Move-in day was a little less of a chore, thanks to Vernon Gooden, Annedore Oberborbeck, and Amina Royster. (Photo by Clara Jackson)

I am seeing people coming together. It feels so weird to see them meeting each other for the first time, because it's surreal to picture yourself being in their shoes just one year ago. As an orientation leader, there have been two events that have really touched me. The first was when we took the drama class out to coffee as a way of getting to know them. I looked over at my friend Dawn, who had this really glazed look on her face, and after awhile, she said with such tenderness, "They're meeting for the first time." She realized they were starting a journey she had begun two years ago. It was very moving.

The other experience was the luncheon with all the new international students. The discussion took many different routes, and soon people started sharing their idea of art and being an artist, and their culture. And the fact that we were all able to share our feelings and bridge gaps brought tears to my eyes. I have had to give 100 percent to this experience, and the old saying is right: Give and you will receive. I have received so much from these new students, and feel that I grow as a person with each day. So, to the Class of 2006: thank you for a wonderful week!

—Kambi Gathesha