Orientation Leaders
Name: Ainsley Mackenzie
Major: Cybersecurity
Hometown: New Fairfield, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter, Transfer
Advice: Do not to be afraid to ask for help. Transitioning to a college campus can be difficult and confusing – you’re not alone! There are plenty of resources both on the WCSU webpage as well as in person. Every faculty member is here to help you. Use them!
Name: Amani Owens
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Hometown: Hartford, CT
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Resident, Grasso Hall
Advice: Be yourself and be involved. Embrace your unique qualities and find opportunities to share them with others through clubs, organizations, and events on campus. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone – you never know what new interests and passions you may discover.
Name: Baxter Page
Major: Biology
Hometown: Newtown, CT
Year in School: Sophomore
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to meet people, and make new friends.
Name: Charles Wimer
Major: History
Hometown: Danbury, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Get involved on campus. There is a place for everyone at WCSU, you just have to find it!
Name: Derrick Tavares
Major: Financial Management
Hometown: New Fairfield, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Get involved early, join a club, find an on campus job. Extracurriculars enhance the college experience and provide important skills and learning opportunities.
Name: DJ Barry
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Wolcott, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Advice: buckle up for the adventure!
Name: Erin Lowenadler
Major: Secondary Education: English
Hometown: Bethel, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: I encourage every student at WCSU to step out of their comfort zone and work toward their goals diligently. Our campus is small, but we have so many resources, individuals, and opportunities that only encourage you to grow. Taking small steps toward your goals at a pace in which YOU are comfortable is what matters the most. Ask questions, be engaged, and get involved! The sky is the limit!
Name: Ezaan Khan
Major: Biology
Hometown: Brookfield, CT
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: College is what you put into it, focus on your academics but don’t forget that there are a plethora of events and activities you can participate in during your free time!
Name: Faythe Thibodeau
Major: Master of Science in Special Education
Hometown: West Haven, CT
Year in School: Grad School, first year
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Put yourself out there and get involved as soon as possible.
Name: Gabriela Torres
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Year in School: Sophomore
Resident or Commuter: Resident, Fairfield Hall
Advice: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Try classes and programs that you might not normally be interested in. Stay positive, work hard, and success will be knocking on your door. Most importantly join clubs ! Find people that make you feel like yourself and like you belong. In order to battle loneliness and homesickness during your first year of college, you must establish that social network.
Name: Gisleny Hernandez
Major: Finance
Hometown: Southbury, CT
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Get involved on campus. There are many organizations and clubs to join!
Name: Jaedon P. Wolfe
Major: DIMA Computer Science
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter, Transfer
Advice: Learn proper time management as soon as possible.
Name: Kaitlin Merna
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Verplanck, NY
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Resident – Centennial Hall
Advice: Getting involved on campus is worth it. A part of college is about making memories and experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life. WCSU has something for everyone, you will be able to find whatever interests you. Additionally, work towards your dreams and don’t let anyone get in your way. You are here for you, so do what makes you the happiest.
Name: Kyra Cummins
Major: Professional Writing
Hometown: Brookfield, CT
Year in School: Sophomore
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Advice I’d give to new students would be to trust themselves, you are capable of more than you think!
Name: Maia Quirk
Major: Financial Management
Hometown: New Milford, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Be yourself and be involved! The scariest thing is trying to meet new people so join clubs or activities that align with your interests and don’t be afraid to talk to new people!
Name: Maira Ramirez
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Wingdale, NY
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Resident, Grasso Hall
Advice: Don’t stress about the friends you’re going to make, everything eventually falls into place.
Name: Michael Azzi
Major: Justice & Law Administration
Hometown: New Fairfield, CT
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Take advantage of all the resources here at WCSU. Whether it be the Counseling Center, Health Services, or any club/organization, make the most out of your time here.
Name: Samantha Romano
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Manalapan, NJ
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Resident, Pinney Hall
Advice: It’s okay to be anxious and a little uncomfortable when you first start college, it’s a new experience! What’s important is that you put your mental health first and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect!
Name: Sharon McCarthy
Major: Biology
Hometown: Woodbury, CT
Year in School: Senior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter, Transfer
Advice: My advice to incoming students is to get involved. It creates a whole different experience at college when you get involved. We are lucky to have such a great community here, don’t waste it!
Name: Sorreea Gagnebin
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Danbury, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: My advice is to get involved with clubs early on to find yourself a community of people with similar interests. You can be part of making our campus a lively place!
Name: Tiffani Saunders
Major: Elementary Education & Psychology
Hometown: New Milford, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Resident, Centennial Hall
Advice: Step out of your comfort zone and get involved around campus! Joining clubs and attending events can be extremely nerve racking; however, taking that initial step will open a door of opportunities. Participating in campus activities and joining clubs is a great way to make the most of your college experience!
Name: Vince Diesta
Major: Accounting & Management Information Systems
Hometown: Brookfield, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Commuter
Advice: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Starting college is one of the biggest decisions you must make in your life, so you should take full advantage of it. Find a community you belong too and branch out! You never know what opportunities you have available until you ask someone.
Name: Ycelsa Soriano Paulino
Major: Professional Writing
Hometown: Danbury, CT
Year in School: Sophomore
Resident or Commuter: Commuter, Transfer
Advice: Put yourself out there take advantage of the opportunities that WCSU offers to you.
Name: Zayda Greer
Major: BFA Musical Theatre
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Year in School: Junior
Resident or Commuter: Resident
Advice: Advice I have for incoming students would be to take advantage of your resources and put yourself out there! There are a lot of opportunities for student employment, volunteer work, and lots of places that make student life a lot easier! It will help you get to know your fellow student body and faculty. The more active you are on campus; the more opportunities will come your way! You won’t regret it.