As new and continuing students arrived to move into their prospective residential halls on Thursday and Friday of last week, one could not help but feel a sense of pride for Emporia State.

All students were greeted in a warm fashion by a team of Residential Life employees at check in and assisted by volunteers called “Hornet Helpers” – students and ESU employees alike. In a combined effort, both the residential community and its gracious volunteers provided a smooth and easy transition for the numerous students now living on-campus.  

This fall, ESU reached maximum capacity for all residential halls, and Res Life continues to find space for all students. Despite the great increase in student enrollment, Hornet Helpers remained resilient to the added pressures of move in day while keeping a kind and composed demeanor.  

Eager in their task to assist others, our Hornet Helpers are the very definition of ESU community. My own move-in process would have been much more difficult without their help.  We should consider ourselves fortunate to have services such as these because first impressions are important. A Hornet Helper is more than just a volunteer but a kind and welcoming friend who makes our community stronger by promoting social fellowship through acts of good will.

Moving into Towers last year, I was taken aback by the entire experience. I was expecting to move my belongings in with only the help of family, but the Hornet Helpers delivered a majority of my things to my assigned room. Some of the first friends I made in college were Hornet Helper members. 

They went out of their way to insure my arrival was comfortable and welcoming. These volunteers made me believe that ESU was the place I wanted to be. And this year, they reminded me of just how much I love my university.