Orientation Leaders

Group photo of all of the Orientation Leaders with the Bridge of Lions in the background

It's almost time to Roar Up! and your orientation guides await you. Here's a little bit about the Flagler students who will help you and your family become familiar with the campus and connected to the many resources at your disposal as a Flagler College student. 

Bonus: They've all been through their first year and know how to guide you. We can't wait to see you soon!

Your Orientation Leaders

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Tess Bynum | Jacksonville | Junior

Hi guys! My name is Tess Bynum, and I’m so thrilled to meet you all this summer! I will be a junior in the fall, and I’m majoring in Sociology with minors in Economics and English. One of my favorite parts of Flagler College is the people on campus. Whether it is other students, faculty, or professors, you will always feel like you belong. I have never been able to make as many genuine connections as I have through my two years here. 

My biggest piece of advice to incoming students is to stay present. The transition to college can seem so daunting if you try to figure everything out at once. Take a deep breath! Focus on what you can do to make tomorrow special, and if you ever need a friendly face, I’m your girl! 

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Maria Garcia | Villavicencio, Colombia | Junior

My name is Maria. I will be a junior in the Fall. I have a major in International Business and Spanish and a minor in International Studies. My favorite part of Flagler is how every single detail, and person makes you feel at home. Starting with the Dining Hall and the people that work there, the architecture and the friendly environment. My biggest advice is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Time flies, you don’t have to figure it out all at once. Enjoy. Have fun!

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Renad Morsi | St. Augustine | Sophomore

My name is Renad Morsi! I’ll be a sophomore in the Fall. I have an International Studies major with a Political Science concentration and a Law minor. My favorite part of Flagler is how I feel at home. The campus has become my favorite place and whether I'm sitting on the West Lawn, Proctor Library, or Thompson Hall, I’m extremely content! 

My biggest advice would be no matter how hard it might feel try to stay positive! Your attitude is so important and definitely dictates your day. Staying positive has always helped me make the best of any situation. 

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Bonnie Roberts | Georgia | Sophomore

I am Bonnie Roberts, and I am super excited to meet you! As an upcoming sophomore, I continue to find new things i love about Flagler every day! I have a double major in Journalism and Theatre Arts. With its historic small college charm, my favorite part of Flagler is the close connections you get to make. 

There is always something happening on campus and somebody to meet at it. It makes the adjustment so much easier. My advice for incoming students is to get involved... and get rainboots! Now is the time to have courage in this new chapter of your journey and be kind.

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Veronica Chavez | Deltona | Sophomore

My name is Veronica Chavez! I have a major in Public History with a minor in Anthropology and will be a sophomore in the Fall. My favorite part of Flagler is the history and stories that fill our campus. Being at such a historical place generates this great appreciation for the art and community that will pass around historical stories and personal anecdotes! My advice to incoming students and families is patience. This transition will be hard and awkward but be supportive and patient with each other as great things come after the hard times. Be proud of how far you’ve made and recognize the growth that will come.

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Tia Smith | Tallahassee | Junior

My name is Tia Smith. I am a sophomore majoring in Criminology and minoring in Pre-law and Sociology. My favorite thing about Flagler College is the student involvement on campus. Getting involved is a great way to make friends and establish a sense of community on campus. 

My biggest piece of advice to incoming first year students is to try things that are outside of your comfort zone. As scary as it can be, you gain new experiences and grow as a person.  

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Aria Rossmanith | Jacksonville | Senior

Hi, I’m Aria Rossmanith. I am a senior graduating in December studying International Studies with a concentration in Political Science and a minor in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. I am a Resident Advisor (RA), Historical Tour Guide, and a member of President’s Leadership Academy (PLA). 

My favorite thing about Flagler is the classes and professors. Professors at Flagler are passionate and care about your success. My advice to everyone is to have grace with all people.

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Riley Plough | Venice, Fla. | Junior

Hi y’all, my name is Riley Plough.  I will be a junior in the fall. St. Augustine and Flagler have become my home in the last few years. I could have never asked for a better environment to grow my personality and education than Flagler College. My advice to incoming students is to go to all free events! Join clubs, different programs, like our ambassador program, but that may be biased. I can’t wait to see you all on our amazing campus!

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Jose Fuentes | Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain | Sophomore

My name is Jose Fuentes, and I will be a sophomore in the fall. I ‘m majoring in International Business and Marketing with a minor in Computer Information Systems (CIS). My favorite part of Flagler is all the fun and unique clubs on campus. Getting to meet a large variety of people with different backgrounds, passions, and goals. 

My biggest advice would be to network, be comfortable being uncomfortable, and get out of your comfort place. Meet and learn about new people. Get ready to make and change but never stop being YOURSELF! Remember your core values and goals. Overall, go make history and leave a Flagler legacy!

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Ace Clark | Orlando | Sophomore

My name is Ace Clark! I am a sophomore here at Flagler! I am double majoring in Theatre Arts and Public History. My favorite thing about Flagler is the care and attention dedicated to the student experience. Whether it’s the many events or clubs on campus, there is always something for everyone! My advice is to trust yourself. You are capable of a lot more than you think. Stay calm and have confidence!

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Leigha Byrd | Williston| Sophomore

My name is Leigha Byrd. I will be a sophomore in the fall, and I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology and Sociology. I also work at the Career Development Center (CDC) and the Saints Pantry. My favorite part about Flagler is the close community. I love the small classes and connecting with my professors. 

My biggest advice is to let loose and have fun. Everyone is new and in the same boat as you, so don’t be scared. I can’t wait to see you around campus!

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Haley Butzer-Collins | Lake Panasoffkee | Senior

Hello! My name is Haley Butzer-Collins. I will be a senior in the fall, with a major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Music with a focus on Musical Theater and Instrumental Performance. Since the beginning, my favorite part of Flagler has been the creativity and passion in every department I’ve met with, from English to Biology, and Marketing and Theater. No matter where you go, there is a professor or student who loves what they do, and would love to help out, which is always a blessing and inspiration. My biggest advice is to explore and try to learn a little of everything; it's okay not to know what “your thing” is yet. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it, and then you fall in love with a topic you never even knew you adored. And, when you need a pick-me-up, reach out! 

Visit an Open Mic night, go try a new food, or sing some karaoke. There’s no such thing as being too old to have a little wonder in your day, or let loose, have fun. Try not to take yourself too seriously. And if you see this and visit an Open Mic night, come say hi! I’d love to see you there.

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Luke Walker | Ware, Mass. | Sophomore

My name is Luke Walker. I will be a sophomore in the fall, and I have a major in Coastal Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. My favorite part of Flagler is the friends I made along the way. 

The students, teachers, and staff make it feel like home. My biggest advice would be to break out of your comfort zone and meet as many people as you can. It may seem scary at first, but that scary will soon become your home and family.

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Madyson Prem | Chiefland | Sophomore

My name is Madyson Prem. I will be a sophomore in the fall, and I have a major in Elementary Education with a minor in Criminology. My favorite part of Flagler is the community; the people on and off campus. There is never a dull day in St. Augustine. I also love the many connections I’ve made in clubs and other on-campus jobs, such as Paranormal club, Read the Room club, Flagler Legacy and Ambassadors. My biggest advice would be to live in the moment. Take it just day by day! Make sure you live it to the fullest!

 

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Joseph DelliSanti | Greenville, S.C. | Sophomore

My name is Joseph DelliSanti. I will be a sophomore in the fall, and my major is in International Business. My favorite part of Flagler is how active the campus is! There are always activities and people out and about. My best advice is to be intentional. There is a lot of fun to be had while at Flagler College, but don’t get lost in it all. College life is all about balance.

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Mario Goodson | Jacksonville | Sophomore

My name is Mario Goodson. I will be a sophomore, and I’m majoring in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Finance. My favorite part of Flagler is my friends. All because no matter what kind of day it is, they always make it enjoyable. My first year will always be my favorite because of all the unforgettable memories I’ve made. My biggest advice is to show up. No matter how you feel, go to that party, go to that event, go to that class. No matter how it may seem in the beginning, it could turn out to be a great memory.