2009 Orientation Peer Advisers (OPAs)
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Brandon Brown Orientation Peer Adviser Operations Orientation Peer Adviser Petersburg, Virginia
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Major: Communication Studies
Year: Senior
Favorite Song: "Free" by Destiny's Child
Favorite Quote: "Never lower your standards to accommodate others, instead, encourage them to raise their own."
Favorite class at JMU: SCOM 261: Public Relations Written Techniques with Annick Conis. I loved the opportunity to learn how to create press releases, public service announcements and other tools for promotional use for organizations. Moreover, I loved the chance to work closely with my client, the Valley AIDS Network, to promote their activities, programs and services for an organization that I support and believe in so much.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Enjoy the next four years, work hard, and take chances to open yourself to new opportunities, so that when it is all said and done, you have zero regrets about JMU and the legacy you have created there.
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Kristen Espinosa Orientation Peer Adviser Woodbridge, Virginia
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Major: Media Arts and Design
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley
Favorite Quote: "You give a little love, and it all comes back to you."
Favorite class at JMU: GSOCI 110: Social Issues in a Global Context
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Have an open mind, live each day to its absolute fullest, and take every opportunity JMU has to offer you, because these four years are the only ones we are going to get here.
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Matt Gerboth Orientation Peer Adviser Stony Point, New York
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Major: Economics
Concentration: Finance
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Caitlin Heinlen Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Carlisle, Pennsylvania
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Major: Psychology
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "The Wanderer" by Marc Broussard
Favorite Quote: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Favorite class at JMU: GHIST 225 with Kevin Borg- I'm not a history person at all, but he made this class into something that was so interesting and fun to attend. This is the type of class where I felt like I was earning my grades because I truly understood and enjoyed the material instead of just getting through it.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? College is more than just academics; it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Try (mostly) everything once, force yourself to get involved, and leave your comfort zone behind. The more you put yourself out there, the more you'll get out of your time here.
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Jeff Henderson Orientation Peer Adviser Bel Air, Maryland
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Major: Psychology
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" by Kenny Chesney
Favorite Quote: "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." -James Dean
Favorite class at JMU: GHUM 200- Great Works (Aspects of the English Novel) with Mary Turner, who is now retired. I have never been so inspired and so challenged by one teacher until taking this class. She would surprise me every day by how passionate and insightful she could be; she made me strive to be just as insightful and to appreciate the small yet important things in life.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Do not come to JMU trying to find friends who are exactly like yours from home, most likely it won't happen; have an open mind, find out who you are and what you are passionate about-- make friends with others who share your passion(s).
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Lexi Hutchins Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Outdoor Adventure (MOAT) Orientation Peer Adviser Westchester, PA
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Major: Justice Studies Year: Senior Favorite Song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye Favorite Quote: "You can do anything" - Anonymous Favorite class at JMU: ART 104 Drawing! This is a subject I loved but had not had the opportunity to fully explore until then. Diane Banks was strict and had a different teaching style than I was used to, however it absolutely worked for me! This class taught me a lesson on what college was all about. Drawing takes a great deal of time, patience, and hard work, yet in the end it all certainly paid off. I learned these characteristics will take me far not only with my college experience but life, then throw a little passion in there and anything can be achieved!
What was the most helpful advice you received as an
incoming student? This is an opportunity to
understand yourself, it is going to be a challenge, but
it should be, that is when you grow the most. The best thing
you can ever be is you, everything you need is right there inside
of you. - Mom:
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Dehat Jalil Orientation Peer Adviser Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Major: Biology
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Ashley Johnson Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Major: Media Arts and Design
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart
Favorite Quote: "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." -Khalil Gibran
Favorite class at JMU: GANTH 195! (Cultural Anthropology) This class was phenomenal, everyday we discussed various indigenous tribes and cultures, and the discussions we had were so enlightening and fascinating. I loved being able to expose myself to new methods of thinking, understanding, and living. This class fostered and cultivated my love for studying other cultures, and I loved every second of it!
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? College is more than just classes- it's about the people who touch your life, the friends you can't live without, and the memories that will last you a lifetime. Always believe in yourself and never lose sight of your dreams.
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Caitlin Johnson Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Major: Applied Mathematics, Pre-Med
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire
Favorite Quote: "If you only remember one thing in life, remember this: what's meant to be will always find a way, no matter what time tells all, act on good impulses, don't quit, never ignore the butterflies, and live without regret." -Anonymous
Favorite class at JMU: PHYS 240- University Physics 1 with Professor Hughes
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Get to know your Professors no matter how big or small your class is. If you put forth the effort in getting to know your professors they are more likely to put a face with a name. If you go to office hours and form connections with them, then opportunities will arise that you might not have had otherwise.
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Jessica Johnson Orientation Peer Adviser Chesterfield, Virginia
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Major: Theatre and Psychology, Spanish Minor
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "Can U Believe" by Robin Thicke
Favorite Quote: "TODAY is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have." ~William Arthur Ward Favorite class at JMU: Acting 1: Basic Acting with Andi Arndt. I had never taking an acting class. On the very first day I walked into the class as an undeclared student, surrounded by people who were a part of the major. I had close to no idea about how the class would work and was worried about whether my lack of experience would matter. I learned about what it really means "to act" and how much passion and hard work it takes. I always left that class with the desire to discover something new about myself and the world around me. What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student?: College is not just about the grades you make. It is about learning who you are, and what you want to become- dreaming. It is about pushing yourself to be better and going the extra mile because you want to desire. It is about discovering how to take what life gives you and making the most of it- determination. College is all about balance.
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Jess Lonett Orientation Peer Adviser Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
Major: Media Arts & Design and Marketing
Year: Senior
Favorite Song: "You'll Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
Favorite Quote: "[Romance and adventure] belong together like a princess and her true love dancing in the stars!" -Magic, Music and Mayhem Fireworks Spectacular Favorite class at JMU: SMAD 202- This was one of the first classes I took in SMAD and it got me really excited about being in the major. It's an introductory class that I learned how to film and edit videos in. Professor Hinshaw was awesome and he inspired me to want to find more out about film. Now I even notice the type of shots and angles while I'm watching TV shows and movies.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? When you're talking with people in your classes or around campus that you've already met once don't be afraid to ask them their name again if you forget. You meet so many people at the beginning of the school year and it's a lot easier to remember faces than names. You can even start by reintroducing yourself because they are probably in the same position as you. Plus, asking the person to remind you their name the second day of class is a lot better than trying to listen for their name during attendance or peaking at their paper half way through the semester to find out what is.
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Marc McCann Orientation Peer Adviser North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Major: English, Secondary Education Minor
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight" by Amos Lee
Favorite Quote: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi Favorite class at JMU: ENG 299 What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? No matter who you are or what you're doing, always be authentic. You get out of this experience what you put into it. If you're creating change at JMU, it will change you as well. Enjoy yourself, but aspire for more than you believe you're capable of. A professor once told me, "Our goal in life is to become obsolete. We need to aspire to do more. After doing more than we thought capable of ourselves, we need to inspire those who follow us to surpass all that we have accomplished."
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Stephanie Mireku Orientation Peer Adviser Washington, D.C.
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Major: International
Affairs
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Josh Mlynar Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Major: History
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Julie Moores Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Reisterstown, Maryland
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Major: Psychology
Year: Sophomore
Favorite Song: "Catch My Disease" by Ben Lee
Favorite Quote: "Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." -William Shakespeare
Favorite class at JMU: Hands down, GBUS 160 with Kathy Snyder. I learned so much about practical real world finance that I would have never known otherwise. Things like how to budget, what life insurance really is and how to handle stocks. Prof. Snyder was a wonderful woman who was knowledgeable, charismatic and understanding. I would without a doubt recommend this class to all incoming freshmen.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Make the most of your experience at JMU. Join that club that you never thought you would. Take a class just because it sounds interesting, not because you have to. Hang out with people outside your comfort zone. This is your chance to have new experiences and discover your hidden passions. So make the most of it!
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Lauren Moser Orientation Peer Adviser Operations Orientation Peer Adviser Lynchburg, Virginia
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Year: Junior
Major: Health Sciences, Pre-Med
Favorite Song: "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
Favorite Quote: I have two favorites! "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Sir Winston Churchill & "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." Dr. Seuss
Favorite class at JMU: Psychology 160 with Dr. Duvall-Early. Awesome class and professor! She related the material to everyday things which was a great way to learn about human life span and development. She always made the class super interesting and fun.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? There is no such thing as bathroom passes in the classroom. You cannot buy groceries with you JAC card dining dollars at your everyday low price Wal-Mart. Value your quarters because they are like pieces of gold. But most importantly, don't take anything for granted. This is one the greatest experiences you will have. So, make sure find time for school work and fun time. Find that balance, and enjoy the time you have here because it flies by quickly!
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Morgan Nichols Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Roanoke, Virginia
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Major:Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
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Anna Owens Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Bluemont, Virginia
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Major: Anthropology
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Brett Pearsall Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Short Hills, New Jersey
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Major: Biology
Year: Senior
Favorite Song: "Street Corner Symphony" by Rob Thomas
Favorite
Quote:I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing
therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any
fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again. -Ettiene De Grellet
Favorite class at JMU: Math 235, Calculus I- I am not normally the type of person that finds math to be an enjoyable topic, but Dr. Warne's unique and high energy teaching style really brought that class to life. You would be hard pressed to find a group of students more excited to learn than the ones attending one of Dr. Warne's crazy classes.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Sometimes it's not about the outcome, but what you learn from the experience. If you ever find yourself failing to achieve a goal which you have put your whole heart into then I challenge you to take the time to reflect and grow from the experience. You will be amazed at what you find inside yourself.
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Joe Rishell Orientation Peer Adviser Hagerstown, Maryland
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Major: Accounting
Year: Senior
Favorite Song: "Rock and Roll" - Eric Hutchinson
Favorite Quote: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss
Favorite class at JMU: COB291: Introduction to Management Science with Dr. Susan Palocsay. This was by far the most challenging, intense class I have ever taken. It taught me that no matter how big the challenge, if you set your mind to accomplishing your goal, it's possible.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? The most helpful advice I received was to go to class and to get involved. As a freshman going to class my least important worry, the emphasis placed on going to classes quickly changed as I got my first semester grades. I am so glad that I got involved as a freshman! Some of my very best friends are people I met in the various organizations I got involved in as first year student. JMU has so much to offer every student, you just have to go out there and find where you fit in.
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Heather Roberston Orientation Peer Adviser Rocky Mount, Virginia
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Major: Justice Studies and English
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "Oh My Sweet Carolina" by Ryan Adams
Favorite Quote: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman
Favorite class at JMU: SCOM349 - Studies in Ethnographic Communication
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Do not be afraid to challenge yourself and be involved in non-conventional aspects of the Madison community. Always be on a journey of self-discovery, be open to change, and understand that one person has the potential to make a positive difference. Learn to appreciate where you are without immediately thinking of the next step and most importantly, create an authentic Madison experience and always remember to say thank you, give hugs, and give love.
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Jul Rose Orientation Peer Adviser Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Major: Finance, Sport and Recreation Management
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "You & I Both" by Jason Mraz
Favorite Quote: "Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point." -Harold B. Melchart
Favorite class at JMU: MATH 235/236 with Dr. Paul Warne because he not only brought calculus to life, but his energy and enthusiasm for teaching was truly inspiring. Dr. Warne teaches beyond the scope of just math and motivates students to realize the true purpose of learning.
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Do not be afraid to immerse yourself with new thoughts, new people, and new interests. College is a time to surprise yourself with accomplishments that go beyond your expected limits. Embrace the opportunities to make positive strides into your future!
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Nehali Shah Orientation Peer Adviser Transfer Orientation Peer Adviser Roanoke, Virginia
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Major: Health Sciences
Year: Senior
Favorite Song: "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon
Favorite Quote: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." -Abraham Lincoln
Favorite class at JMU: GSOCI 210 with Dr. Brewer
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? This is a once in a lifetime experience. You're going to meet new people, experience new things, and grow as a person. Take everything in and don't hold back, because these 4 years are going to be over before you know it.
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Erin Shumate Orientation Peer Adviser Alexandria, Virginia
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Major: Hospitality Tourism Management
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "A Whole New World" from the Aladdin Soundtrack
Favorite
Quote: "You will find as you look back upon your life that the
moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have
done things in the spirit of love."
Favorite class at JMU: World Religions
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? To be yourself in every situation and not to be afraid of trying new things and challenging myself.
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Jill Thompson Orientation Peer Adviser Outdoor Adventure (MOAT) Orientation Peer Adviser Salem, Virginia
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Major: Biology
Year: Junior
Favorite Song: "I'm so Paid" by Akon and Lil Wayne
Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" -Ghandi
Favorite class at JMU: Human Anatomy with Dr. Babcock
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? You worked hard to get where you are. You deserve to take advantages of all the opportunities JMU has to offer. Keep an open mind. The possibilities are endless.
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McKenzie Ward Orientation Peer Adviser Fairfax Station, Virginia
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Major: Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
Minors: Education and History
Year: Senior
Favorite Song: "Free Fallin'" cover by John Mayer
Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."-Gandhi
Favorite class at JMU: Any religion class taught by Dr. Connerly!
What was the most helpful advice you received as an incoming student? Top three: 1. Don't worry about what everyone else is wearing, be yourself, wear what you like. 2. If you have a problem with your roommates or suitemates behaviors tell them before it becomes a habit.(i.e. If they listen to loud music when your studying and you can't handle it ask them to turn it down.) 3. Only hit snooze twice on your alarm: It's a courtesy thing.
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