Weeks of Welcome: fun, growth, friendship

Weeks of Welcome offers lots of opportunities for fun, personal growth and building relationships though events on all five University of North Georgia (UNG) campuses from Jan. 13-24.

"Winter Weeks of Welcome offers students the chance to fully engage with the Nighthawk community and jumpstart their semester successfully. Explore new opportunities, build meaningful relationships and achieve personal growth. Seize this opportunity to contribute to the continuing legacy of our institution," David G. Michener, director of Student Involvement, said.

A full schedule of events can be found on the Weeks of Welcome webpage.

The events are sponsored by various groups within UNG and are executed by student volunteers, including Nicole Chuong, a sophomore from Jasper, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology. Chuong is one of the officers with the Asian Student Association, an organization hosting a karaoke event and a collaborator with the UNG's Multicultural Student Affairs craft event at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

"I chose to help and host with these events as I think it's important to reach out to students and unite as a community. Specifically, these two events invite and encourage students of many cultures and backgrounds to get to know each other and familiarize themselves with UNG," Chuong said. "My involvement also allows me to apply certain skills I would need as a lawyer. Networking, event planning and public speaking are all skills that will help me in the long run."

Chuong has been working alongside Grace Herr, from Buford, Georgia. Herr is pursuing a biology degree and said the event is "a great way to connect with other students" and that her involvement will provide problem-solving opportunities and communication skills she will need in the medical field.

Gwendolyn Sachau, a senior from Evans, Georgia, along with Katie Boster and Makayla Patton, is coordinating "Explore Nursing," another opportunity at Weeks of Welcome. All three are pursuing degrees in nursing.

"I am specifically working on this as it will allow me to make connections with people school-wide to help them find the perfect fit for their future careers and experience the world of nursing as a possibility," Sachau said. "This event is particularly important to me as I aspire to be a nurse practitioner. This career will encompass working as a mentor to future nurses and an educator to my patients and their families, and I want to be able to make connections and inspire others to be as passionate about helping others to grow and heal as I am."

The Japan Club is hosting "Meet, Greet and Calligraphy," where students with a passion for Japan and Japanese culture will interact and engage in Shōdo (Japanese calligraphy) and Sumi (ink art).

Inspired by former President Jimmy Carter's efforts in building diplomatic relations with Japan, Kenz Johnson-Tucker hopes to work for a Japanese company.

"Through these efforts, Georgia now is a powerhouse to cultivate these connections and share in the rich culture, art, history, language and more. One day I do hope to work for a Japanese company, and luckily Georgia is the place to be to do so," the junior from Dunwoody, Georgia, said.

Johnson-Tucker is pursuing a degree in computer science with a Japanese minor.

Claudia Marban, a junior from Gillsville, Georgia, is bringing United Nations Trivia to Weeks of Welcome.

"I believe it is crucial to be aware of the United Nations and its role in raising and discussing the most challenging issues," Marban said, adding "it should be amusing and educational to play, with the possibility of winning a reward."

Marban, a First-Gen student, is pursuing a degree in political science.

"It's truly impressive to witness students stepping up to organize Winter Weeks of Welcome. They're not just passive participants; they're actively shaping their own college experience. This proactive approach is a testament to their dedication and commitment to fostering a strong Nighthawk community," Michener said.

The Weeks of Welcome experience can be profound, and Michener encourages students to attend.

"By immersing yourself in Winter Weeks of Welcome and joining student organizations, you're not just checking boxes but investing in your future. These experiences will ignite your academic curiosity, foster a strong sense of belonging, inspire your purpose, and enhance your overall well-being. Step outside your comfort zone and let the magic of the Nighthawk community transform you," he said.