ECU OA: Pada Xiong

Major: Nursing

Hometown: Catawba

Why did you choose ECU and what are some things that you love most about ECU? I chose ECU because of the great nursing program they have and the love for the campus. I also love that ECU just has so many ways for students to get involved and be themselves. My favorite was getting involved in student organizations to make new friends and connections.

What do you remember from your own orientation that made you want to be an OA? I remember my two OAs being so energetic and excited when they met my group. They made sure they included everyone, and I wanted to be just like them, welcoming and wanting to be there for new incoming students. The OAs all really showed what ECU had offered and made me feel like this was the place I wanted to be with such a good community.

How will your experiences shape your approach as an OA? I want to use what I learned last summer and apply it to this year. As a returnee, I have experienced orientation before, and I absolutely loved the feeling of making connections with my fellow OAs and new students. Through the life and college experiences that I have learned and run into, I want to be able to share that with students to help them navigate their first year at college and hope that it is something they can learn from or use in their future. I want to approach this year being open-minded and dependable for the students so that they can be comfortable with me and ask questions. I hope that students will be able to be themselves and enjoy orientation at ECU!

What do you hope incoming students and family members takeaway from orientation? I hope that incoming students and families will be able to learn about the many resources and support that ECU offers for students. I hope they love being an ECU Pirate just like I am now. The community here is amazing and becoming a part of Pirate Nation is the first step in getting started here at ECU.