Warm Welcome 2023

I helped incoming freshman move into the LLC from 9 am to 1 pm. This was apart of my responsibilities for Weeks of Welcome.

Helped incoming students and their families move into their residence hall.

The direct service that I completed, during the 2023 Warm Welcome, was that I assisted freshmen and sophomores, and their families, as they moved in to their dorms for the academic year. This included helping them unload their vehicles to transport their belongings to their rooms, as well as answering any questions parents might have had about involvement, directions, etc. The population I served was primarily minority studies, Hispanic and/or African American, ages 17-19. The immediate reaction to my group being there was overwhelming relief, as many of the parents were older and it was extremely hot outside. Being able to have more hands to move more items at once was greatly appreciated by each parent I encountered. What I learned about the community I served, was that many students were nervous about leaving college and venturing upon a new experience away from home. I too was nervous leaving my parents, so I was able to ease their mind and their parents about what was to come. I worked as part of a team during this experience, and even though I know many students on campus, I was able to meet different student leaders in other organizations. It ultimately aided my experience by helping me to see how even in the hot conditions, and the wear and tear moving was putting on our bodies, how other people find joy in the servant work that they do for others. The person overseeing the service opportunity was Dr. MK Tyler, who serves as the Director for Student Leadership and Involvement at the University of Memphis. Dr. Tyler did a wonderful job of preparing us during training, but also during the service on what our responsibilities were, as well as the best approach to already frazzles parents and students. She equipped us with the tools to provide a stress free environment that helped us move as many studies in as quickly as possible.

I really enjoyed helping everyone move in.

Rebekah Fahey  3 years ago Hi Ya'Mese, please update your reflection according to the guiding questions on page 18 of the EL Handbook.

The carts we used this year were a very big help. We haven't had those in the past.

I loved helping the freshman move into their dorms. It’s was fun connecting with the students!