohio Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Communication Studies Extracurricular Activities: BSA, Men of Images, ISA Favorite Free Time Activity: Listen to music, hang out, parties, write, and watch TV Favorite Lowry Food: It’s a tie between chicken fingers and taco day Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Take your first semester seriously, and come to Wooster with an open mind. It’s the best way to get to know people and enjoy the entire Wooster experience.
Name: Youngjoon Cho Hometown: Daegu, South Korea Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Chemistry / Environmental Studies Extracurricular Activities: Chemistry Club, Chemistry Stockroom Assistant, Varsity Cross Country, Indoor/Outdoor Track Favorite Free Time Activity: Napping, weight training at PEC Fitness Center, reading personal development books, watching SF movies Favorite Lowry Food: Spaghetti with Cincinnati chili or marinara sauce Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: There will be responsibilities as well as freedoms. Please be aware that your freedom does not invade another person’s privacy. Be open-minded to get the most out from the Wooster education. Be ready to have persistence to bear the inevitable setbacks, learn from your mistakes and grow
Name: Haley Close Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL/New Orleans, LA/Savannah, GA/Fairfax, VA/Bay Village, OH Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Anthropology / Spanish and Communication Studies Extracurricular Activities: Blackbirds Irish Dance Club, Intramural Floor Hockey, Frisbee Favorite Free Time Activity: Playing “ghosts in the graveyard” behind my dorm, spontaneously dancing and listening to fun music, Irish dancing, getting into heated debates with friends over books and movies. Favorite Lowry Food: Sweet potato fries, sweetened corn nuggets and scones at Kittredge Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Be bold but give it time! You will meet the most unexpected people at very unexpected times as long as you put yourself out there! Never be afraid to ask for help—especially from other first-years. It can be a great way to connect.
Name: Estancia Cota Hometown: Los Angeles, CA/Vancouver, WA Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Anthropology and History / Communication Studies Extracurricular Activities: Black Student Association, Proyecto Latino, Sociology and Anthropology Club Favorite Free Time Activity: Play R.P.G’s, surf the internet, watch foreign films, especially comedies, cook and road trips! Favorite Lowry Food: Spring rolls, chicken tenders and chocolate cookies Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Take the opportunities COW presents to you to learn about yourself and define who you are. Befriend peers who you would not encounter otherwise and keep an open mind. Ask questions and have conversations that challenge your assumptions during your four years at Wooster. Enjoy the diversity around you and have fun on the journey. Welcome to C.O.W.!
Name: Hannah Diorio-Toth Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: English / Anthropology Extracurricular Activities: Alpha Gamma Phi, WAC Gala planning committee (Winter 09) Favorite Free Time Activity: Hanging out with my friends or reading a good book Favorite Lowry Food: Pasta Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Get involved in something you’re interested in, take advantage of all the resources your professors offer, and meet as many people as possible!
Name: Dmytri Eck Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Biochemistry Extracurricular Activities: Intramural sports, Wooster Activities Crew, Xi Chi Psi, Sports Medicine, Swing Dancing Favorite Free Time Activity: Hanging with friends and my Xi Chi brothers! Favorite Lowry Food: Mac and cheese Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Wooster has a lot to offer. You will only get the most out of it if you try everything.>
Name: Leah Inglis Hometown: Arvada, CO Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Political Science Extracurricular Activities: Captain of the COW Cheerleading Team, work Favorite Free Time Activity: Sleeping, coloring, watching tv/movies Favorite Lowry Food: Pizza-nini’s (go to the deli and get bread with 2 slices of pepperoni or salami and 2 slices of provolone and have it grilled then get a bowl of marinara sauce to dip it in.) Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Don’t be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone — especially during orientation! Professors WANT to help you, just ask. Finally, college is the one place where you get to start fresh, so make sure you’re starting out on the right foot because once you get going on that path, it’s hard to get off.
Name: Alexander Jue Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: International Relations and French (double major) Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Cross Country, Student Government Association (SGA), Model United Nations Club, Admissions Intern Favorite Free Time Activity: Taking pictures and eating ice cream Favorite Lowry Food: Wheat pita pocket sandwich filled with garlic humus, red onion, spinach, lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you; everyone is in a new environment, trying to make friends, and worried about “everything college.” Make an effort to step outside of your comfort zone, take changes, make mistakes, and turn over a new leaf. But, most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Name: Taylor Keegan Hometown: Reading, PA Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Political Science Extracurricular Activities: Women’s Varsity Basketball, Student Advocates for Diversity, active member of Alpha Gamma Phi, Relay for life co-ceremonies chair, Photo club Favorite Free Time Activity: Any physical activity or traveling and taking photographs Favorite Lowry Food: Vegetable samosas Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Be open, be honest, and don’t be afraid to jump into situations and try new things!
Name: Brandelle Knights Hometown: Atlanta, GA Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: (intended) English / Theatre/Film Studies Extracurricular Activities: Dance Company, Personal Foul Dance Team, Various Shows (fashion shows, talent shows, plays, etc.) Favorite Free Time Activity: Writing, singing, dancing—3 way tie!! Favorite Lowry Food: …Stir fry? Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Meet as many people as possible during orientation week and really try to remember them. It is one of the few times when it is okay to actually say, “Hello, my name is ____, what’s yours?” Everyone is just as anxious to meet people as you are!
Name: Anna Lingan Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Sociology Extracurricular Activities: COW Belles (a capella group), Student Advocates for Diversity, Breakaway Alternative Spring Break, Program House: Linda Martin Juvenile Attention Center Favorite Free Time Activity: I love to sing. When the weather is nice, I take advantage and love to go for long runs around the Wooster community. It’s a great way to get off campus and get to know our community better. Favorite Lowry Food: That’s a tough one. The vegetarian station rarely disappoints me! Stir fry is great, too! Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Read Wooster Headline News. It will tell you everything that’s happening on campus. Also, use the academic resources on campus, like the Writing Center. And don’t be afraid to meet with your professors whether you need extra help or not. It will only enrich your time in class with them.
Name: Tom Loughead Hometown: Mason, OH Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Philosophy / History Extracurricular Activities: Moot Court, Philosophy Journal, volunteering at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center, participating in Relay for Life, Intramural sports Favorite Free Time Activity: Having intellectually stimulating/ridiculous conversations with friends, being outside and playing soccer Favorite Lowry Food: Nothing is better than Lowry Thanksgiving; a once a year meal that cannot be missed. Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Get involved in a group or activity on campus. Also, attend lectures by guest speakers even if they are not required for a class; you will be a better and smarter person for doing so, and it’s a great way to be introduced to new ideas and perspectives.
Name: Sandy Mackay Hometown: Hoover, AL Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: History Extracurricular Activities: Pi Kappa Favorite Free Time Activity: Running, spending time with friends, seeing live music Favorite Lowry Food: Stir fry and Chef Rick’s dressing Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Take a variety of classes your freshman year/first year because you might end up changing your mind about your major—many people do. Also, don’t be afraid to try something new!
Name: Tess Morrissey Hometown: Buffalo, NY Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: International Relations / French Extracurricular Activities: Model UN, working at the library, French tutor, Breakaway Favorite Free Time Activity: Relaxing with my friends Favorite Lowry Food: Perogies Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Don’t stress! Everyone has the same worries as you, so know that you are not alone!
Name: Sara Abdullah Muhammad Hometown: Atlanta, GA Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Anthropology Extracurricular Activities: Dance Company, Women of Images Favorite Free Time Activity: Listening to music, dancing, hanging out with friends/family, sleeping Favorite Lowry Food: Lucky Charms cereal Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Be yourself!
Name: Jacqueline Narnor Hometown: Atlanta, GA Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Undecided Extracurricular Activities: Dance Company, Personal Foul Dance Team Favorite Free Time Activity: Writing, watching movies, discovering Favorite Lowry Food: Fiesta bowl Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: EXPLORE!!!!
Name: Charles Propper Hometown: Larchmont, NY Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Communication Studies Extracurricular Activities: Intramural soccer, basketball, dodge ball, softball, Communication Club Favorite Free Time Activity: Playing sports, working out, socializing with friends Favorite Lowry Food: Stir-fry Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: You should start papers early. Never leave things for last minute. Be outgoing, this is a new place, you now have a fresh start.
Name: Hayet Rida Hometown: Accra, Ghana Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Studio Art / Communication Studies Extracurricular Activities: Delta Phi Alpha, UJAMAA, Photography Club, The Women of Dene´, ISA, College of Wooster Ambassadors Favorite Free Time Activity: Facebook, Photography, traveling and talking Favorite Lowry Food: Gorky chicken Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Your first year away from home may be very confusing. Take it one step at a time and have a lot of fun before the real work starts. Oh, and don’t pack too much stuff!
Name: Jeanne Simons Hometown: Ligonier, PA Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: History / Education Extracurricular Activities: President of REACH—Wooster’s Education Club, Wooster Volunteer Network, Office Assistant at the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Office Assistant at Morgan Hall for the Education Department Favorite Free Time Activity: Playing the piano and running Favorite Lowry Food: Homegrown Wooster apples and corn nuggets Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Have an open mind. Step outside of your comfort zone. Try new things and don’t let anything hold you back from discovering who you really are.
Name: Toni-Marie Small Hometown: Portmore, Jamaica Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Chemistry Extracurricular Activities: Delta Phi Alpha, First Responders, International Students Association Favorite Free Time Activity: Facebook Favorite Lowry Food: Alfredo Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Enjoy home this summer to the fullest; play hard and don’t consume yourself with anxiety and anticipation. Summer will be over before you know it!
Name: Val Spektor Hometown: Kiev, Ukraine; Cincinnati, OH Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Psychology / Music Extracurricular Activities: The Wooster Chorus, A Round of Monkeys A Cappella Group, Madrigal Quartet, Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society), Opera Workshop, Hillel, International Students Association Favorite Free Time Activity: Singing, dancing, being with friends, reading, etc. Favorite Lowry Food: Bagel creations (putting various things on bagels). Also, pita chips! Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Relax, smile and be friendly to people when you meet them. Try new things and don’t be intimidated by upper-classmen. Also, find your own personal way to organize study times and materials to ensure your success in classes. Don’t be shy and ask for help if you need it. But really, just smile and have fun!
Name: Samantha Spencer Hometown: Wooster, OH Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Geology Extracurricular Activities: Swimming, reading, outdoor activities, hanging out with friends, Zeta Phi Gamma, golfing, Frisbee golf, and listening to music Favorite Free Time Activity: Watching sports, taking naps, hanging out with friends, and working on art projects. Favorite Lowry Food: Quesadillas & cereal Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: My best advice would be to try new things. Don’t be afraid to talk to anyone & everyone and have as much fun as you can!
Name: Keri Stenerson Hometown: Wahiawa, Hawaii Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Anthropology / Sociology Extracurricular Activities: Peace by Peace, WAC Member, Intramural Floor Hockey, and working as an office assistant for the Vice President of Business and Finance Favorite Free Time Activity: Playing Frisbee on the Quad (in sunny weather!) Favorite Lowry Food: Broccoli bow ties, Vegetarian broccoli rice casserole (very close second) Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Don’t worry! Have a lot of fun and get involved on campus (great way to meet cool people!)
Name: Kyle Thomas Hometown: St. Louis Park, MN Class Year: 2011 Major/Minor: Political Science Extracurricular Activities: Wooster Chorus, Xi Chi Psi, Merry Kuween of Skots Favorite Free Time Activity: Making goofy videos with my friends, going to Mom’s with friends late at night Favorite Lowry Food: Corn Nuggets Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Become involved in a lot of student organizations and meet as many people as possible.
Name: Melissa Venecek Hometown: Broadview Heights, Ohio Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: Chemistry / Mathematics Extracurricular Activities: Active member of Zeta Phi Gamma Favorite Free Time Activity: Going to concerts in Cleveland. Doing calculus problems! Favorite Lowry Food: Breakfast! Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Don’t worry about your past, this is your future now, and your past is there to guide you. Also, follow and read directions!
Name: Andrew Vogel Hometown: Atlanta, GA Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Philosophy / Political Science Extracurricular Activities: President of Xi Chi Psi fraternity, Sport Director of Woo 91 (student radio station), Sports Editor of the Wooster Voice, member of the Scot Marching Band Favorite Free Time Activity: Going to the gym and working out is one of my favorite study breaks. Going to Wooster sporting events, especially basketball games is always a lot of fun! Favorite Lowry Food: Country fried steak and mashed potatoes Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Take advantage of the fact that you’re at a small school. The professors here are always accessible and want to help students succeed, so don’t be afraid to go see them during office hours. Also, the best way to get connected with others is to get involved in different groups and activities.
Name: Kinsey Walker Hometown: South Charleston, WV Class Year: 2012 Major/Minor: English / Philosophy Extracurricular Activities: SAAC Rep and Varsity Women’s Basketball Favorite Free Time Activity: I love to cook and watch movies! Favorite Lowry Food: Macaroni and cheese Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Do not freak out about all the new people, embrace it and have fun! If you need help, academically or anything, do not be afraid to ask. Everyone on campus is very helpful!
Name: Jiuwei Zhang Hometown: Chengdu, China Class Year: 2010 Major/Minor: Economics / Mathematics Extracurricular Activities: Wooster Volunteer Network, Chinese Culture Club, swimming, Jenny Investment Club Favorite Free Time Activity: Hanging out with friends, swimming, listening to music, taking photos. Favorite Lowry Food: Stir-fry with chili garlic sauce, tofu and of course, ice cream!! Advice for Incoming First-Year Students: Wooster is a very friendly community so never hesitate to take risks or stop trying new things. It is always the experience that makes you feel different and more involved. Make a lot of new friends and TALK to people!

Meet the 2009 Orientation Committee

Welcome, Class of 2013!

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