Quest Assistants prepare for new student orientation

In anticipation of the first Quest session of the summer, Radford University's Quest staff gathered at the Governor Tyler House on June 9 for the annual Quest Assistants (QAs) Luncheon.

Hosted by President Penelope W. Kyle, the gathering brought together the new student orientation program's 24 QAs along with the rest of the student and professional Quest staff.

President Kyle thanked the students for their service and reminded them of the great responsibility they carry as representatives of the entire Radford University community.

"I want you to know how critical your role is to this university," Kyle said. "We are grateful that you have devoted your time to inform students and family members and making sure they understand the essence of Radford. You will make those students and parents drive home from Quest and say 'We've made the right decision.'"

Radford University was the right decision for Kara Campese, who aspired to become a QA after her own Quest experience two years ago.

"I fell in love with RU when I came to Quest," said Campese, a junior music therapy major from Aston, Pa. "I met amazing people and learned a lot about the university. What Quest did for me, I want to do for another student."

Senior Davis Spurlin of Fairfax has worked as a peer instructor in New Student Programs, the same office that organizes Quest. Through that experience, he decided to expand his involvement.

"I couldn't be happier," Spurlin said. "This has been the most fun experience I've had at Radford."

Campese, Spurlin and the other QAs arrived on campus more than two weeks ago to prepare for the new students' arrival. They practiced ice-breaker skills, rehearsed for the annual Quest play and took a retreat to the Selu conservancy, where they participated in team-building activities. The QAs represent a diversity of majors, grade levels and hometowns. Most didn't know of each other before this summer, but that quickly changed.

"I've got 23 new best friends," Campese said. "I'm excited to see how we all connect with each other and how we will connect with the incoming students. We will be the first faces they see, so I know how important it is to make a positive first impression."

Quest began June 13 with the first of four Transfer Quest offerings. Quest and Quest Express sessions for freshmen students will begin June 16.

For more information on Quest, visit their website.