HWS News
22 April 2024 Meet the 2024 Orientation Coordinators
Joey Tello Galicia ’25 and Jill VanLare ’26 are ready to welcome the Class of 2028 to campus.
As an incoming student, what can you expect when you get to HWS?
Ask Orientation Coordinators Joey Tello Galicia ’25 and Jill VanLare ’26, who will spend the summer planning a welcoming, exciting first week for new students - and documenting the process on Instagram @hwsstudentengagement and on Tik Tok @hwsorientation.
Reflecting on her time at HWS so far, VanLare says, “I got to be exactly where I needed to be for college. I couldn’t be more thankful that I came here and I can’t wait to introduce first-years to our community.”
“Orientation is a marathon, not a sprint,” Tello Galicia says. “You’ll have the opportunity to meet so many people and make connections. My advice is to keep exploring, keep trying, keep expanding.”
HWS’ weeklong Orientation helps students settle into residence halls, get acquainted with campus, and meet roommates and advisors. During Orientation, students will also participate in a two-day program called “SPARK!” that offers an opportunity to explore a topic of local interest, such as regional history, food and art, while being immersed in HWS’ approach to experiential learning.
This summer, Tello Galicia and VanLare will assemble a team of student Orientation Leaders and Mentors who will welcome and introduce all entering students and their families to Hobart and William Smith. “O-Team” members will facilitate new student outreach during the first three weeks of the semester, providing on-going support, encouragement and resources to new students in collaboration with the Office of Campus Life.
“One thing students can get excited about right now is meeting your Orientation Mentor. They’re excited to meet you. They’re going to be there for you and they’re ready to answer your questions,” VanLare says.
VanLare is a philosophy major and dance minor. On campus, she is a civic leader in the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, where she coordinates an HWS Tutor Corps site. She also works for the Dance Department, the Office of Admissions and the William Smith Dean’s Office. She is an executive board member of Kinetic Dance Collective, which hosts one of the biggest club events of the year — a student choreographed dance concert.
Tello Galicia is a history and anthropology double major and Italian studies minor. He is the Vice President of the Latin American Student Organization. On campus, he works in the Center for Community Engagement and as a tutor. He also participates in the Campus Activities Board.
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