Featured image for post: Michelle Flores-Orea

Michelle Flores-Orea

Hometown: Nashville, NC

Major:  Social Work and Spanish

Minors: Business Administration

Why are you an Orientation Leader: I am an orientation leader so I can help my hispanic community. I know what it’s like being a first generation student and having to explain to your family this entire new journey for you and them as well. I know the communication barrier is often tough to get through therefore I love to go around the campus and help translate for anyone that might need it. I love being able to help out my own community out and also try to explain as many things as I can in order to make the process easier for them. I know that it was very stressful for my family and I but I try to make it easier for any new families that are coming in and experiencing a similar situation like mine.

Favorite Barton memory:  My favorite Barton memory has to be our first tournament we ever went to and participated in. It was such a new experience since I have never bowled professionally. All the emotions I was feeling at the time came rushing in. It was definitely a learning experience and I even managed to place top 100 within the tournament. I enjoyed being able to go to South Carolina with my team as well as see a new side to bowling.

What do you want new students and their families to know:  My Barton experience has definitely made me grow as a person. I use to be very shy and did not talk to anyone during my first year. Luckily my FYS advisor, Mrs.Fischer, pushed me out of my comfort zone which had led me to have so many opportunities to grow within myself and my career. I am very thankful Barton’s community is so caring because if it wasn’t for people like Mrs. Fischer I wouldn’t be in the place I am today. I am so involved with different things around campus and I was even hired as the social media manager for the campus store. There are so many people here that genuinely look out for you and want to see you succeed.