Plaza College kicked off orientation for Nursing Cohort 7 this week as students arrived bright and early for breakfast and uniform distribution. They were greeted with a warm welcome from the Admissions team, including Director Jennifer Niebling, Diane Ferrer, and Julia Roztoczynska. Risa Cohn, Director of Student Activities, then guided students through a fun “Human Bingo” activity to help them break the ice and get to know their peers.
Once students were settled, Dr. Caroline Callahan, Dean of Enrollment Management, opened the day with encouraging remarks, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and preparation—essential skills for every aspiring nurse. She invited students to share a word that would guide their semester, and their responses included “motivating,” “collaborative,” and “prepared.” Her message not only recognized the achievements students had already earned but also set expectations for the continued success they could achieve at Plaza College.
Next, Provost Chad Callahan addressed the students, congratulating them on their impressive achievement of being accepted into the nursing program and highlighting the growing demand for nurses in the field. Sensing the students’ nerves, he shared the humorous challenge of personally calling each student with the good news of their acceptance—earning laughs from the audience.
Students then met their program faculty, including Dr. Habeeb, as well as members of the clinical leadership team, who outlined the policies, expectations, and responsibilities of being part of Plaza College’s nursing program. The session also gave students a clear understanding of coursework, reading requirements, and the academic support and advising resources available to help them succeed.
Binyomin Zeitlin, a recent nursing graduate from Plaza College, served as the student speaker for the event. He shared how he had initially struggled in the program due to inconsistent sleep and eating habits but turned things around by establishing a regular sleep schedule, prepping his meals, and focusing on his study routine. He encouraged the new cohort to develop strong self-discipline and effective time management, emphasizing that hard work and dedication would pay off, leading to the rewarding achievement of their nursing degree.
It was a full day of learning, laughter, and inspiration—setting the tone for a successful start at Plaza College.
