As a New Student Enrollment orientation leader, University of Nebraska–Lincoln senior Dani Gibson is eager to share the traditions, places and experiences that helped her feel welcome as an out-of-state student with the next class of Huskers.
Gibson began guiding incoming students through the ins and outs of campus life when NSE activities began May 29.
Originally from Utah, Gibson said she was excited for something different when she chose Nebraska — but the reality of that change hit her quickly upon arrival.
“I grew up in the same city for 18 years, so I wanted to go somewhere new,” she said. “When I got here, I was like, ‘Oh, this is new — I don't know what anything is or where anything is.’ That was a little nerve-wracking.”
Her orientation experience, she said, helped ease those early nerves and gave her a strong foundation at UNL.
“NSE was really beneficial for me to meet other students, start making friends and realize that I wasn't alone,” Gibson, a forensic science major, said. “It eased the tension enough to help me know that I wasn't going to completely drown.”
Since then, she’s worked as a resident assistant and now serves as an NSE leader, using her personal experience to support students who are new to the Husker community.
“These mentorship roles are something I’ve really loved here,” she said. “As an NSE leader, I feel like I have this amazing opportunity to keep passing on my own knowledge and love for this university on a larger scale.”
A big part of that, she said, is sharing the small traditions that help students feel connected.
“I love talking to new students about all the little fun things we do on campus, like high-fiving Archie’s foot or taking your shoe off during kickoff at football games,” Gibson said. “I think traditions are one of the easiest ways to build community and make people feel part of a group.”
As she prepares to welcome more Huskers throughout the summer, Gibson said she knows she can’t ease every concern that comes with starting college — but she hopes to help students see that they’re where they’re meant to be.
“NSE is so important for fostering connections and nourishing your curiosity for the school,” she said. “That's the main goal of NSE orientation — helping you understand that you are where you're meant to be and you're going to be OK.”
