T’Nyah Brown, a rising fourth-year student, is one of Case Western Reserve University’s many orientation leaders (OLs) who help make Discover Week a success. The week of programming, which began Aug. 18, aims to welcome and acclimate new and transfer students to the university.
Since 2021, Brown—who studies political science and philosophy—has helped plan orientation events, such as an international Student Fun Night and move-in day.
“Overall, it can be pretty exhausting, but the reward of knowing that we are benefiting incoming students provides enough adrenaline to get through the week,” said Brown, who, throughout the year, is president of the Case Democrats and The Feminist Collective, the vice president of Klover Dance Group, and an Undergraduate Student Government representative.
Read on to learn more about Brown’s involvement as an orientation leader and beyond.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
1. What led you to attend CWRU? What led you to become an orientation leader?
The scholarships I was awarded have definitely led me to attend CWRU. No other university I applied to had given me anywhere near as much in scholarships as CWRU did. Also, the staff in the political science and the philosophy departments are extremely accomplished professionally, so I knew it was in my best interest to attend.
My orientation leaders were extremely helpful to my transition as an incoming student, and I wanted to be that for the incoming students that followed me. I also wanted to experience a real orientation, since I came during [COVID-19] and did not get to experience a true [one] myself. I loved the orientation experience and staff so much that I pursued an executive board position as well.
2. What does an average day look like for you as an orientation leader? What are some of your duties and responsibilities during Discover Week?
Most days, we are up and moving by 9 a.m. We go through multiple sessions with our orientation groups—such as Informed U, Diversity 360 training, and student success—and they last for a couple of hours each. Littered throughout the week are campus tours and various events as well.
3. What are your academic and professional goals?
At least now, my goal is to get a good score on my LSAT and I’m working on my senior capstone, so I hope that goes great as well. Professionally, my goal is to eventually be able to have my own law firm at which I can practice family court law, primarily focusing on child law, including neglect, foster care and adoption.
4. What are some of your favorite memories at CWRU? What are some of your favorite memories as an orientation leader?
Tradition [the Monday evening event on DiSanto Field] is my favorite memory of orientation by a landslide. Every year, I look forward to seeing what is in store for tradition, and now being able to create [it] this year is something I’m excited to show others. Similarly, move-in day is always a fun time, as seeing excited students and their families is a large part of the reason that orientation leaders become OLs.
5. What are you looking forward to this academic year?
A lighter course load! I worked super hard the last three years to be able to have a more relaxed senior year, and I’m finally here. Of course, law school applications, internships and my LSAT are all scheduled for this year, but at least I have fewer courses to balance it out.
6. Any tips or advice you’d give to new students at CWRU?
Get involved around campus and enjoy the many organizations CWRU has to offer! Sometimes students can become too engulfed in their academics that they forget about the fun they should be having as well. Dance groups, gaming clubs, etc. are all available to students, so make sure to go have some fun too!