Exploring a Post-Pandemic USA!
New Mind was delighted to welcome the Fall ‘22 cohorts to the United States! For the first time since the pandemic, operations have returned to fully in-person.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
During this week-long event, students were challenged to push themselves - both physically and mentally - by engaging in new activities and experiences. The first big challenge was a high ropes challenge course in Schenck Forest where students learned the importance of teamwork and communication while overcoming perceived barriers. The experience was described by some as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life” as well as “the best experience of my life!”
The fun continued with an Edible Derby challenge in which teams had to make cars out of food items and then race them down an inclined slope to see how far they would go. Creativity and speaking skills were on display (along with much laughter!) as issues of design were considered. Teams presented their cars to the entire group and then fielded questions from the audience.
The students also had a fun time walking around NC State’s main campus and Centennial Campus, home to the world famous Hunt Library. There, they observed the Bookbot (book robot) retrieve books and had fun trying out all the different colorful chairs in this unique space.
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Our Global Honors Program (GHP) students began their self-discovery and career journey as graduate students early on in orientation.
Challenged to “begin with the end in mind”, students shared their wishes and hopes for their first semester, year, and post-graduation by developing personal mission statements. They also discovered their personal preferences and explored techniques for engaging with different personalities through our MBTI session.
Excited to get started early, our cohort enjoyed a personalized session with a GHP career counselor, and learned about navigating internship and job opportunities as an International student.
Finally, with the beautiful weather during orientation, students had fun walking around Wake Forest University’s main Reynolda campus, navigating the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, and enjoying meals at the Benson University Center.
Of course, no orientation would be complete without FOOD! Everyone had the opportunity to try out new dishes as well as visit local supermarkets to buy supplies for their kitchens and stock up on comfort foods from home. Students enjoyed a variety of dishes including southern barbeque, Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese and had the chance to experience a typical American restaurant.
New student orientation was an excellent time for the students to form and strengthen relationships with their classmates and advisors while learning about university expectations. They also activated their curiosity through exploring their new surroundings and asking lots of great questions.
At the end of the week, everyone was happily tired but confident that they could meet any future challenge they would encounter during their first year at the university!