ECU OA: Sadie Thompson

Major: Art education

Hometown: Whiteville

Why did you choose ECU and what are some things that you love most about ECU? I chose ECU for all of the opportunities it opened up for me. I was offered a scholarship through the College of Education that tremendously alleviated the cost of college on my family, through the scholarship I also had the opportunity to live in the Education Living Learning Community and make connections with other education majors. I also have a huge support system that allows me the opportunity to try new things and always know that I have people I can fall back on when needed. ECU has given me an amazing group of friends, a support system of the best people EVER, and it has opened new doors for me professionally and personally.

What do you remember from your own orientation that made you want to be an OA? I remember being really awkward and anxious about being in a new place. My OA made sure to make me feel as comfortable as possible and made me feel welcome at ECU!

How will your experiences shape your approach as an OA? I hope that as time goes on, I can learn from my peers on how to be an efficient and effective orientation assistant. Through training I have already learned a lot and I hope to pull from my experience interacting with students as an RA to successfully connect with my orientees.

What do you hope incoming students and family members takeaway from orientation? I hope they take away the opening and welcoming environment ECU offers to its students and all the opportunities that ECU offers for personal and professional development.