I joined the Tabor community last year as new junior from Maryland. Suffice to say, it was not easy!
I was at a boarding school I loved and had a wonderful group of friends, but my parents thought it would be best for me to attend Tabor. When I stepped onto Tabor’s campus, I did not know what to expect and I didn’t know anyone. I remember feeling nervous and a bit overwhelmed. That feeling stuck with me until I attended a dinner for new juniors. There, a senior told us that we would make new friends easily if we were friendly by waving, holding doors open, and putting ourselves out there. I personally did not find success in this advice, but I did find success in trying new things and connecting with adults on campus to help me through my difficult transition. It was slow at first, but over time things improved.
Mrs. Salit became one of the adults I looked to for help in those early days and throughout the year. Last spring, I shared with her that I hoped to help new juniors have an easier time integrating than I had. She was receptive to my preliminary ideas, and together we began to meet to formalize a new junior orientation program for Tabor. Mrs. Salit and I stayed in touch over the summer, finalizing the meetings and activities we wanted to incorporate for the new juniors from the class of 2021.
“The best thing about this program is that it was student initiated,” said Mrs. Salit. “The new juniors from last fall saw a need and wanted to help! Taylor and others have worked hard to help this new class of students become acclimated to Tabor, have answered countless questions, and have really taken this group under their wings as they become Seawolves. I am so proud of them for giving of their time, including a sleep in (!), to provide guidance, support, and understanding to these new students during their first weeks of school.”
One new junior, Liam Lawless remarked, "The new junior orientation program provided me help and resources that made the transition into a new school much easier and enjoyable." After the orientation ended, senior volunteer Emily Mello thanked us for developing the program, and wished she had been provided the opportunity last year.
We have a dinner planned in October with the same group to make sure everything is going great.
It is my sincere hope that this program continues after I graduate so all new juniors can enjoy an easier transition to life at Tabor.
