Story by Sarah Salmons
Photos by Morgan Solomon

Every weekday throughout June and July, hundreds of incoming students and their families arrive on the University of Missouri campus with a mix of excitement, anticipation and nerves. Before classes begin in the fall, Summer Welcome gives them their first opportunity to navigate campus, meet classmates and envision life as a Tiger.

But for student leaders in the College of Education & Human Development (CEHD), Summer Welcome is more than an orientation program. It is an opportunity to put into practice the skills they are preparing to use in their future careers, like building relationships, inspiring confidence and creating welcoming environments where others can thrive.

All of this is done by design and with intention, said M. Theresa Solis Metz, Director of Recruitment & College Engagement for CEHD.

“Summer Welcome is such a great opportunity to demonstrate to new Tigers and their families that we are excited for them to join our college and campus community,” she said. “What’s even more exciting is watching our current students as Summer Welcome leaders and in other roles lead the onboarding of new students and be intentional about fostering a welcoming environment.”

For Jacob Woods, a sophomore studying secondary social studies education, Summer Welcome is a chance to provide the reassurance he once needed himself.

“I was in their position before, nervous but also excited,” Woods said. “I’m glad to be able to help shape a positive experience and get them ready to become a Tiger.”

Woods remembers meeting his roommate for the first time at Summer Welcome and beginning to imagine what life at Mizzou would be like.

“My Summer Welcome leader helped ease my nerves and get me even more excited to become a Tiger,” he said.

Now, he hopes to provide that same experience for hundreds of incoming students.

“The biggest takeaway is that college is what you make it,” Woods said. “Go to events that interest you, study with friends, go on little side quests and lean into new experiences.”

Serving as a Summer Welcome Leader has also strengthened Woods’ leadership skills and prepared him for his future as an educator.

“The experiences I’ve gained have changed the way I interact with people,” he said. “I think more about how I can help others and connect with people who may have different interests than I do.”

For Kynnedi Miller-Colbert, a junior majoring in Human Development and Family Science, the most rewarding moments come from watching strangers become friends.

“In the morning, most students are very nervous,” Miller-Colbert said. “But after spending the day together, you can see them becoming comfortable and making connections with one another.”

She knows firsthand how meaningful those relationships can be.

“Summer Welcome is important because students not only receive the information they need to be successful, but they also form lasting connections with leaders, advisors, staff and other students,” she said.

The experience has also challenged her to become more adaptable, an essential skill for her future career.

“Every day looks different as a Summer Welcome Leader,” Miller-Colbert said. “Learning to adjust to different situations has taught me the importance of flexibility, while also helping me build friendships with leaders from many different backgrounds.”

For sophomore Gracie Cortez, who is studying secondary education in social studies, Summer Welcome reflects many of the same values that drew her to Mizzou in the first place.

She chose Mizzou and the College of Education & Human Development because of their commitment to the Missouri Method, which provides future educators with classroom experience early in their academic careers. Summer Welcome has become another opportunity to learn by doing.

“The most rewarding part has been watching students build meaningful connections with one another,” Cortez said. “Watching what could become lifelong friendships form at Summer Welcome is incredibly rewarding.”

The experience has also expanded her understanding of leadership beyond simply guiding a group of students.

“I’ve gained confidence in turning simple conversations with strangers into genuine connections,” she said. “I’ve also developed a greater appreciation for the planning that creates meaningful experiences.”

As she prepares for a future in education and eventually school administration, Cortez says those lessons will stay with her.

“They’ve shown me how thoughtful planning and strong relationships work together to build supportive school communities where students and staff feel connected.”

While Summer Welcome helps incoming students register for classes and prepare for their first semester, its impact extends far beyond orientation.

For CEHD’s Summer Welcome Leaders, each conversation, campus tour and shared experience is another opportunity to practice the empathy, communication and leadership that define exceptional educators and human services professionals. And for the new Tigers beginning their Mizzou journey, those leaders make them feel like they belong, leading to successful outcomes, in the classroom and beyond.