Before the start of Welcome Week, first-year Arcadia students spent three days connecting through service, cultural exploration, and community building as part of the START (Students Taking Active Responsibility Together) program. 

Run by the Division of Civic and Global Engagement and the Office of Career Education, START provides an opportunity for students interested in connecting with the world beyond campus–including students in Civic Scholars, College2Career Scholars, international student programs, Heights Philadelphia, as well as First Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) and Second Year Study Abroad Experience (SYSAE) students–to meet one another, learn more about the Glenside and Philadelphia areas, and volunteer. Study Abroad Advisor Wilfredo “Freddy” Amill ’18 and seven student leaders helped guide the experience.

“Being a part of a community is crucial to success for many people,” said Amill. “The feeling of belonging increases a person’s likelihood of thriving in that community. I believe START is so important because it provides a chance for students to begin that process in a way that’s a little less overwhelming than when campus is fully populated. They are able to connect and shake off some of those first-year nerves as they make lifelong friends, learn our values, and weave themselves into the fabric of the Arcadia community.”

Students moved in on Sunday, Aug. 17,  and began with a welcome dinner and activity and optional karaoke hosted by student leaders. The following days included a volunteer project at Glenside Elementary School, where students assisted teachers in preparing classrooms, and a trip to Philadelphia that featured a mural tour and lunch at Reading Terminal Market.

“The educational mural tour of Philadelphia is a must for both Philly natives and newcomers alike,” Director of Career Education Dr. Cynthia Nichols said. “The city represents countless historical firsts, including its civil rights activism, vibrant arts scene, and its healthcare innovation.”

The experience culminated with a so-called Opportunities Dinner in Grey Towers Castle, where students learned about campus programs such as Preview the World, FYSAE, and community-based work-study opportunities.

“My favorite part of START is connecting with the new students and watching them break out of their comfort zones and interacting with new people across lines of difference,” said International Student Specialist and Study Abroad Advisor Jessica Doyle Ketterlinus. “By the time we end the program, students have made new friends, inside jokes, and gotten to learn a bit about Arcadia and Philadelphia.”

That sense of community was at the heart of student leaders’ efforts as well.

“As a former participant in START, I experienced firsthand how impactful strong student leaders can be in making the program more enjoyable and meaningful,” said student leader Gauri Chopra ’27. “My favorite part of the role was watching new friendships blossom each day and seeing students gradually come out of their shells.”

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in my community and on campus, and this is a great way to do it,” added student leader Mo Elbahwati ’28. “I enjoyed being a resource and mentoring incoming students and the younger generation. It’s another one of the many resources on campus designed to give students experiences and opportunities to make the most out of their time here/ with the community.”