Every summer thousands of students make their way to Appalachian State University for their new student orientation. Orientation sessions are run by roughly 20 undergraduate students that are called SOULS; student orientation undergraduate leaders. Nancye Edwards is a second year SOUL and is one of the reasons Appalachian State University orientation is so unique.
“I wanted to help others feel welcome at home as they entered into the Appalachian Family. As a freshman, I recognized how exciting and overwhelming college can be,” Nancye said about why she wanted to become a SOUL. Nancye is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina and chose Appalachian State University for the accepting students and because it is a learning environment inside and outside of the classroom.
As for being a SOUL for two summers in a row, Nancye has always been excited to be a resource for new SOULs and show them encouragement. To become a SOUL there is first an application and then two interview rounds which result in the roughly 20 undergraduate students chosen to become leaders. This year 24 students were selected. SOULs begin their orientation days at 7:30 a.m. and can go until 11:00 p.m. some sessions or until 3:00 p.m. SOULs help with icebreaker games, questions, and help build schedules for new students.
Nancye claims that the most challenging part of her job is learning how to control her energy to meet the needs of incoming students. She is frequently asked about how she has so much energy. However, the most fun part of the job are the icebreaker games because the students get to make connections and have fun. “I gained an understanding of others and learned how to help serve all kinds of people,” Nancye said.
When Nancye isn’t spending time training for SOUL, her favorite place to hang out in Boone is Moses Cone on the Blue Ridge Parkway as well as having a yummy meal at Melanies. If you’re walking around campus you may even find her hanging out in her favorite spot, Sanford Mall. Aside from being a SOUL, Nancye has also recently been elected the President of APP-SI and the social and fundraising chair for the all-female a cappella group The Mountain Ayres.
Nancye’s best piece of advice to new students at Appalachian State University is to not be afraid to try new things. When asked what the most rewarding part of being a SOUL is, Nancye answered, “The most rewarding part of being a SOUL is seeing students I had over the summer throughout the school year. I always ask my students how their first year at ASU is going and I love hearing them talk about all the reasons why they have fallen in love with Appalachian.”
Look for Nancye around Boone this summer!