Double Duty

(From left) Julie King, Kennedi Pigues and Ann Fava Peters. Photos by Megan Bean

By Kirsten Shaw

College is a new world for students, one where many do something they’ve never done before: start from scratch. They have to figure out how to meet new friends, how to fulfill their responsibilities without prompting from parents and teachers, how to get to class and the cafeteria and Walmart. They have to make their own decisions, whether choosing a major or a laundry detergent.

It can be daunting. Reassurance from someone who’s been in their shoes can make all the difference.

Offering encouragement and inside information to new Bulldogs are three of the College of Business’ own: Julie King, Ann Fava Peters and Kennedi Pigues. These young women have been doing double duty, volunteering as both MSU Orientation Leaders and College of Business Ambassadors.

“Orientation Leaders (OLs) are enthusiastic students here to serve new incoming students and their families as they make the transition to MSU,” says Kylie Forrester, Director of Orientation and Events for the University. “They work closely with staff in the preparation and implementation of the Orientation Program and other on-campus recruiting events. Orientation Leaders are expected to know general information about the University and serve as point persons for new students. They lead campus tours, write postcards to prospective students, lead Dawg Talk presentations and participate in service projects around campus and in the Starkville community.”

The selection process is competitive, and students can only serve once. Those chosen tend to be very hard-working and service-minded, but otherwise there is no “OL mold.”

“We aren’t necessarily looking for a certain type of student – we need all types! Every year we’re simply trying to build the best team that represents our student body, made up of students who are willing to give back to this University,” Forrester comments. “Selection is like putting together a puzzle; no two pieces are alike, but with the right pieces – even with all their differences – they fit together perfectly!”

Ann Fava Peters, a Business Administration junior from Oxford, knew from the start that being an OL was something she wanted to do.

“The second time I ever set foot on campus was for orientation,” she says. “I loved my Orientation Leader, Hannah Wootton. She helped me get to know the University on a level I didn’t expect; she was a very intentional person. I wanted to do the same for others.”

“Someone suggested I try out, and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it,” says the Charlotte, NC, accounting major. “I wanted to show my love of the University to new students!”

For Julie King, a third-year student with senior hours, the idea came later.

Orientation for incoming freshmen and transfer students is usually held on campus in several two-day sessions throughout the summer. It is a time when they register for courses and staff shares information covering areas of campus life such as health, money matters, housing, parking and dining. A favorite component is Dawg Talks, when participants get to hear the student perspective from Orientation Leaders and ask them questions.

This past summer, due to COVID-19, orientation took place online. While the same information was provided, the OLs were challenged to connect with their groups digitally before, during and following those sessions. It required some creative adjustments.

“We were in contact with our orientation groups by phone, text and e-mail and met with them on Webex,” notes Kennedi Pigues, an accounting senior from Nesbit, MS. “The first few sessions were tough because we were figuring out how to get our group members to interact with us. I learned to start by sending a photo of myself with my OL clipboard, then they would send me pictures, and it led to more back and forth.”

“I’d send icebreakers to the groups every day before orientation to get to know them, and I’d text them individually,” adds Peters. “One of my freshman groups wanted to get together once they arrived on campus for the fall semester. That was exciting to me!” Laughs King, “Once or twice, some thought they were hearing from a robot or a recording at first. So I learned to start by telling them I’m really live and there to interact with them.”

She also drew them in with fun facts, like the Barnes & Noble campus bookstore boasts the only escalator in Oktibbeha County.

They found that relaying something about themselves also encouraged group members to engage. Pigues often imparted that she has been to Disney World six times. Peters, a certified diver, would tell a story about an unnerving night dive in Belize.

The OLs know how new students feel and have an earnest desire to make it easier for them.

“I wrote a letter to myself to remember why I volunteered once I was in the thick of it,” remarks Peters. “I wrote, ‘Just remember how nervous and clueless you were when you were going through orientation!’ It helped me to be patient and supportive.”

While there was a learning curve, the online format in some ways offered more connectedness.

“One of the nice things was that my groups had my contact information so they could ask questions even after a session was over,” King says.

“Nothing can compare to meeting someone in person,” comments Peters, “But it was nice to get to know students as individuals, outside a group situation.”

Pigues adds, “Sometimes before I answered a student’s question, another member of the group would jump in and help out. It was nice to see them engaging with each other.”

Becoming an Orientation Leader is no small undertaking, even in a normal year. After selection and some recruiting work in the fall, they begin intensive preparation in January. The group meets each weekday to learn all things MSU and do activities like team building exercises. The 10 hours per week also includes assisting the orientation staff.

This past year, spring break found the OLs on a retreat in Hilton Head, SC, where they were involved in team bonding exercises and also enjoyed unstructured time together.

“We’d spent time together in class, but this was our first opportunity to have deeper conversations,” notes Peters. “We had a house and stayed in and cooked one night, went to the beach, stayed up late and talked.”

With that much camaraderie, it’s no surprise that fast friendships were formed.

“One of my favorite aspects is how close our group of 23 Orientation Leaders became and how well we worked together as a team,” states King. “I benefitted so much from the experience!”

“I love them with my whole heart,” shares Peters. “It’s people I would’ve never put together, and we’re family!”

Peters, Pigues and King also bring their enthusiasm and passion for helping others to the

College of Business Ambassadors (COBA). COBA members are the student extension of the College’s recruitment process. They are selected through a competitive interview process and are chosen based on willingness to serve, moral character, love of Mississippi State and enthusiasm.

“As classes of 40 or fewer, the students are chosen to represent the College of Business and all that we stand for – leadership, integrity, opportunity and intentionality,” says Kelsey Waters, COB Assistant Director of Recruiting and Events.

These students work with Waters, reaching out to potential students to help answer questions about majors, involvements and professional opportunities. They are able to share their stories of internships, study abroad trips and campus life to help provide a well-rounded view of the Business Bulldog experience. They also meet with visiting alumni and industry professionals who visit campus.

“They’re the faces of McCool Hall and an incredible reflection of the potential students have by joining the College of Business,” states Waters.

Ambassadors meet weekly, reviewing the students who have applied and hearing from speakers in departments like the Career Center and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center. They speak to visiting families and give tours of McCool Hall. They write postcards, e-mails and texts. They also help with Academic Insight Days, in which the COB offers incoming students the opportunity to meet with departmental representatives and current students.

Meeting with orientation groups online brought challenges and unexpected benefits.

Photo courtesy of Ann Fava Peters

“We let them know they’re not alone in this,” remarks Pigues. “During Academic Insight last spring, I was with a group of three transfer students. I stayed with them and talked to them the whole time. It’s cool to see how just talking to somebody and sharing your own experiences can help them make a decision in the long run.”

“I tell [Academic Insight participants] the College of Business is a great place to follow your passions,” says King. “It offers a lot of different careers. You can be innovative and creative. And the professors and leaders are here to help students in every way they can.”

“Mississippi State really is the ‘People’s University,’” Pigues tells potential students. “Here, they do everything possible to help students succeed. That’s what you want in a school – you want people to advocate for you and even be there for you when the time comes to graduate and look for a job.”

Being there to help students succeed is a practice MSU begins even before they enroll. It is an approach that works because of people like Kennedi Pigues, Julie King and Ann Fava Peters.