After moving into their residence halls at Randolph-Macon College, 42 of the newest Yellow Jackets —41 freshmen and one transfer—took part in a pre-orientation retreat during
RMC’s Welcome Week. The four-day event, called LAUNCH, was designed to be engaging and challenging, and to prepare incoming students for college life. Hosted by RMC’s Student Transitions Office, LAUNCH took place August 28 – September 1, 2016 at Westview on the James Camp and Retreat Center in Goochland, Virginia.

Making Connections
At Westview, LAUNCH participants worked together as they participated in zip lining, water trampoline, and ropes courses activities. In addition, they journaled, hiked, and met with student-mentors who gave advice on how to get the most out of college life. Working together in small “challenge groups,” they also planned and cooked their own meals.

Kelly Merrill, director of Student Transitions, says, “LAUNCH is a terrific way for our newest students to bond and get to know each other through teambuilding activities. The transition to college can be overwhelming at times—and LAUNCH was a great opportunity for new Yellow Jackets to unplug their cell phones and connect with nature and each other.”

Several Randolph-Macon staff and faculty members gave presentations during LAUNCH, including Sociology Professor Jack Trammell, Chaplain Kendra Grimes, and Cindy Szadokierski ’81, executive director of The Edge. This comprehensive, four-year program focuses on personal and academic development and provides graduates with a competitive advantage when competing for jobs and top graduate schools.

Szadokierski also moderated a panel discussion that featured alumni JoJo McDuffie ’06 and Akeem Holmes ’15. All three shared personal stories about how RMC prepared them for success, and they encouraged students to stay dedicated to academic and personal goals.

James McGhee, assistant dean of students, and Alicia Elms, coordinator of diversity & inclusion, shared with LAUNCH participants the many ways in which students can get involved at RMC—from service organizations to Greek Life. Students also enjoyed a special visit by RMC President Robert R. Lindgren.

A Shared Experience
Ashley Riley ’20 is a psychology major and a film studies minor. The Leesburg, Virginia native—and member of the Yellow Jackets tennis team—says that LAUNCH was the best way to begin her college career.

“Through LAUNCH, I made friends and learned about the RMC community,” she says. Her favorite activity was a bonfire chat—called a Reflection Ring—that was held every evening. Each night, students took turns answering the same question as they sat around the bonfire.

“On the third night, we were asked to share a personal story that showed our perseverance,” she recalls. “It was amazing. We couldn’t see each other, yet it was a very moving, shared experience. LAUNCH was a very positive experience, and I consider every single person who was there my friend.”

Students as Mentors
Student mentors—Bill Mitchell ’19, Jose Perdomo-Trejo ’19, Christian Cok ’18, Laura Haney ’17, Dashonte Temoney ’17, and Susie Snee ’17—helped facilitate the retreat. Tyler Wilson ’19, Allie Zahn ’19 and Hannah Mercer ’19, who attended last year’s LAUNCH event, also served as mentors.

Snee, an engineering physics major and mathematics minor, enjoyed helping guide participants through the program.

“I talked to them about the tools and resources available to them on campus,” she says, “and I told them I’m available year-round to help if they have questions about life at RMC.”

Snee says LAUNCH helps students overcome some of the challenges and fears they may have as they begin college.

“One camper had a fear of heights and was afraid to use the zip line,” she recalls. “With the encouragement of the other participants, the student bravely finished the zip line course. This is similar to struggles that students may have in class—they might find themselves afraid to speak up or give a presentation. LAUNCH helps students overcome the obstacles that may be holding them back.”

Jose Perdomo Trejo ’19 is a biology and behavioral neuroscience major who is following a pre-med track.

“As a mentor, I tried to be as helpful as possible to the students, while also giving them as much independence as possible,” he says. “LAUNCH is a unique program. Activities such as the ropes course challenged students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, while being supported by friends and mentors. New students learned that in college they have a lot of independence, and that there may be obstacles to overcome. Most importantly, it taught them that they are never alone. There is always someone who is willing to help.”

Tremendous Opportunities
Merrill says she is already looking forward to next year’s LAUNCH event.

“LAUNCH offers students tremendous opportunities: to create relationships; to brainstorm; to push themselves beyond their comfort zone,” she says. “It was inspiring to see students work together as they discovered their strengths and overcame challenges—all the while having a great time.”

 

For photos of this event click here: LAUNCH 2016