After graduating high school in Neligh, Nebraska — with only 26 classmates — Leonardo Luna-Duran felt a little anxious about making the jump to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
How different would this new environment be from his small-town community? As it turned out, it didn't feel much different.
“It was a huge shock, but not in the way I expected,” Luna-Duran said. “From the outside, UNL seemed like this huge place. The minute you get here, get involved and get further in your academic journey, you realize that it’s such a close-knit community. It feels small, even if it isn’t.”
From spotting familiar faces around campus to getting the hang of where all the buildings were, Luna-Duran’s easy shift to life as a Husker was a welcome surprise. A lot of that started with his New Student Enrollment experience, which inspired him to become an orientation leader.
“I remember my orientation day and seeing these leaders with so much energy and excitement — it made me feel way more comfortable,” he said. “Listening to their stories about how they were able to use the resources and organizations we have on campus to better their experience was so reassuring. I told myself that I would try to do the same thing for other students, especially ones from small towns like me.”
A simple way to start making campus feel a little smaller? Get involved with a student organization.
“I won't lie: my first couple months were pretty tough," he said. "Once I started getting involved, though, I started meeting people who are now some of my best friends. Trying out new things really closed that gap for me and helped me see that this was a place I could call home.”
Asking questions is a crucial part of NSE orientation, Luna-Duran said, and he wants everyone to feel comfortable asking them.
“All of us leaders are here to help you as much as possible, and if we’re not hitting on something you’re curious about, just ask," he said. "This university is a place for everyone, and the things you need to feel at home are always just a few small steps away.”
