Lanier Ashley wasn’t on campus long before she experienced a taste of the Clemson community.
“I always mention when I got lost on a tour and a student went out of their way to walk me and my dad around,” she said, reflecting on one of her first experiences with the University.
Between the kindness of the people, the option to major in criminal justice and the opportunities provided by the Honors College, Ashley’s mind was set on attending Clemson. Being from out of state, she chose to attend an on-campus orientation.
“I felt like it was something I needed personally, even though I was really nervous to go,” she said. “I loved my orientation ambassador. She was super nice and knew all the answers to everything. I felt like I could also be that person for somebody.”
That choice set Ashley on a path that would define her college experience.
Fostering connections
Ashley applied and was accepted to be an orientation ambassador (OA) in the spring of her first year. The primary responsibility of an OA is to lead a small group of incoming students through various Clemson programming, serving as a resource for questions and cultivating a sense of belonging among students.
Ashley thrived as an OA. After her first summer, Ashley received the Orientation Ambassador of the Year award.
The next summer, Ashley returned to the orientation team as the team leader. Team leaders still lead a small group of incoming students, but they also serve as the point person between professional staff and the other OAs, including managing day-to-day logistics and team communications.
Ashley’s own experience drew her to an even bigger goal: making sure all the OAs walked away from the job with at least one person they could be friends with during the following semester.
“I think people sometimes forget what being a first-year student is like,” Ashley said. “You can still feel that loneliness or sense of not knowing what comes next even if you are going into your fourth year of school. I feel like I can recognize that for other people and be the person who validates all feelings throughout different experiences even if it’s traditionally only left for a certain group of people.”
Ashley’s focus on connection and belonging as key parts of the Clemson Experience was recognized with a Team Leader of the Year award this summer. Even though she was the only team leader this year, the professional staff wanted to honor Ashley’s impact.
“This was my first year in the role as assistant director of new student orientation, and Lanier was my first ever team leader that I had the privilege to supervise,” professional staff member Averie Johnson said. “She has set the standard for all future team leaders and what they should strive toward. I’ve yet to meet another student leader who cares about the Clemson Student Experience as deeply as her. Lanier is truly a once in a lifetime team leader!”
Coming full circle
According to Ashley, “orientation never really ends” and that’s something she’s excited about as the new academic year begins. Ashley was paired with Honors student groups during summer orientation. Because of the community-centered Honors resources like study rooms and the Great Hall, Ashley said, “you see everyone a lot.”
“They already know you and they know that they’re going to see you in the fall. That’s what I’ve really enjoyed about Honors orientation groups. I’ve seen students from last year in my sorority and student government. One of them was even my mentee in Central Spirit.”
In addition to getting to know an Honors student (Ashley), incoming Honors students also had the chance to meet with Honors advisors and the Honors dean during orientation.
“They actually got to put a name to a face and I thought that was really important,” Ashley said.
In all her involvement, Ashley hopes to give back to the people and the place that has formed her into who she is today.
“I thought I had everything figured out when I was in high school, but then I came here and realized I didn’t have it all figured out and maybe didn’t have anything figured out at all. Coming here and having people see a lot of values and skillsets in me is what pushed me. I never really had anybody tell me that before. I really credit those other people. They gave me everything that I am and everything I will be, and I want to return that for other people.”
