Advice From Orientation Leaders
Starting the week of June 23, 2025, Orientation Leaders will be in touch with new students weekly until Fall Orientation. During this time, Orientation leaders will be sharing important information about Florida Southern and orientation activities. Please make sure you respond and keep in touch with your Orientation Leader.
Orientation Coordinators
Kaelyn Benoit
Major: Communications, with a focus on Media Strategies & Production
Hometown: Belchertown, MA
- Don't be afraid to get out there and get involved!
- Get to know people and introduce yourself.
- Visit the Lakeland Farmer's market and the FSC cat garden!!
- Take so many pictures.. these memories last a lifetime :)
- Be sure to wear your Moc gear with pride every Friday for Really Red Friday!!!
Olivia Foli
Major: BFA, Theater Performance
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
Go to all the school-run events no matter how dumb they sound; they are fun and it's how you meet new people.
Liam Parke
Major: Musical Theater
Hometown: Cumming, GA
Go to Blast Off and meet some clubs! Join a few and you'll have friends in no time!
Haleigh Simons
Major: Communications: Multimedia Journalism
Hometown: St. Cloud, FL
The top five things that every student should do on campus their first year is join a club or intramural sport, attend as many events as possible, learn everything you can about your department, make a good impression on your professors, and enjoy yourself! College is not just for getting an education, though it's important, but it's also extremely important to make the most out of your time here at Florida Southern College!
Julia Stefanowicz
Major: Dance
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Take at least one trip to the farmers market in downtown Lakeland. It’s held every Saturday morning.
Lukas Torrey
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: South Carolina
Go to Blast Off and see a show at our school’s theatre! Getting involved with others and the arts makes FSC feel more like home!
Charlie Wallace
Major: Biology
Hometown: Eagle River, AK
Play an intramural and learn all that the wellness center has to offer!
Kathryn Woods
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Coconut Creek, FL
I think all first-year students should attend blast off. It is the best way to get involved, meet new people, and get a bunch of FSC swag.
Orientation Leaders
Rosey Avila
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
Play an intramural and learn all that the wellness center has to offer!
Leah Badorf
Hometown: Fernandina Beach, FL
5 things students should do during their first year at FSC are attend ACE events, visit the farmers market, go to the museum, go on lake walks, and attend FSC plays/musicals!
Kendra Belton
Hometown: Niceville, FL
Everyone should try out what the Wellness Center has to offer, whether it's rock climbing or making use of the Moc Dock!
Gracie Bonaventure
Major: Musical Theatre/Business Administration
Hometown: Longwood, FL
Every student should go to as many orientation events as possible, Blast Off, a theatre and/or dance performance, Winter Wonderland, and Cram Jam. It's super important and fun to go to these events and meet new people!
Veronica 'Ronni' Brooks
Major: Music Management/Business Administration
Hometown: North Miami, FL
During your first year at FSC, you should definitely go to Southern Takeover!
Oliver Brum
Major: Biology
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
To explore the different services provided through student life. Such as the wellness center or more academic things like refuel.
Mackenzie Candido
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Oakdale, NY
My biggest tip would be to take advantage of your first week! It's by far the busiest time on campus with so much to do, so make some friends and see what more we have to offer!
Olivi Cicco
Major: Secondary Education - Social Science
Hometown: Clermont, FL
Get involved with anything that interests you but to also remember to not overwhelm yourself. There is so much to be apart of but also so much time to find the best organizations to join!
Nanette Cooke
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Explore as much of Lakeland as possible, there's so much just within walking distance! It is so beautiful and the farmers’ market every Saturday is only about a mile away!
McKenzie 'Kenzie' Cooney
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Explore as much of Lakeland as possible, there's so much just within walking distance! It is so beautiful and the farmers’ market every Saturday is only about a mile away!
Lily DiMotta
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Lakeland, FL
Go outside of your comfort zone and meet as many people as possible.
Andrew Fazio
Major: Finance
Hometown: Port Charlotte, FL
My biggest recommendation is to join clubs or get involved on campus in some way. This will help you meet a new group of friends and seek guidance from upperclassman regarding your major.
Jeffrey Flamisch
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Apopka, FL
Every new student should attend at least one ACE event. There are so many different and amazing events throughout each year and they are great places to meet new people while having a fun time.
Valerie Freeman
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Lauderhill, FL
New students should go to as many campus events as possible, get involved in ACE and SGA, discover new favorite foods, talk to as many people as possible, and absolutely break out of their shells. There are so many wonderful opportunities and programs within this school that I believe so many students would love.
Ryan Gibbs
Major: Environmental Studies/Business Administration
Hometown: Winter Garden, FL
Try at least a few on-campus events or clubs that are out of your comfort zone. This is a great way to meet new people and get used to the college experience!
Evelyn Giska
Major: Nursing/Healthcare Management
Hometown: Holly Springs, NC
Be open Minded! Each day will be different and that is okay! Try out Greek life! It is okay to focus on yourself and take time for you! It will take time to adjust some may take more time than others, plant your roots during that time.
Ciara Gordon
Major: Nursing/Biology
Hometown: Palm Coast, FL
Take the chance to get involved in different clubs and groups, even if it's just to take a peek! You might come to find people that are akin to you. :D
Matthew Hang
Major: Political Science/Data Analytics
Hometown: Miami Gardens, FL
Follow the Passport program on Engage! Not only will you receive perks and cool trinkets, but you'll get introduced to the best FSC has to offer!
Sumer Hawkins
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
A walk around Lake Hollingsworth! And breathe it’s going to be just fine!
Karlie Heaberlin
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Kenansville, FL
Go to as many events as possible! You never know where you'll find your people, so try everything.
Katie Hufstetler
Major: Musical Theatre/Music
Hometown: Melbourne, FL
I think something every new student should do during their first year is to see a performance. The theatre, choir, and band concerts are so amazing! You won’t want to miss them!!
Garrett Hultman
Major: Sports Business Management/Accounting
Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ
The biggest thing I would recommend doing during your first year at FSC is to learn your way around campus and learn where different resources are across campus.
Ava Iacono
Major: Environmental Studies/Horticulture
Hometown: Ave Maria, FL
I think every new student should do an intramural or join a club their first year. It gives you the opportunity to meet people and try new things!
Olivia ‘Livi’ John
Major: Biology
Hometown: Bahamas
Go to office hours!!!
Sriya Jupalli
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Hometown: Lakeland, FL
One of the top things every new student should do at Florida Southern College is attend campus events to meet new people and build lasting friendships. Getting involved in clubs and activities will help you create connections that will enrich your college experience. Learn about the different resources the campus has for students to access!
Gabrielle 'Gabi' Klempner
Major: Hilton Head Island, SC
Hometown: Biology/Forensic Chemistry
Try out for intramural sports! Go to office hours for your hardest classes, consider rushing for Greek life, go to a bunch of on campus events to make friends, go out and explore Lakeland.
Lexi Lapore-Paternostro
Major: Communications
Hometown: Wellington, FL
I highly recommend every student goes to Blast-Off, where they can meet the different clubs and organizations on campus. This is a great way to make connections, grab some giveaways, and feel the school spirit.
Kaiya Lewis
Major: Film/Spanish
Hometown: Stockbridge, GA
Remain open minded, attend the orientation events, get involved in clubs and organizations, try every dining option on campus, go to the downtown farmers' market.
Xavier Link
Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
Go on walks! The campus has all sorts of beautiful architecture and plant life to explore so wander freely!
Aryana Lovely
Major: Business Management/ Psychology
Hometown: Venice, FL
5 things I recommend are networking as many people as possible, getting involved with campus organizations, time managing, go to as many career related events as possible, connect with the Lakeland community and build connections that way!
Canyon Lowes
Major: Computer Science/Business
Hometown: St. Augustine, FL
Join a club, compete in IMs, interact with the fraternities/sororities even if they are initially not interested in Greek Life, run, walk, or bike a lap around the lake at sunrise, it is very beautiful, and go to the climbing wall and try it.
Jahne 'Jojo' Lozada
Major: Theatre Arts/English
Hometown: Brandon, FL
Leave the dorm and socialize with others… PLEASE. Get your name out there! 🩷
Kindrick Maura
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Brooksville, FL
One of my favorite things at FSC is getting the opportunity to be involved in all the different ensembles here! I think students can find clubs and orgs that will be able to help them grow and find their place.
Sienna Matthew
Major: Studio Art/Psychology
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Welcome new friendships and go to every event you can, big or small!! One of my favorite events was Winter Wonderland!!!
Mavrick Marini
Major: Biology
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
In your first year, be extremely social and make good first impressions. Don’t be afraid to be yourself; join clubs, go on trips, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Jacob McDougald
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Brooksville, FL
One of my favorite things at FSC is getting the opportunity to be involved in all the different ensembles here! I think students can find clubs and orgs that will be able to help them grow and find their place.
Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Meacham-Clark
Major: Business Administration/Marketing
Hometown: New Port Richey, FL
Get involved, whether that be joining a student organization, intramurals, Greek life, or in something else on campus! This is the easiest and best way to make the most of your time at FSC!
Ariel Moragene
Major: Studio Art
Hometown: Poinciana, FL
I believe that every Moc during their first year should attend the Winter Wonderland! It’s an absolutely fun experience to be with friends or make new friends during our Florida winter season. It’s filled with laughter, street treats, and enjoyable music that I will never forget for my first year at FSC!
Riley Myers
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: St. Augustine, FL
One of my top 5 things to do as a first-year student would be to join a club or get involved with Greek life! Both of these will help you make friends and make the college transition easier!
Evan Preble
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
Make sure you hit the books and study a lot, but while you do that have fun doing things like IMs and all the events going on around campus. Explore Lakeland and do everything possible to make those new friends.
Angel Potter
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Don't be afraid to explore! Lakeland has so many unique places to visit, so it's easy to find something to fit everyone's vibe.
Connor Quagliana
Major: Music Education
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Go out and participate in events and join clubs, meet new people.
Sofia Restom Gaskill
Major: BA in Theatre Arts; BA in English, concentration in Writing
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, FL
Go to Blast-Off! It's a great opportunity to meet people and get to know the organizations on campus.
Daelyn Risher-Wrobel
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
Go to every event possible, talk to everyone, don’t be afraid to talk to new people, and try different places on campus to eat!
Ben Ruby
Major: Communication: Multimedia Journalism
Hometown: Ambler, PA
Every first-year student should go on a lake lap with their friends at least once. It is a great way to develop friend groups.
Wyatt Rudd
Major: Marine Biology/Environmental Studies
Hometown: Cary, NC
One of my top 5 things for every new student to do during their first year at FSC is to attend campus events and activities. They are a great way to take a break from school, make new friends, and have fun!
Devyn Schumacker
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Sebring, FL
During your 1st year at FSC you should definitely venture off campus to the farmers market and many cute coffee shops! It’s a great way to meet new people and see what Downtown Lakeland has to offer.
Logan Shultz
Major: Communication
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Go on walks! The campus has all sorts of beautiful architecture and plant life to explore so wander freely!
Brooke Sommers
Major: Business Administration/Spanish
Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ
Visit all the local coffee shops, go kayaking on the lake, go to the downtown farmers market on Saturdays, play IMs, and of course, join lots of different organizations!
Tia Suleiman
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Davenport, FL
Go to every event possible. It's a perfect way to be a little active and meet new people!
Katie Swanson
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Altamonte Springs, FL
I would encourage every new student to get as involved on campus as possible and go to any event that sounds fun or interesting to you, you never know who you may meet and it's a great way to have fun!
Riley Sweeting
Hometown: The Bahamas
Keep an open mind and push yourself outside of your comfort zone into new experiences.
Jamia Thornton
Major: Nursing/Psychology
Hometown: Wimauma, FL
Make friends that have a positive influence on them, go to all school events, explore off campus, find comfort in something on campus, and manage time.
Elizabeth Todd
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Go to Moc Mart a couple days before each Sunday night to spend the rest of your meal points (snake bites). The line is super long on Sunday night.
Christopher Viglione
Hometown: Gulf Breeze, FL
Join some sort of organization (clubs, fraternity or sorority, etc...)!!!
Kay Walton
Major: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Psychology
Hometown: Winter Haven, FL
Get as involved as possible! Attending Blast Off is a great way to find out what clubs and organizations you are interested in and would like to join. I definitely recommend putting yourself out there!
Irene ‘Rena’ Wilson
Major: Biology
Hometown: Lakeland, FL
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things – Florida Southern has a lot to offer.
Alyssa Wisniewski
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Tavares, FL
Always put your health first! College is exciting and a lot if happening but make sure you are taking care of yourself!