Abby St. Martin (she/her) is a senior Public Health major from Putnam, CT and a returning Orientation Leader! She is a Presidential Student Ambassador and a member of the Senior Class Committee, Public Health Club, the Women’s Basketball Team, the Honors program, and the Athlete Mentor program. Abby came to Worcester State because of the small, diverse campus, athletic programs, and amazing education. Her advice for first-year students? Get involved! It is so important and you get to meet life long friends doing the things you love!
Aliza Solivan (she/her) is a senior Psychology major from Lawrence, MA, and a returning Orientation Leader! She came to Worcester State because it provided an affordable education and she wanted to go to college in a city. Aliza’s favorite parts of Worcester State are the friends that she has made, living on campus, and the amazing professors. Her advice to first-year students? Never ever ever give up and keep trying – it’s worth the ride!
Camara Hilton (she/her) is a senior Elementary Education major from Worcester, MA, and a returning Orientation Leader! She is a Tour Guide with the Office of Admissions. Camara came to Worcester State because of the affordable education and its close location to home. Her advice for first-year students? College is not like high school. Developing time management is key once you start taking classes and looking into getting a job or playing a sport. Also, take your first year to find explore your interests and take your time.
Elaine Asamoah (she/her) is a senior Communication and Visual and Performing Arts major from Worcester, MA! She is a member of the Intercultural Student Alliance, Black Student Union, Student Government Association, and Photography Club. Elaine came to Worcester State because of the affordable education. Her advice for first-year students? Explore campus! The campus might feel big but once you begin exploring campus and finding out where officers are, you will be able to assimilate to campus life.
Fayez Alshammaa (he/him) is a sophomore Biology major from Shrewsbury, MA! He came to Worcester State because he wanted a community where he could connect with professors and not just be another face in the classroom. Fayez’s favorite part of Worcester State is the size of campus because nothing is too far away.
Gillian McDonald (she/her) is a junior English major from Sutton, MA! She is a student employee in the Academic Success Center, a member of the women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, a member of the Student Senate, and a participant in the Circles of Leadership program. Gillian came to Worcester State because it has a great education program, is affordable, and accommodates commuter students. Her advice for first-year students? Join clubs that interest you!
Grace Gaddie (she/her) is a sophomore Business major from the city of Abidjan, located on the coast of West Africa! She is a member of the Black Student Union, Women’s Circle, AID program, First Generation Nation, and a student employee in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Grace came to Worcester State becuase her sister attended in the past. Her advice for first-year students? Stay on top of the work! Complete it as it’s assigned and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Hiba Nazzal (she/her) is a junior Biotechnology major from Shrewsbury, MA! She is a member of Woo Serve and the Pre-Health Club, and a participant in the Circles of Leadership program. Hiba came to Worcester State because she wanted to stay close to home. Her advice for first-year students? Take everything one at a time; it’s okay to ask for help because everyone wants to help you graduate and do the things you love.
Iteoluwakiisi Talabi (she/her) is a junior Nursing major from Lagos, Nigeria! She is a member of the Intercultural Student Alliance and Student Nurses Association. Kiisi came to Worcester State because of the excellent nursing program. Her advice for first-year students? Get involved on campus! This will help you build your leadership skills and make connections across campus.
Johnathon Beford (he/him) is a sophomore Public Health major from Leicester, MA! He is a member of Dance Company and a participant in the Circles of Leadership program. John came to Worcester State because it was close, affordable, and welcoming. His advice for first-year students? Get involved and apply yourself, join a club, talk to that person, stay after with your professor and ask for extra opportunities.
June Wholey (she/her) is a sophomore Communication Sciences and Disorders major from Tyngsboro, MA! She is a member of Woo Serve, a Tour Guide with the Admissions Department, and a member of the university honors program. June came to Worcester State because of the lively campus and the inclusive feel; it is just the right size to find people who can help you grow. Her advice for first-year students? Step outside your comfort zone. Taking that step and being uncomfortable will help you grow so much as a person and build confidence in your work.
Kambi Obiegbunam (she/her) is a sophomore Business Administration major from Lagos, Nigeria! She is a member of the Black Student Union and Intercultural Student Association. Kambi came to Worcester State because of the diversity among students and the resources that are available to everyone. Her advice for first-year students? It might be hard, but it’s not the end of the world. Also, don’t procrastinate! You’ll forget!
Katarina Precobb (she/her) is a sophomore Communications major from Wrentham, MA! She is a member of the women’s Hockey Team and will be a Resident Assistant in the fall. Kat came to Worcester State because she wanted to continue playing hockey and Worcester State felt like home. Her advice for first-year students? Friendships are going to change over the years. Not everyone is going to be your type of person, so don’t take anything personally.
Keila Carmona (she/her) is a senior Business Administration major from Worcester, MA! She is a Resident Assistant and works for the Office of Residence Life. Keila came to Worcester State because she wanted a place where she could fit in. Her advice for first-year students? Try and go to different clubs or athletic events, and get involved on campus.
Kody Osborne (they/he) is a junior Psychology major from Webster, MA! He is a Resident Assistant in Sheehan Hall. Kody came to Worcester State because he was ready to move out of his parent’s house and he enjoyed the community. Their advice for first-year students? Trust the process and pay attention. Nothin is more beneficial to you on this campus than looking into your resources and understanding your options.
Kyram Pou (he/him) is a senior Communication major from Worcester, MA! He is a member of Student Government, the 2025 Class Committee, Photography Club, Intercultural Alliance, Boba Club, the university honors program, a participant in the Circles of Leadership program, and next year’s Student Trustee. Kyram came to Worcester State because it is close to home and he felt comfortable at a smaller school where there is more room for creativity, networking, and academic growth and success. His advice for first-year students? Consider getting involved! Being involved can create many connections and open lots of doors.
Lily Givner (she/her) is a senior Biology major from Oxford, MA! She is a Resident Assistant and a SAVE Peer Leadership program member. Lily came to Worcester State because it was a financially responsible decision and offered the major she wanted to explore. Her advice for first-year students? Find yourself as an individual. You are no longer in high school!
Lily Morgan (she/her) is a senior double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Paxton, MA! She is a member of the Criminal Justice Club, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Senate, the honors program, Circles of Leadership participant, Tour Guide, and next year’s SGA President. Lily came to Worcester State because it is close to home affordable, and offers a Criminal Justice program. Her advice for first-year students? Get involved with clubs, it’s worth it!
Makayla Collins (she/her) is a sophomore Nursing major from Dudley, MA! She is a member of the Student Nurses Association. Makayla came to Worcester State because of its amazing Nursing program. Her advice for first-year students? Don’t stress, it’s not easy but learn to battle your stress constructively rather than destructively.
Maria Delia (she/her) is a junior Computer Sciences and Business Administration major from Tirana, Albania! She is a member of the honors program, a tutor in the Math Center, and loves to attend campus events. Maria came to Worcester State because her family members had positive campus experiences, it was close to home, and she liked the affordability and campus. Her advice for first-year students? Don’t procrastinate! Leaving most things to the last minute will be your enemy in college, especially during the last month of the semester when finals are quickly approaching.
Megan McDowell-Arnold (she/her) is a senior Occupational Therapy major from Sterling, MA! She is a member of the LGBTQ+ Alliance, Criminal Justice Club, and Student Occupational Therapy Association. Megan came to Worcester State because it was close and she could commute to save money and the five-year OT program. Her advice for first-year students? Go to office hours and reach out to professors, the majority of them are very understanding and want you to succeed. You just need to take the initiative and effort to ask or reach out for support, but it is there. It’s all about responsibility.
Natalie Nayfeh (she/her) is a sophomore Psychology major from Dudley, MA! She is a member of the honors program and the Chess Club. Natalie came to Worcester State because it had a good academic program for her major. Her advice for first-year students? Don’t stay in your dorm room! Visit with others and step out of your comfort zone.
Paige Burke (she/her) is a sophomore double major in Psychology and Theater from Spencer, MA! She plans on joining Dance Company next semester. Paige came to Worcester State because she likes being close to home. Her advice for first-year students? It’s okay to be nervous! College is a big jump and there are so many people to guide you through it.
Palwasha Khan (she/her) is a sophomore Biology major from Worcester, MA! She is a member of the Muslim Student Association, honors program, and Circles of Leadership participant. Palwasha came to Worcester State because she felt most at home at WSU. Her advice for first-year students? Make the most out of college, and don’t waste a single second. Make sure to leave these four years with no regrets of what could’ve been or what-ifs.
Reham Nazzal (she/her) is a sophomore Nursing major from Worcester, MA! She is a member of Woo Serve, the campus service club. Reham came to Worcester State because of the high NCLEX pass rate in the Nursing program. Her advice for first-year students? Try your best and everything should work itself out in the end.
Sarah Moniz (she/her) is a sophomore Occupational Therapy major from Fall River, MA! She is a member of the Cheer Team, Student Occupational Therapy Association, Best Buddies, honors program, a Circles of Leadership participant, and a student employee in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development. Sarah came to Worcester State because of the opportunity to remain at WSU for her graduate program and the campus and involvement opportunities. Her advice for first-year students? Try your best not to stress the college experience. There are hundreds of other students who are feeling similar emotions to you, everybody is diving into uncharted territory. So give it time! You will find your people and your own ways to get involved.
Victor Martinez (he/him) is a sophomore Nursing major from Worcester, MA! He is a tur guide and works for Conference and Event Services. Victor came to Worcester State because of the campus community and the strong Nursing program. His advice for first-year students? Work hard and be friendly with everyone no matter where they come from.
Vivian Nguyen (she/her) is a senior Business Administration major from Worcester, MA! She is a member of the Military Affairs and Veterans Club and Asian “Boba” Club. Vivian came to Worcester State to complete her degree and attend Officer Candidate School for the military. Her advice for first-year students? Join clubs that interest you because that is where you will find your people.
Viviana Pruitt (she/her) is a sophomore Elementary Education major from Westerly, Rhode Island! She is a member of the Cheer Team. Viv came to Worcester State because of the amazing teaching program. Her advice for first-year students? Don’t be scared! There are many resources to help you through every step of the way.
