5Q Summer Edition: Orientation Chair Natasha Kochhar (’18)
1. What is your summer internship on campus and what will you take away from this experience?
This summer I’m working on campus as the University Chair. I work closely with the and the Department to ensure that University Orientation Week is the best it can possibly be. This position has allowed me to network with administration, faculty, and staff of Mount Allison as well as with members of Town Council and staff at Town Hall, give me the opportunity to really fine tune my interpersonal skills. That being said, I think the biggest take away from this experience is the fact that I get to plan one of the best weeks incoming students will have over their time at Mount Allison.
2. What is the best thing about summer in Sackville?
Sackville summer is so beautiful! Everything is in full bloom, which isn't something you really get a chance to see during the academic year. Sackville is already such a tight-knit community, but during the summer this is even more true. I've made so many new friends in Sackville this summer and that's really exciting especially going into my final year.
3. What are you involved in on campus?
I’m involved with as a peer buddy and hold two executive roles as vice-president of both the Grad Class of 2017 as well as the Political Science and International Relations Society. I also had the opportunity to go on an to Strasbourg, France through Mount Allison in 2016.
4. What are you looking forward to most about your final year at Mount A?
After spending so much time in Sackville, going into my final year is bittersweet. What I'm most looking forward to is getting to bond with my graduating class. I think in your final year, you really want to get to know the Mount Allison community before you leave it behind, so that's what I'm really excited for!
5. What are your post-grad plans?
Right now I'm looking into graduate programs in both public administration and public relations. During my semester abroad I really fell in love with the United Kingdom, so I would like to study there, but if not I'll likely be in Halifax or Ottawa — not too far away from Sackville!
Bonus Question: If you could give one piece of advice to first-year students, what would it be?
Balance is key. University is a lot of fun, but you have to remember you're a student too. Getting involved and going out on the weekends is part of your university experience, but in order to do this, learning to time manage is so important! Learning how to balance your academic and social life is something that every first year student should work on. It only helps you in the long run and will make your upper-year courses a lot less overwhelming.