Orientation Assistants
Meet Your OA
Get to know our Orientation Assistants!
Angie
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Physical Education
Hometown: Valley Stream, NY
Involved in: Danceworks, Alliance of Physical Education Majors, Cortland Nites
Fun Fact "I am color blind, I'm a former Dunkin Donuts employee, and I'm left handed"
Favorite thing about Cortland "Many different organizations and clubs to join, many different places to eat, professors are approachable and welcoming. Many opportunities to try new things."
Advice "Get involved, try new things, and be prepared to set out your confront zone."
Caelan
Pronouns: he/him/his
Major: Coaching
Hometown: Walton, NY
Involved in: Team manager for varsity basketball team, French Club, Student Activities Board (SAB)
Fun Fact "I grew up in China"
Favorite thing about Cortland "The SLC gym and basketball courts which helps promote having a healthier lifestyle."
Advice "Find subjects and hobbies you’re interested in and explore them by joining extracurricular activities that are filled with people with the same interests."
Emily
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Early Childhood/Childhood Education
Hometown: Angola, NY
Involved in: President of Education Club, Treasurer of the Cortland Stars, Tour Guide, Residents Assistant
Fun Fact "I love plants and succulents! I love to have multiple in my room, and always have the urge to buy more!"
Favorite thing about Cortland "I love the atmosphere and the vibes! People are always so nice and there's always something to do, you'll never be bored!"
Advice "Everyone is in the same boat as you. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and out of your comfort zone - it'll pay off in the end!"
OA Instagram @cortlandoa.emily
Erick
Pronouns: he/him/his
Major: Public Administration and Public Policy
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Involved in: RPG Club
Fun Fact "I play guitar and piano."
Favorite thing about Cortland "The amount of events there are on campus"
Advice "Try to get out of your comfort zone and go to as many events as you can."
Faith
Pronouns: she/her
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Rensselar, NY
Involved in: Resident Assistant, Track and Field, Secretary of the Black Student Union
Fun Fact “I have a small hole on my right ear that people mistaken as a piercing hole."
Favorite thing about Cortland "The athletics department"
Advice "Don’t be afraid to leave your dorm and try new things!"
Jacob
Pronouns: he/him/his
Majors: Fitness Development
Hometown: Middle Island, NY
Transferred from University of New Haven
Involved in: Habitat for Humanity, Kinesiology Club, Secretary for Outdoor Activity Club
Fun Fact “I have been skydiving."
Favorite thing about Cortland "There are so many ways to get involved, whether through the RAs, RHD, or other activities put on by SGA."
Advice "Don't be afraid to ask for help."
JP
Pronouns: he/they
Major: Criminology
Hometown: East Harlem, NY
Transferred from Westchester Community College
Involved in: Resident Assistant, Non-Traditional Students Club SGA Representative
Fun Fact "I have a radio show that plays alternative rock music."
Favorite thing about Cortland
"My favorite thing about Cortland is the atmosphere. I lived in NYC most of my life and it’s nice to get out of the city."
Advice “Don’t get too overwhelmed with classes. Use the writing center as one of the many helpful resources on campus."
Kerrie
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Adolescence Education: English
Hometown: Norwich, NY
Involved in: Cortland Auxiliary Services
Fun Fact "I play electric bass, and acoustic guitar!!"
Favorite thing about Cortland "The community, as well as Old Main!"
Advice "Be friendly!!! Do not be shy! Go out and try to make friends."
Lauren
Pronouns: she/her
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Bethpage, NY
Involved in: Admissions Tour Guide, Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority
Fun Fact “I sing and play guitar."
Favorite think about Cortland
"The atmosphere is always so fun and welcoming! I love all the people here and all the activities cortland plans! Cortaca is my favorite day to represent Cortland!"
Advice "I know it is super scary living away from home and starting new, but I promise it will be the best experience ever and to not stress about it too much! Everyone is in the same boat, and you will make so many friends and meet so many new people!"
Mike
Pronouns: he/him
Major: Physical Education
Hometown: Mahopac, NY
Involved in: Wrestling Team
Fun Fact "I love to cook and chill with friends"
Favorite thing about Cortland "The Physical Education Program"
Advice "Be kind and treat others the way you want to be treated."
OA Instagram
Naomi
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Inclusive Childhood Education
Hometown: Rome, NY
Involved in: Figure Skating Club, RPG Club
Fun Fact "I was a vet assistant."
Favorite thing about Cortland
"The people"
Advice “Ask questions and ask them multiple times if you need to."
Sadie
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Major: Selected Studies
Hometown: Sullivan, NY
Involved in: Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.
Fun Fact "I love writing poetry."
Favorite thing about Cortland "The sisters I've gained"
Advice "You are the author of your own story, don’t let anyone else pick up the pen! It’s your journey, be unique!"
Tajh
Pronouns: he/him/his
Major: Business Economics
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Transferred from St. Josephs College - Brooklyn Campus
Involved in: Resident Assistant
Fun Fact “This is the third college I've been to. (It's also my favorite)"
Favorite thing about Cortland "The clubs and organizations."
Advice "These will be the best four years of your life!!"
Tristian
Pronouns: he/him
Major: Social Studies Teaching: History
Hometown: Cincinnatus, NY
Involved in: I have been a student for a total of six years at Cortland now.
Fun Fact "I play guitar and I have a degree in archaeology."
Favorite thing about Cortland “My favorite thing is the size of the classes. They are small and comfortable."
Advice "Have confidence in yourself and your worm."
OA Instagram
Zay
Pronouns: he/him
Major: Physical Education
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Involved in: SGA Representative of the club MOVE (Men of Valued Excellence)
Fun Fact "I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China."
Favorite thing about Cortland “The community of people (staff and students) and the facilities available to you, my favorite being the Student Life Center!."
Advice "Get involved in different clubs, attend events and never be afraid to ask anyone for help."