Head SOCs lead summer orientation for incoming Warriors

Each summer, a select group of students takes on the important role of welcoming the incoming class of Eastern Warriors to campus. These student orientation counselors (SOCs) guide the first-time college students through Eastern's overnight summer orientation program known as SOAR, which ran in six sessions this June and July. Leading the effort were head SOCs Michael Hemmings and Abby Gallacher. 

“SOCs always talk about how much we enjoy what we do, not because it looks good on a resume, but because we are helping the incoming students get accustomed to life at Eastern,” said Hemmings, a rising senior studying communication, film, and theatre (CFT). “I enjoy being a helping hand, and this year I got to do that not only for the students but also for my peers.” 

Hemmings and Gallacher, working under Director of New Student and Family Programs Alyssa Duffy, led a team of 18 SOCs and helped coordinate a positive orientation experience for more than 1,000 incoming Warriors. 

Their responsibilities extended far beyond the six SOAR sessions. The duo prepared and led a two-week SOAR training session for all SOCs, ensuring that each student leader was prepared to answer questions, build connections, and foster a positive experience for incoming students.  

They also had a role in hiring this year’s SOCs, chosen for their campus involvement, leadership, and enthusiasm for campus life. 

“Everyday looks slightly different,” explained Gallacher, a rising senior studying biology and health sciences. “During SOAR sessions, it can include meeting with parents and families of students, checking in on both students and SOCs, as well as background preparation.” 

SOAR 

During SOAR, the class of 2030 explored campus, registered for classes, learned more about Eastern’s majors and minors, stayed overnight in Constitution Hall, and socialized with future peers. Orientation is the first test of residential college life for both students and their families.

Vice President for Student Affairs Michelle Delaney related parents’ nerves to her own experience. “I stand before you as a parent,” she said. “My own children have lived in these residence halls and learned in these classrooms. We look forward to getting to know the exceptional young people you have raised, and helping to provide them with a rich array of opportunities.” 

“The education they receive here will not only prepare them for a career,” she added. “Much more importantly, it will prepare them for life.” 

Eastern President Karim Ismaili also addressed students and families. “This is a place where students are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to become the very best version of themselves,” he said. 

Ismaili’s advice to incoming students was simple. “Ask questions, introduce yourself, and begin building relationships that will shape your experience here.” 

Michael Hemmings 

Beyond academics, Head SOC Michael Hemmings competes on Eastern’s track and field team, serves as treasurer for the M.A.L.E.S student organization, which stands for Men Achieving Leadership, Excellence, and Success, and will serve as manager of the Campus Activity Board (CAB) this fall. 

Hemmings believes current students play a unique role in helping newcomers navigate their transition into college. 

“Our interactions and experiences are a lot closer to what theirs will be,” he said. “It helps information resonate with them.” 

One of the most rewarding parts of the role, he said, has been seeing the excitement of students and families. 

“This year we have had the opportunity to interact with parents more than in the past and to see the sheer excitement of their students coming to Eastern," he said. “I have also experienced students asking how they can become SOCs (in the future) because the experience they had was so good.” 

Abby Gallacher 

Abby Gallacher, a rising senior in biology and health sciences, also brings extensive leadership experience into the role. She previously worked as a university tour guide at the Office of Admissions and serves as the vice president of the Honors Club. 

For Gallacher, choosing to be a SOC was simple: “We get to be some of the first people to welcome first-year students and get them acclimated to their new home,” she said.  

"Student leaders are able to connect with new students through their shared experiences. ... Through these connections, students are more comfortable reaching out and getting involved.” 

Gallacher recalled seeing a student transform from timid to confident within their two-day SOAR session.  

“SOAR can be intimidating to new students, with information being given from every direction,” she said. “The bonds formed in small group sessions make the transition to Eastern much easier.” 

Hemmings and Gallacher took the responsibilities of their campus job to heart, helping students begin their Eastern journey with confidence. By sharing their experiences, leading by example, and creating a welcoming environment, they embody what it means to be a Warrior.