Orientation Assistants

Alex
Pronouns: They/He
Major: Social Philosophy and Psychology
Hometown: Utica, NY
Transferred from Mohawk Valley Community College
Involved in: NYPIRG Board Rep, Campus Safety Committee, SGA, Campus Newsletter

Fun Fact "I like to travel the east coast by train."

Favorite thing about Cortland "I like Cortland because I have been able to get involved in really amazing opportunities."

Advice "Get involved in as many ways as you can. Even if it’s not your thing you might meet some great people. "

OA Instagram: @oaalex2025

Anna
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Adolescent Education: Biology
Hometown: Mount Sinai, NY
Involved in: CAS, Biology Club

Fun Fact "I am trying to visit all the finger lakes before I graduate."

Favorite thing about Cortland "My favorite thing about Cortland is its location. You are surrounded by trails and natural wonders and not even five minutes off campus is one of my favorite trails to hike. The finger lakes are also close by and make for beautiful hikes and sunsets."

Advice "Take your time. Don't worry if you don't have everything planned out right now. College is for learning about yourself and finding the things that you enjoy so don't rush yourself and have fun."

OA Instagram: @oa_annaw

Chase
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Media Production
Hometown: Niskayuna, NY
Involved in: Cortland State Television Club (CSTV)

Fun Fact "I was in a kid circus."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The community"

Advice "Make sure you do what you love"

OA Instagram: @oa_chase

OA Fun Fact #1
Over the years, we've had OA's from all over the country and all over the world. From NY to California, Canada to China, our students love Cortland and are ready to share that with you!

Elysa
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Involved in: Delta Phi Epsilon, National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS)

Fun Fact "I met Matthew McConaughey in Miami."

Favorite thing about Cortland "How welcoming all the students and professors are, and there's always things to do on campus."

Advice "Don't be afraid to join organizations, work hard and have fun!"

OA Instagram: @oa.elysa

Emma C
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Anthropology, History, and International Studies
Hometown: Cazenovia, NY
Involved in: Archaeology Club

Fun Fact "My favorite character in 'A Song of Ice and Fire' is Jaime Lannister."

Favorite thing about Cortland "There are so many great opportunities."

Advice "Participate in activities and build connections. Never hesitate to ask questions or take the initiative."

OA Instagram: @cortlandoa_emmac

Emma D
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
Hometown: Fallsburg, NY
Involved in: Curly, Kinky, Coily Club (CKC)

Fun Fact "I can say the ABC’s backwards."

Favorite thing about Cortland "I love that there is a resource for every situation, and you can always find someone willing to help or point you in the right direction."

Advice "A rocky start is COMPLETELY normal, but once you find your people and settle into a routine, it starts to feel like home."

OA Instagram: @oaemma.d

Holly
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Psychology and Sociology
Hometown: Queensbury, NY
Involved in: SGA, Psychology Club, American Cancer Society, Admissions Tour Guide

Fun Fact "I have a massive rubber duck Collection."

Favorite thing about Cortland "My favorite thing about Cortland is all of the opportunities that are offered! You can learn so much and there's always something for everyone!"

Advice "You don't have to have everything figured out right now. There may be a million opportunities ahead of you and even if you decide you don't like something or you want to try something new, there will be a new pathway for you to follow!"

OA Instagram: @oa_holly

Jacob
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Adolescent Education: Social Studies and History
Hometown: West Babylon, NY
Transferred from SUNY Farmingdale
Involved in: History Club

Fun Fact "I am a huge history buff can tell you a lot of facts about any type of history also really good at trivia."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The atmosphere and culture of the campus "

Advice "Always study as much as you can and another thing is to learn something from every course you take "

OA Instagram: @jacobr.cortlandoa

Jennie
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Economics
Hometown: China
Involved in: OA for International Programs, CAS, TA in Economics, Women in Economics, International Club, Asian Club.

Fun Fact "I've only been in love with math since college. Before college, my math tests were always 30/150."

Favorite thing about Cortland "All the faculties were very helpful and all the people I met were very warm and welcoming to me."

Advice "Try to manage time, open minded for everything new."

OA Instagram: @oajennie_cortland

OA Fun Fact #2

OA's spend a weekend at Raquette Lake for training, learning about the job, participating in a service project and a low ropes course!

John
Major: Adolescent Education: Social Studies and Economics
Hometown: Berkshire, NY
Involved in: President of the Bowling Club, CAS Employee at Bookmark, Moffett Cafe, and Neubig.

Fun Fact "I love listening to The Weeknd."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The community of people and how everyone has a place or a role on campus."

Advice "The last thing you want to do is sit in your room and not put yourself out there. If you don't do that you won't experience or understand just how much Cortland has to offer. You just have to look for it."

OA Instagram: @cortland_oa_john

Milla
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Criminology, Social Philosophy, and History
Hometown: Fulton, NY
Involved in: Nu Sigma Chi, Resident Assistant (RA), CAS

Fun Fact "I studied abroad in Cork, Ireland in the spring."

Favorite thing about Cortland "How warm and welcoming our community is."

Advice "It's okay not to have everything figured out right away. Take good risks and challenge yourself. Also, make as many friends as you can. People are your network."

OA Instagram: @oa.milla

Parker
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Brewster, NY
Transferred from Michigan State University
Involved in: SGA President 2025-2026, Habitat for Humanity, Research in the Criminology Department

Fun Fact "I've been in the blaze costume more times than I can count."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The welcoming community, that looks to uplift you at every opportunity"

Advice "There is always someone on campus more than willing and ready to help you, sometimes you just may have to seek them out."

OA Instagram: @oaparker_ 

Rachel
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Adolescent Education: Social Studies and History
Hometown: Homer, NY
Transferred from SUNY Geneseo
Involved in: History Club, Education Club, A capella

Fun Fact "I can play five different instruments (guitar, ukulele, piano, trumpet, and french horn)."

Favorite thing about Cortland "Cortland is great for whatever your interest is: sports, academics, clubs, or greek life. We have it all!"

Advice "Try to stay out of your dorm rooms as much as possible! Get involved in clubs, hang out with friends, or study in the library."

OA Instagram: @oa.rachelb

Riley
Major: Public Administration and Public Policy
Hometown: Dryden, NY
Involved in: I plan to be more involved with SGA, joining clubs, and being a student facilitator in the fall.

Fun Fact "I am left-handed."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The staff here are the best part. Seeing Nancy, the crossing guard guy, the Neubig chicken guy and talking to my professors all in one day really lifts my mood and makes me feel like i belong and am valued here. "

Advice "Talk to anyone and everyone even if you don't become friends because you never know if you'll see them again down the line or even work with them!"

OA Instagram: @oa_riley

Ryan
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Truxton, NY
Transferred from New Hampshire College
Involved in: RPG Club, Gorrilla Corp.

Fun Fact "I read a lot of books and I like to tinker with small electronics and watches."

Favorite thing about Cortland "My favorite thing about Cortland is the amount of places to eat. There is a huge variety of different kinds of food around."

Advice "My biggest piece of advice for new students would be to not overload yourself with work and burn out. Don’t be afraid to take less classes if it means you won’t stress yourself out too much."

OA Instagram: @cortlandoa_ryan

Samirah
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Involved in: Curly Kinky Coily (CKC), Kinesiology Club, Research with professors, CAS

Fun Fact "I studied abroad in Costa Rica for an entire semester."

Favorite thing about Cortland "My favorite thing about Cortland is the school spirit, everyone loves showing support to the different athletic teams on campus and everyone is always wearing Cortland merch."

Advice "It might take longer than you think to get used to being at college but don’t worry because all good things take time :)"

OA Instagram: @oa_samirah

Shreya
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Biomedical Sciences and Math
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Involved in: SGA Chief of Staff, Faculty Research, Resident Assistant (RA)

Fun Fact "I’ve been to over 10 countries!"

Favorite thing about Cortland "How close-knit and active the campus community feels."

Advice "Say yes to new opportunities - you never know where they’ll lead."

OA Instagram: @oa.shreya

Simay
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Teaching as a Second Language (TESOL)
Hometown: Osmaniye, Türkiye
Involved in: CAS Employee, Virginia Levine Second Language Educators Conference, International Student Photo Contest.

Fun Fact "I love Matcha but it taste like grass to me without honey."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The fact that it has a lot of opportunities and everyone is willing to help students."

Advice "Do not stress and try your best, you will be fine."

OA Instagram: @oa_simay

OA Fun Fact #3
The backdrop we use for OA pictures was made by a former OA, Katherine DeMarinis '23!

Simon
Pronouns: He/Him
Major:Therapeutic Recreation
Hometown: Cornwall, NY
Involved in: Lifeguard at SLC, Resident Assistant (RA), Outdoor Pursuits Trip Leader

Fun Fact "I can solve a Rubik's cube in under a minute."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The SLC or the food."

Advice "Your life is yours to live. If your path looks different than others, embrace it."

OA Instagram: @oa_simon

Zach
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Coaching
Hometown: Candor, NY
Involved in: Resident Assistant (RA), National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS)

Fun Fact "I was named after a power ranger."

Favorite thing about Cortland "The culture here, everyone is super nice and welcoming."

Advice "To get out of their room and try something new, you never know if you will find a new hobby or area of interest."

OA Instagram: @oa_zach