Your 2016 Head Orientation Leaders! - SUNY-ESF

Your 2016 Head Orientation Leaders!
Erika Sykes
Class Year: Senior
Major: Paper Engineering
Involved in: USA BOT Representative, PBE Club, OAC
Why do you love ESF? ESF is my home away from home. The students, faculty, and
staff are passionate about what they do. Everyone has something in common and that
is truly apparent just walking around campus. When you are interested in something,
you are embraced by it and encouraged to follow your passions.
Favorite part about being an OL: Being an Orientation Leader is the best part of the
whole year! My favorite part is seeing first years and other students fall in love or find
their home here at ESF. It doesn’t always happen during orientation week, but
throughout the student’s first year. I love ESF, and being an orientation leader is the
best way to spread that to others.
Advice and thoughts for new students: This has been my advice for the past 3 years
to new students. Don’t be afraid of doing something new. Now is the time to do
something you’ve never done before and might not get the chance to do again. Get
involved. Don’t just go to school here, be a part of the school.
Kristine Earley
Class Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Education
Involved in: President of Baobab Society, Rosen Fellow Award Winner,
Working at Computer and Networking Services
Why do you love ESF? Everyone is always willing to help one another! I
love this small school that has all of the benefits of having a big school
like Syracuse nearby. This school makes me feel like I’m at home and all
of the students are truly driven and compassionate about their work.
Favorite part about being an OL: I love watching new students really
make themselves part of the community! New students tend to love the
exploring and meeting of the other new students and it’s fun to watch
friendships being formed right before my eyes.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Start out with a clean slate in
mind and take everything in during orientation week. Dive into new
experiences and make sure to check out all of the clubs you’re interested
in. If you’re interested in a class, get to know the professor and see what
the class entails. Also, IT’S OKAY TO SWITCH MAJORS! Don’t get
stuck doing something you’re not interested in.
Your 2016 Orientation Leaders!
Abhinandan Mehra
Class Year: Senior
Major: Bioprocess Engineering
Involved in: Paper and Bioprocess Engineering Club, Syracuse University Food
Services, SU Orange Bhangra
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because we are a huge happy family. We have
each other’s backs, be it that horrible question on my exam penned by the Devil
himself or doing our share in saving our planet.
Favorite part about being an OL: It’s the energy, the synergy, the Tie-dyes, the OL
cries, stumpy pride, the Banana dance and my chance of showing my love towards my
college, my institution – SUNY ESF!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Welcome to ESF!! As you start this journey,
I promise you that there will never be a more rocking, more worthwhile and more
memorable time in your life. Friendships that will outlast our health and fortunes will
be crafted here. The foundations of who you are going to be will be laid here. And
while all of us, strive together to improve our world, let me assure you: there has
never been a better time to be young!
Albert Park
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: Sports and Stuff, Music and Stuff, Learning and Stuff,
Adventures and Stuff
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because of all the people who make
this school great. They are friendly, intelligent, and just awesome
people to be around.
Favorite part about being an OL: My favorite part about being an OL
will definitely be meeting new students, and making sure they enjoy
their first few weeks here.
Advice and thoughts for new students: It’s ok to struggle with school,
but always try to get help if you feel you’ll need it. Hardwork and
diligence will pay off in the end.
Alexander Fusi
Class Year: Junior
Major: Biotechnology
Involved in: Orientation leaders, Baobab Society, International
Student Organization, European Student Association
Why do you love ESF? I love the ESF feel. The fact that everybody
is so open and friendly to everyone and the peaceful atmosphere give
off and confer great spirits and positive attitudes to everyone, and a
very lovely outlook to life.
Favorite part about being an OL: The craziness of meeting new
people, discovering new cultures, multiple points of view, and
having and/or making lollipop moments with everyone
Andy Brunner
Class Year: Senior
Major: Forest Ecosystem Science (FNRM)
Involved in: Bob Marshall Club, Forestry Club, Cycling Connections
Why do you love ESF? Great staff and students, Cuse is right next
door, Laura Crandall
Favorite part about being an OL: Hanging out with 50 amazing
people for 2 weeks and meeting all the incoming students. Make
some awesome friendships.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Get involved, ask for help
when you need it (students and staff), don’t eat too many
cookiewhiches #freshman15isreal
Anish Kirtane
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Biology
Involved in: Research on environmental DNA analysis for sampling bog
turtles! Honors program Wildlife society, AXS, SU International Student
Organization.
Why do you love ESF? ESF offers something for everybody. Whether you are
an academic wanting to save chestnut trees or create renewable energy or an
activist wanting to change the way we live in this world or just trying to figure
out what you want to do on life and how you can make a difference. Students
are seen as major stakeholders and influence the college’s policies from time to
time, we recently DIVESTED from fossil fuels solely through student
participation. Being into research, ESF offers great hands on experience on
high profile research, all you got to do it talk to your professors!
Favorite part about being an OL: Getting to know the incoming students and
get reacclimatized to ESF with them. Feel the nostalgia of exploring ESF for
the first time.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Don’t be shy, talk to me! Talk to as
many peers and professors as you can. Every conversation here enriches your
experience!
Aaron Bodine
Class Year: 4th Year - Landscape Architecture
Involved in: Primitive Pursuits Club, Bob Marshall Club, Syracuse Wrestling
Club, Greek Life (Brother of Phi Gamma Delta)
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because it is a school full of the best of
both worlds. As an ESF student you get all the perks of a small school, with
access to facilities, and benefits that come with going to a D1 school being so
close Syracuse. ESF is a place you will quickly be comfortable calling a 2nd
home with how welcoming everyone is here. Upon your first day you will
meet so many new people that only want to make your transition process as
easy as possible. There is something for everyone here outside of academics.
What is your favorite part of being an OL? The greatest joy in life is the
satisfaction of knowing you single handedly made a difference in someone’s
life. Being an OL and doing what we do, fulfills this to the T. I love meeting
new people and to know I’m making a lasting impression on them is amazing.
I also love my OL family and how much fun we have!
Advice and thoughts for new students: These next years are going to fly by
even faster than high school did, so make them what you want. You are going
to have all the resources you will need to forge this next chapter in your life
into anything you want. Get involved and meet people, doing so will only open
doors for you to opportunities you otherwise would never have had the chance
at. So remember this, and be yourself in everything you do, people will respect
you for that. You will have so much fun during your first year, and it’s easy to
get caught up in the hype of things, but remember why you came to college in
the first place. At the same time you can also overstress about all you have to
do, so remember to take some time for yourself every once in a while.
Ben Taylor
Class Year: Junior
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: Undergraduate Student Association, The
Vineyard Church
Why do you love ESF? At ESF, you have a ridiculous
amount of opportunities at ESF and SU. You can literally do
anything, be anything, and find anything. Once I found a few
things to be involved in, college got awesome.
Favorite part about being an OL: I love being able to see
new students fall in love with ESF and learn about the
massive opportunities we have here. I love seeing everyone
smile and laugh during Orientation Week.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Get involved on
campus! Join Student Government, a club, or an interest
group, and I guarantee you will have an enhanced ESF
experience.
Billie Li
Class Year (entering Fall 2016): Junior
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: Engineers Without Borders, Engineering for a sustainable
society, Free Bread on Thursdays.
Why do you love ESF? ESF is it’s own community of people that have
come together through the common interest of learning and sustaining
the environment. This community foster’s great friendships and
motivation to work harder in school.
Favorite part about being an OL: I have yet to be an OL but I look
forward to helping incoming students feel comfortable and settle into
our wonderful community.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Work hard, always ask
questions, get involved on campus, and don't forget to have fun!
Cadence Hunkins
Class Year (entering Fall 2016): Junior
Major: Conservation Biology
Involved in: Undergraduate Student Teaching, SCB-CNY (Con Bio Club),
AXS Honor Society, USA (Undergraduate Student Association), Earth Week
Committee, Captain of the Syracuse Equestrian Team
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because of the tight knit community due to
the size of the campus but also having the opportunity of going across the
street to a large campus. The vibe the campus gives off here is absolutely
amazing! Everyone is so nice and caring. I feel like everywhere I go I see
someone I know and can just start a conversation right away without any
worries!
Favorite part about being an OL: The best part is getting to meet all the new
faces and seeing the students break out of their shells over Orientation Week.
This week is the week that long lasting friendships may be created and seeing
that will be amazing!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be yourself and don’t be scared to
get help. Nobody here judges you for who you are. And as for asking for help,
it’s hard not to find help here at ESF. There is always something going on that
can help you with your classes. And finally, HAVE FUN. Try new things that
you wouldn’t normally try! The opporutnities here are incredible and
unforgettable!
Carly Benson
Class Year: 2018 Senior
Major: Landscape Architecture
Involved in: Knothole Editor, Orange Pulse Dance Troupe
Why do you love ESF? I love this place because it feels like a community, not
like walking through a sea of strangers every day. The professors are great and
almost everyone cares about the environment and is forward thinking. It’s
awesome to be somewhere that everyone has some sort of common interest that
ties them together, yet everyone is so different!
Advice and thoughts for new students: The first semester might seem
overwhelming, but it gets better, fast! Especially if you meet new people with an
open mind; college is a great opportunity to add on to your repertoire of friends
with all different kinds of people! Your new best friends might just be the people down the hall that you’ve
never even seen before… waiting for you to get bored enough have a spontaneous conversation via index cardunder the door … but I don’t speak from experience. Get to help new students assimilate into some of the best
years ever and get to know a bunch of new faces, whether it be new students or other OL’s!
Carly Rippel
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Studies
Involved in: Campus ambassadors/ tour guides
Why do you love ESF? It feels like a second home, complete with
people who want to see you succeed in everything you try.
Favorite part about being an OL: Getting to meet people from all
different places and backgrounds and have fun with them!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Try something new! Go a
little out of your comfort zone and take a chance doing something
you’ve never tried before, be it a club, activity, or class.
Cassie Rogers
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Conservation Biology
Involved in: Bob Marshall Club, SEEC, Volunteering at
Greyrock Farm
Why do you love ESF? The people here are different than
anywhere I have ever been. Everyone is so kind and amazing.
There are so many opportunities to do and experience new
things.
Favorite part about being an OL: Meeting all the incoming
students, and learning where they came from and how they
got here.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be kind and you will
receive kindness in return. Also the best place to get some work
done is one of the many libraries.
Colin Myers
Class Year: Senior
Major: Natural Resources Management
Involved in: Forestry Club, USA, work in the library
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because of all opportunities
it offers and because of how specific the courses are. This makes
the classes enjoyable.
Favorite part about being an OL: Helping freshman
become comfortable with their new life in college and
watching them make friends.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Try to get a daily
routine down as quickly as you can so you don’t become stressed
from falling behind on work
Chris Ludlam
Class Yea: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Sciences
Involved in: USA (Student Government) as Vice President, Student
Ambassador, The Golf Team, Music Society
Why do you love ESF? The school is super accepting and supportive of
its students, and everyone here is friendly, interesting, and extremely
passionate about the environment! (Hard to cut it down so short
though…)
Favorite part about being an OL: I am excited to see all you incoming
freshmen whose shoes I was in last time! I want to show my passions for
the campus and bring that energy to incoming freshman class in the
hopes to inspire them to love ESF as much as I do! (Again, hard to cut
this down so short…
Advice and thoughts for new students: Love the school! This may be
your home for the next 4-5 years, become active on campus and create a
passion for something, be it a club, sport, or education. You have a fresh
start, so take advantage and have fun!
Chloe Blaisdell
Class Year: Junior
Major: Conservation Biology
Involved in: Undergraduate Student Association, Food Recovery Network, Earth
Week Programming Co Chair
Why do you love ESF? The spirit of the campus is so kind and welcoming. The
teachers are amazing at what they do and the programs available are the best of
their kind. We are a small school but we have a lot of pride and we embrace our
uniqueness.
Favorite part about being an OL: Getting to meet all of the new students, and
showing them how great of a school ESF is! You also make such an amazing
family out of the OL team.
Advice and thoughts for new students: From the beginning start a good
routine, and make sure to keep up with your work. But also don’t forget to have
fun, its easy to get overwhelmed with everything especially since it is so new to
you. You should set aside time for yourself to make sure you don’t overload.
Danny Blake
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Chemistry
Involved in: Music Society, Green Campus Initiative
Why do you love ESF? The environment on campus is extremely
welcome and the specific focus of the college causes everyone to
have similar mindsets, which is never a bad thing.
Favorite part about being an OL: The fellow Orientation Leaders
that I’ve come to know as part of participating in the orientation
process. From what I can tell the Orientation Leaders of ESF is a
close-knit group and that’s exciting to be a part of.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Don’t be afraid to use the
resources around you. There comes a time in the year when classes
begin to pile on top of one another but the college does an excellent
job in providing plenty of opportunities for assistance for all
courses. Also, keep an eye on your bank account balance.
Diane Tirinato
Class Year: 4th year- Landscape Architecture
Involved in: ESF Insomniacs: Co-coordinator, LAND|scape club: member, social chair/recruitment and USA rep, Syracuse “Snare” Quidditch team
Why do you love ESF? ESF is the best collection of quirky, caring and wonderful nerds I
have ever seen. You can almost never feel like an outcast here, or maybe it’s that people
don’t let you. I have so much stumpy pride that it sometimes worries my Syracuse
friends… But in all seriousness ESF is a small tight knit community but still has all the
wonders of SU to explore and use. I came from a high school that is almost twice the size
of ESF [graduation class was 600 kids] so for me, I like the close knit community that can
easily be formed here. I can’t walk around campus without running into at least 1 or 2
people I know well.
Favorite part about being an OL: Not all OLs are the same, which is awesome.
Everyone has slightly different approaches and views. Everyone gets excited and pumped
about OL week but in their own ways. The energy the 50 or so of us can produce is crazy
and how first years can just add to that energy even more is rewarding. Obviously helping
new student to navigate and experience this campus that I have grown to love and call
home, even with all the snow…although it does make me wonder why we live in a place
where the wind hurts.
Advice and thoughts for new students: To all you new stumpy’s out there I can advise you to
do is get involved. I know that sounds super cliché, but there’s so much to do between ESF and
SU. I’ve made so many friends from joining things and from my job with Insomniacs, which I got
from attending them. Sometimes you just need to chill out but you need to get out there too.
And my second piece of advice is to be open-minded. You will have a lot of different
experiences when you come here. Also, enjoy freshman year, it should be a year of trying
new things, meeting new people and exploring.
Emily Fusco
Class Year: Junior
Major: Environmental Studies; Policy Planning and Law
Involved in: I am a member of several clubs here at ESF including, USA Student
government, Social Chair of Environmental Studies student organization (ESSO), Bob
Marshall Club, Syracuse Outing Club (SUOC), as well as a member of the Spring
Banquet and December Soiree. I was a member of the Syracuse Frisbee and Rugby team
but I am now going to be running for the ESF Cross Country team!! 
Why do you love ESF? ESF is my home. It is where I have become the person I am and
the person I was meant to be. ESF has allowed me to feel comfortable enough to explore
clubs and activities that interest me. It has allowed me to make so many beautiful
lifelong friends that I can depend on for anything. The best thing about ESF if that we
are all one big family. Everyone on campus is so friendly and welcoming and it helps
you feel right at home.
Favorite part about being an OL: My favorite part about being an OL is getting to see
that I made a difference in someone’s life. Having the opportunity to help a freshman or
a transfer student who may have felt a little lost or confused is just an amazing feeling
that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Emma Palermo
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environment Health (with a focus on Food Protection and a
minor in Economics)
Involved in: SEEC (Student’s Environmental Education CoalitionTreasurer), FRN (Food Recovery Network-ESF/SU), AXS (ESF’s
honors society)
Why do you love ESF? I love the people here the most. Everyone is
really open and loving and it’s super easy to make friends, join clubs,
and find places where you feel at home here at ESF.
Favorite part about being an OL: Not quite sure yet, this is my first
year! But I’m sure looking forward to meeting all the new freshman,
exploring with you guys, and introducing you to all the things I love
about ESF! Also, dancing is my passion.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be open to new things!
Don’t be afraid to look stupid or embarrass yourself (I do it all the
time!)! Ask questions-even if they’re stupid-if you have them! Buy
your orientation leader ice cream and she will love you forever! !
Erin Cuddihy
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: Engineers without Borders club, Engineers for a Sustainable
Society club, Cross-Country, and Track and Field.
Why do you love ESF? I love the fact that everyone at ESF is happy and
willing to help. There is a certain vibe that comes with ESF students, and it is
perfect for me. On a nice day everyone is on the quad enjoying the day, while in
the winter they are making snowmen. If you are struggling with a class there is
always someone there to help out. Everyone is passionate and I learn something
new from someone almost every day. I love ESF because of the people that are
here.
Favorite part about being an OL: I wanted to be an Orientation Leader
because I wanted to see new students fall in love with ESF just like I did when I
first came to the school. I wanted to meet people and be involved with the new
students.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Professors may seem scary, but they
want you to suceed. If you don’t understand a concept there are lots of different
reasources at your disposal. You can get a tutor, go to office hours, or find a
friend in the library. Nothing is impossible and you have so many people
around who can help.
Harris Eisenhardt
Class Year: Sophomore, Class of 2019
Major: Sustainable Energy Management
Minors: Sustainable Construction and Environmental Writing & Rhetoric
Involved in: Food Recovery Network, Bob Marshall Club, SU Outing
Club, Writing Center, Sustainable Energy Club
Why do you love ESF? ESF has by far exceeded my expectations for how
awesome college is. Not only do I learn so much from my classes, but I find
genuine interest in the subjects, and share the passion that many professors
and students have on campus for the environment. Without a doubt, my
favorite thing about ESF is the community that seems to tie us all together,
since we’re all here to impact the world in our own uniquely grand, yet
similarly driven ways.
Favorite part about being an OL: I have always loved teaching and
seeing people work together as a group. I think being an OL will give me a
great opportunity to get to know some new people, as well as pass on my
knowledge about college life to first year students.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Take advantage of how college,
especially ESF, offers so many different activities and things to get
involved in. Being involved in extracurriculars and not just thinking about
school work all the time will help you be more productive/ realize what an
amazing place ESF is.
Isabelle Horvath
Class Year (entering Fall 2016): Sophomore
Major: ERE
Involved in: EWB/ESS (Engineers without Borders, Engineers for a
Sustainable Society), ERE club, NYWEA student chapter, ESF
student ambassador and member of SU Club Swimming
Why do you love ESF? Mostly just dome stomping  Just
kidding…I love the people at ESF. Students, faculty and staff all
have a fun enthusiastic spirit and the common goal of making our
world better.
Favorite part about being an OL: I love being a part of helping
students experience ESF for the first time.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Cookiewiches are the best
food in any dining hall, Take advatage of Orange After Dark events,
Oakwood cemetery is a great study spot
Jason Bonet
Class Year: Senior
Major: Conservation Biology
Involved in: Plan reoccurring events that happen every Friday
night on campus called Insomniac Events! A job on campus that
is paid for through Work Study. Director of Finance of Pride
Union (Syracuse University LGBTQA+ club). Member of the
Rainbow Scholars (ESF LGBTQA+ group). Member of the
Baobab society (ESF Diversity club).
Why do you love ESF? The ESF community is so unbelievably
open and accepting and no matter what, you will find your little
spot here with us.
Favorite part about being an OL: I know this might be cheesier
than Wisconsin but I legit love it when I see smiles on the
incoming students’ faces. We’re all going to have a lot of fun so
I’m going to expect a lot of those smiles.
Advice and thoughts for new students: This might also be very
cheesy as well but simply just be you. You made it here so you’re
definitely pretty amazing. Show us that! Can’t wait to see y’all in
August!!!
Jason Putney
Class Year: Senior
Major: Construction Management
Involved in: School Work Study program, and being and OL
Why do you love ESF? Everyone has something different
that makes them an amazing person and makes our campus
more diverse.
Favorite part about being an OL: Helping out the
incoming class and becoming friends with all the new OLs
and members of the incoming class.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Don’t be scared.
Orientation week is fun and you meet a lot of new people,
some of which may share the same interests as you. You will
make new friends, create amazing memories that will last a
life time, and most importantly, you will find out that your
new home is here at ESF.
Jessica Kobus
Class Year: Senior
Major: ERE
Involved in: Orientation Leading, Engineers without borders
club, ASCE
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because of the people.
Everyone is truly kind, genuine and happy. It’s very hard not
to be in a good mood here and if you have a bad day, it
doesn’t last too long with the atmosphere this campus has. It
really gave me whole new perspective and appreciation of
being alive.
Favorite part about being an OL: Sharing the experience,
change and overwhelming joy I discovered coming to ESF
and becoming an OL.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be brave. Be open
minded and step outside of your comfort zone.
Jessie Grant
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, YO
Involved in: SUOC, Artsy things in Syracuse, Running
around
Why do you love ESF? Because of the familiar faces I get to
see every day on the small campus, the unwavering support
of this community, and the huge opportunities not present for
undergraduates elsewhere.
Favorite part about being an OL: Leadership! Guiding
interests on campus! Being a support base for newbs!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Forward your
school email to your personal, go to recitations twice a week,
don’t eat the ground meat at Sad Dad.
Joanne Pereira-Melo (Jo)
Class Year: Junior
Major: Landscape Architecture
Involved in: Landscape Architecture Club, Earth Week Committee,
Spring Banquet Committee, Student Marshal at SU.
Why do you love ESF? ESF is one of the most welcoming
communities I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of! It’s
amazing to be a part of an institution where everyone’s underlining
pursuit is to make our global environment a better place. There is
always room to have a good time in and out of classes. We’re a very
driven, loving, and down to earth student body, and there’s no other
place I’d rather be.
Favorite part about being an OL: My favorite part about being an
OL is meeting and welcoming the incoming students into our ESF
community. Giving guidance and advice to anyone and everyone
who needs it is what I’m here for!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be true to yourself. Taking
that leap of independence your first year in college is a great
opportunity to become the person you want to be. You’re here to get
an education and invest in future, but you are also here to gain
experiences and long-lasting relationships. Be curious, get involved,
and stay passionate!
Julia Long
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Sustainable Energy Management
Involved in: SEEC
Why do you love ESF? You’re in a school with a bunch of likeminded people, yet everyone is special in their own way and has
something awesome to share with you. Everyone here is so
diverse, and from them you can learn something new every single
day.
Favorite part about being an OL: Getting to meet all of the new
freshman! Being in your position only a year ago, I know exactly
how you guys feel and I’m excited to experience orientation with
you.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be yourself; cheesey but
true.
Julie DiBiase
Class Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Science
Involved in: Indoor and outdoor track, Forestry Club
Why do you love ESF? ESF has everything you could ever
want as an environmental student. There is always something
that you can be a part of on campus academically or people just
having fun.
Favorite part about being an OL: Orientation week is a lot of
fun to be a part of as both new and returning students. There is
so much fun to be had and seeing the new students start to feel
as at home as I do is cool to see.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be yourself and get
involved in as many activities that interest you. Remember if
ESF does not have something, SU most defiantly does. Don’t
put things off but jump right in.
Kory Whittum
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Biology
Involved in: Golf Team, Volunteering at local fish hatchery,
Plant Propagation Club, Trout Bums
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because I am surrounded
by many other students that have similar interests and
appreciate the natural world around us. The classes are very
interesting and allow me to learn through a hands on learning
approach.
Favorite part about being an OL: My favorite part is being
able to make so many new friends and branch out to other
students that I might not normally get the chance to talk to.
LJ Jerome
Class Year: Class of 2017, Senior
Major: Environmental Biology with minors in Applied Statistics and
Environmental Writing and Rhetoric
Involved in: President of Plant Propagation Club, Editor for the
Knothole, part-time job at the Carrier dome, and probably a bunch of
other things I can’t remember right now! Lover of all things mycology,
pizza, music, Lord of the Rings and travel. Also just returned from a
semester abroad in New Zealand!
Why do you love ESF?- ESF is filled with a bunch of likeminded
people who above all else really just want to make the world a better
place. The people you meet here are going to change your life- let it
happen. Plus, it’s the best environmental college in the game and don’t
let anyone tell you otherwise.
Favorite part about being an OL: Watching first years meet their best
friends (unbeknownst to them)
Advice and thoughts for new students: Realize what’s important and
disregard everything else, don’t take anything personally, don’t
compare yourself to your peers, learn from others and STUDY
ABROAD!
Max Sosa
Class Year: Junior
Major: Environmental Biology (but not for long!)
Involved in: SU Club Swim, Divest ESF, Nomura Research Group,
Tutoring
Why do you love ESF? ESF has given me every opportunity to be the
best me I can be. Academically, socially, and in every aspect of my life,
ESF has allowed me to thrive and be near the best, if not the best, me I can
be. Basically, if ESF were a person, we’d be best friends.
Favorite part about being an OL: I can’t wait to help instill a deeprooted love for ESF and see new students accept ESF as not just a school,
but a home. On top of that, Orientation Week is fun, fun, fun, fun, fun,
fun, FUN!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Take freshman year seriously
academically and work hard so that you’re acclimated to the rigorous
academic environment. That way, the rest of college will feel like a cake
walk and you aren’t playing catch up every semester. But!!!!! Don’t forget
to have fun! ESF is not just a school, but a community of Stumpies – meet
as many of us as you can! With all of the familiar faces, friends are
everywhere and adventure, experience, and fun are waiting at every turn.
Michael Mahoney
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Forest Ecosystem Science
Involved in: Syracuse University Outing Club, ESF Woodsmen
Team, Employee at the Trailhead Café.
Why do you love ESF? ESF has presented me with so many
opportunities I would not have at any other school. Most of my
professors know me by name, I’ve fallen into one of the best group
of friends I’ve ever had, and I definitely feel that following
graduation I’ll be leaving ESF with the knowledge and skills I’ll
need to survive in the world.
Favorite part about being an OL: I love the chance to create
community among incoming freshmen, and to help integrate them
into the wider world of ESF.
Advice and thoughts for new students: There are thousands of
opportunities for you here at ESF, but it’s on you to take advantage
of them. Everyone here wants you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to
ask for help, ask questions, or ask to try something.
Monica Banghart
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Conservation Biology
Involved in: Student Environmental Education Coalition (SEEC),
Conservation Biology Club, Student Ambassador
Why do you love ESF? ESF is a very small and focused school that
makes it easy to meet new people, but also to learn and grow in your
field. Students and faculty alike are very welcoming and accepting,
and campus tends to be a judgement-free place. It’s a one-of-a-kind
school with a great community feel!
Favorite part about being an OL: I love meeting new people and I
love ESF, so getting to know incoming students while watching them
fall in love with this school is going to be a blast!
Advice and thoughts for new students: I know everyone says this,
but GET INVOLVED!! There are so many unbeatable opportunities
on this campus -and SU’s- for whatever your interests may be!
You’re all in a new place so talk to new people and try new things!
Nick Manzione
Class Year: Super Senior
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: USA, Syracuse University Club Lacrosse,
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
Why do you love ESF? The people make this place
incredible. From the faculty to the new students, you feel
instantly welcome here from the first moment you step on
campus. You don’t get that in many places and ESF is a rare
exception
Favorite part about being an OL: GOING B.A.N.A.N.A.S,
And also meeting the new students. They’re really cool too!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Keep an open mind
and find what inspires you, if you haven’t found out already.
This takes time, but with a little patience, good things will
happen.
Nina Bellus
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: Earth Week Committee, Annual Fund Calling, ERE Club
Why do you love ESF? ESF is so accepting and we welcome everyone
with open arms. We all care about the environment and are going to
school to change the world for the better. The professors are awesome
and really care about their students. We are a big family!
Favorite part about being an OL: My favorite part of being an OL is
meeting the incoming students and making new friends! Orientation
week is full of getting to know people.
Advice and thoughts for new students: As shy and nervous as you
may be, try and open up and get involved in clubs and events. These are
great opportunities to meet people that will become life long friends.
Also take advantage of all the academic resources offered by the school!
Rachel Juritsch
Class Year: Junior
Major: Sustainable Energy Management
Involved in: Sustainable Energy Club, SU Swim Club, Earth Week Planning
Committee, Spring Banquet Planning Committee
Why do you love ESF? Where do I even begin? This college is very unique
and the best out there! It is filled with student and professors that are so
passionate about what they do. We love to give our students free food! We
take a whole week to celebrate Earth Day! They provide us with an
education and experience that will last us a lifetime. I really wouldn’t want to
be at any other college in the world.
Favorite part about being an OL: I get the opportunity to take the First
year students under my wing and help them like I was helped as a freshman.
Going to college is a whole new chapter in your book and I want to make an
impact and better their experience.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Don’t be nervous or scared to come
here. ESF will become your second home. It is full of so many opporunites
to get involved, the friendliest people in the world, and Also, take advantage
of tutors and office hours. Finally, make the best of Orientation Week and
throughout your whole college experience!!
Ronnie Held
Class Year: Junior
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: ERE (Environmental Resource Engineering), NYWEA (New
York Water Environment Association), ESS (Engineering for a Sustainable
Society), USA (Undergraduate Student Association), and an SU club, SASSE
(Students Advocating Sexual Safety and Empowerment)
Why do you love ESF? I absolutely love ESF because of how carefree and
easy going the environment is. There is no pressure to conform and you’re free
to express yourself. The friends I’ve made here are genuine and a constant
source of smiles. I couldn’t be surrounded by a better social group than all of
these tree hugging hippies.
Favorite part about being an OL: I’m most excited to be a role model for all
of the freshman. I admired all of my orientation leaders and still continue to
look up to them. They’re a great resource and even better friends for me. I hope
that my smile and energy are infectious and get the incoming students excited
to begin their first year here at ESF.
Advice and thoughts for new students: My helpful hints for all of the
newbies is don’t be shy. I came to orientation so incredibly nervous when I had
no reason to be. Everyone here is looking to make friends. Just smile, go with
the flow, and embrace all of the kindness that’s coming your way.
Sam Earl
Class Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Biology
Involved in: Director of Programming for the Undergraduate
Student Association, Treasurer for Orange Pulse Dance Troupe,
Work at the Trailhead Café
Why do you love ESF? ESF is great because I can walk to class
and see 10 or 15 people I know on the way. When it’s nice out,
the quad is always bumpin. Trailhead has delicious food, and
Moon is a great place to socialize and do work. There’s free
food all the time (thanks to programming) and Earth Week is the
best week of the year!! Hello Tie-Dye
Favorite part about being an OL: I like watching new
friendships form. Orientation is a happy time full of smiles and
that is one the things I love to do, make people happy.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Take this time to make
friends. Talk to everyone, you might find someone you really
like and they might even be your new best friend forevaaaa.
Sarah Alam El Din
Class Year: Junior
Major: Chemistry
Involved in: Lab research in Dr. Donaghy’s lab, Peer tutor, Dance
works at Syracuse University
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because it always pushes me to be
better than I am, weather it is in academics or in my social life. My
fellow students are some of the nicest people that I have ever meet. I
know that the friends that I have met here are friends that I made for
life.
Favorite part about being an OL: I am super excited to meet new
incoming student, and have the opportunity to share my love with ESF
with them and help them acclimate to this amazing school.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Be open to new experiences
and try as many thigs as you can, you never know what you might like.
Make the best of these four years of your life….they fly by like you
wouldn’t bielve.
Sarah Roa
Class Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Biology
Involved in: Work Study at the Registrars Office, Junior Member of the
Spiritual Life Council, Plant Propagation Club
Why do you love ESF? I love ESF because of all the opportunities you
can find here. From new friends to learning more about what you love (or
even discovering what that is!) youll find a niche here 
Favorite part about being an OL: Helping to bring everyone together! I
can’t wait to meet all the new faces of the school and answer any
questions they may have.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Time moves quickly but don’t
let that get to you. Don’t worry, that homework assignment will get done,
but this moment will only last for as long as you let it.
Savy Kep
Class Year: Junior
Major: Landscape Architecture
Involved in: Landscape Architecture Club, Secretary of Undergraduate Student
Association, Earth Week Committee, Spring Banquet
Why do you love ESF? It’s pretty difficult for me to answer this question because
there are so many reasons for loving ESF. This school was not my first choice and I
honestly chose to come here on a whim after I was denied from my first choice. That
decision however, was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. The students
here are one of the nicest people you will ever meet in your life, it’s like a campus
FOR amazing and talented people. I love this small and close knit community
because I can have my group of friends while still be friends with everyone on
campus and always saying hello to everyone passing by. I’ve only had amazing
experiences here at this school and I’ve never felt luckier finding a place like this.
Favorite part about being an OL: It’s difficult for some people to adjust to a
different environment, especially having to transition to being fully independent. I
remember not wanting to go to amazing events just because I didn’t know anyone,
well, now I want to be the person that they know and make students feel welcome.
Advice and thoughts for new students:
It may be hard at first to adjust, but good things never come too easily. Also,
whatever level of nervousness or uncomfortableness you’re feeling, everyone is
feeling that way, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Everyone just wants to make friends.
Sierra Coathup
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Science
Involved in: Green Campus Initiative, work study at Student Affairs
Why do you love ESF? The people at ESF are kind and passionate
about what they do! Everyone here really seems to want to make a
difference, and it’s great to see.
Favorite part about being an OL: I’m excited to help welcome new
students to our ESF family! Orientation week is crazy fun and full of
activities!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Don’t be afraid to get
involved on campus! Also, if you’re struggling in a class, don’t
hesitate to ask for help. Everyone here wants you to do well and will
do their best to make sure that you have the resources you need to
succeed.
Taylor Brown
Class Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Resources Engineering
Involved in: Engineers Without Borders/Engineering for a Sustainable
Society, Centennial Hall EcoReps, New York Water Environment
Association
Why do you love ESF? The students here really care about each other and
are very supportive. We are passionate about what we do and want everyone
to succeed.
Favorite part about being an OL: Orientation week is one of the best
weeks of the year at ESF and you make great memories. I love being a part
of it and bringing that unmatched OL energy which makes the week so
much fun!
Advice and thoughts for new students: Try out as many clubs and
organizations as you can. It is important to find people who share the same
interests as you and to get involved outside of your classes.
Terrance (TC) Caviness
Class Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Biology
Minors in Environmental Writing and Rhetoric, and
Indigenous Issues and the Environment
Involved in: USA, The Knothole, Work Study, Research
Assistant, Study Abroad, Event planning committees
Why do you love ESF? It really is a great place where each
person can find a place where they belong, and can find what
it is that they love; it allows everyone to be who they want to
be.
Favorite part about being an OL: I love watching new
students fall in love with ESF and everyone here.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Try things outide of
your comfort zone, it will be hard at first but it pays off
tenfold in the long run!
Tom Sullivan
Class Year: Senior
Major: Construction Management
Involved in: Orientation Leader
Why do you love ESF? ESF is a great school with a very
diverse student body. I love to hear about all the interesting
and sometimes fairly weird facts that students have about
things that most people would have never heard of. At ESF
not only do you learn from the Professors, but you also learn
a lot from the students
Favorite part about being an OL: I am a person who likes
to meet new people and help people feel comfortable in a
new environment. Being an OL allows me to do this, while
having a lot of fun.
Advice and thoughts for new students: Come into the school
with an open mind, and try new thing that you’ve never tried
before and you’ll have a great time
Vivian Viscosi Steinbaugh
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Wildlife Science, with a minor in Environmental Writing and
Rhetoric
Involved in: The Wildlife Society, Student Environmental Education
Coalition (SEEC), Food Recovery Network (ESF/SU), AXS Honors
Society, Student Ambassadors, Interning at the Rosamond Gifford
Zoo!
Why do you love ESF? ESF is a really unique school that combines a
focused, challenging, and engaging curriculum with great resources
and a whole bunch of really cool people! ESF is a family of people
who care and who will, and do, change the world.
Favorite part about being an OL: This is my first time, but I am so
psyched to share my love of ESF with all of you and help you have
your best possible experience here!
Advice and thoughts for new students: You may hate to hear this,
but embarrassment does NOT end in high school!! Awkward
moments happen to all of us, all the time; my advice is to learn to
laugh about it and let it roll of your back; you'll enjoy life a lot more
that way!