If you want an example of how to dive into your freshman year, meet new people and get involved on campus, look no further than School of Communication Studies student Nicole Machovina.
Machovina’s freshman resume is so extensive, and her dedication to creating the ultimate residence hall environment so impressive, Machovina won two awards for it.
She was one of 17 students who attended the annual conference.
It is the largest student-run organization in the world with 400 schools taking part from North America to Mexico, Australia, Qatar, Canada, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Japan.
The organization’s goal is to empower and motivate residence hall leaders to positively impact their campus communities.
“I like helping people,” Machovina said. “I enjoy giving back to the community and helping in any way I can.”
On the regional level, Machovina won the First Year Experience Award, which is given to first-year students who have done an outstanding job of contributing to their residence hall.
That win led to taking home the coveted, national First Year Experience Award in which she competed against all eight regions in the United States.
“It was crazy,” Machovina said. “It was the last evening of the conference. Everyone was dressed up in their blue and gold. We sat up front and I was surprised when they read my name. I hadn’t been thinking about it. I had no clue I would win.”
Machovina is hoping to take what she has learned and apply it to her sophomore year in the fall. She says she’s looking forward to reaching out to freshman.
“I’m excited to mentor first year students and help them have a great experience like I had,” she said. “I’d also like to keep my grades up and keep volunteering and trying new things.”
Machovina is majoring in communication studies in ’s College of Communication and Information. She plans to attend graduate school and maybe even join the .
She has advice for the incoming freshmen.
“Even though there are four years, time moves quickly,” Machovina said. “If you want the full experience you need to try new activities, join student organizations or sports and be involved in something that you’re passionate about.”