Nicholas Romero – SOS Coordinator and How to Get Involved Successfully Orienting Transfer Students!

Nicholas Romero is a junior industrial engineering and economics student with a history of involvement at Auburn. Head of the Student Alumni Board from 2010-2011, Nick is currently one of the coordinators of Successfully Orienting Students, the transfer student orientation program. The Student Alumni Board runs the Student Alumni Association on campus, which is the student chapter of the national Auburn Alumni Association.

HCAuburn: What does the SOS program do on campus?

Nick: Successfully Orienting Students or SOS, for short, is a one day orientation program for incoming transfer students. During these one day sessions, which are held throughout the year, Orientation Leaders in the program are responsible for giving incoming transfer students campus tours, relaying important Auburn information, and showing what it takes to become a successful Auburn student.

HCAuburn: What made you want to get involved with SOS?

Nick: With SOS I wanted the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives, especially considering that for many transfer students, their SOS session is their first real experience as an Auburn student. Therefore, Orientation Leaders have a huge opportunity to start their transfers’ Auburn experience off in a positive or negative way, depending on our actions. I realized that this opportunity was huge, and I really wanted to be a part of it.

HCAuburn: What is the most rewarding thing about being involved with a student organization for you?

Nick: In my mind, the most rewarding part is getting an opportunity to meet so many new people. These new people are from all different backgrounds and have so many different experiences to share. Getting to know them can really be enjoyable, and I have found some of my best friends here at Auburn through the organizations I have been involved with.

HCAuburn: Why do you think the Student Alumni Board is beneficial to both students and alumni?

Nick: The Student Alumni Board benefits students and alumni in multiple ways. For students, we are normally the first organization many Auburn students join. Therefore, through our organization, we have the first chance to let them get involved on Auburn’s campus if they choose to do so. On the other side, we benefit alumni by hosting multiple alumni events throughout the year, such as the Lifetime Achievement Awards, Minority Alumni Involvement Now (MAIN) functions and Golden Eagles reception.

HCAuburn: How can interested students participate/apply for in SOS?

Nick: If a new student is looking to get involved with SOS, applications will be out next year around September. The application process consists of two interviews which are then followed by Callouts on the back steps of Cater Hall. We encourage all students who are either transfer students or at least sophomores at Auburn to apply.