This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northwestern chapter.
Name: Orko Manna
Major: Journalism and Legal Studies
Hometown: Libertyville, IL
What made you want to join the board for Wildcat Welcome?
I wanted to apply for the Wildcat Welcome Board of Directors because, as a Peer Adviser for two years, I fell in love with the community of student leaders. Everyone is so genuine and caring – and just being in a room with some of those people has provided me with some of my best memories in college. And Wildcat Welcome itself is such an important part of the new student transition to Northwestern. I feel that the goals and missions of the Office of New Student and Family Programs are extremely important, and being on the Board, I had the opportunity to help shape the experience, and to make it more of a process, instead of just a “program.”
What was the best experience during Wildcat Welcome this year?
It’s hard for me to pick the best experience of Wildcat Welcome this year! Every moment was so rewarding and such a joy, and I’ve never felt closer to my peers or to the university. I think one of my favorite experiences was definitely Purple Pride, when all new students and PAs get to get a true dose of wildcat spirit! Also, it was pretty fun to help teach the new student dance to everyone!
How is it different to be going through WW versus being on the board?
Going through Wildcat Welcome as a Board member is definitely a different experience. I think there are so many things you don’t necessarily think about as a PA or new student – like more logistical things. I also feel like I was able to understand the inner workings of the university in a way that I never thought I would be able to. Additionally, the professional staff of NSFP is super cool, and to get to work with them on basically a daily basis for nine months was an extremely fun learning experience for us.
If you could pick one thing every NU student should do, what would it be?
One thing every NU student should do is take at least one class that is completely out of their comfort zone. College is a time to try new things, and you don’t really know what you love to do unless you’ve tested the waters in a variety of different areas. I look an English class one quarter that focused more on film portrayals of futuristic societies – and it was crazy weird but super cool too!
Describe your ideal Saturday.
My ideal Saturday is waking up at about noon. I would eat a brunch (I LOVE TO EAT) that consists of scrambled eggs, french toast, sausage, blueberries, strawberries and LOTS of bacon. I’d go to South Beach with some of my friends, and throw a volleyball around and swim in the water. We’d then go to the lakefill and watch the sun set and listen to a fun playlist on Spotify. Then we’d drive over to the McDonald’s on Dempster and get a bunch of burgers and fries and eat and chill. Then we’d go back to someones apartment and watch a horror movie on Netflix. Then I’d go home and sleep.