Meet the Orientation Leaders: Saef and Em

Let’s shine a light on the last two Orientation Leaders: international student Saef Forgani and philosophy major Em Swain -- two unique Heidelberg students who are active in different locations and groups on campus. No matter who you are, there is something for you at Heidelberg.

Saef Forgani, ’23

What is your favorite thing about Heidelberg University?

“My favorite thing about Heidelberg is how accepting of internationals the community is. My favorite events are soccer games and the soccer program in general.”

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

“I am on the Men’s Soccer Team, a member of Nu Sigma Alpha, the head of campus concerns in the Student Senate, a member of the World Student Union, the Muslim Life representative and an Orientation Leader. All of these roles play a huge role in my never-ending quest to build a very fluid personality and being a proactive ambassador of my people and nation (of Libya).”

What advice do you have for first-year students that you wish you knew coming in? 

“Everybody in your class is at the starting point of this college experience and probably is experiencing similar emotions and personal development, so do not shy away from asking questions and trying to help one another. The best way to better oneself is through analyzing the feedback of others.”

Which professors or staff members have helped you the most during your time at Heidelberg?

“Dr. Justin Pruneski, Dr. Andrew Aebly and Dr. Kylee Spencer. They are all awesome professors and they helped me fit into the American college experience. Julie Arnold is also one of the people that helped me fit into college and become the Student Prince I am today.”

Em Swain, ’22 

Why did you choose to come to Heidelberg?

“I came to Heidelberg because of the flexibility I was offered with my major, and I really loved the campus when I visited. What stood out to me the most during the orientation was the Q&A with our OLs at the end which I really liked since it helped me feel like I knew everyone a bit better.”

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

“I’m the president of the Euglossian Society, a founding member of the Berg Body Positivity Association, a Student Senator and a member of Make A Scene. I definitely encourage everyone to watch the Make a Scene shows which are really fun improv comedy shows. We’ve started adding a few skits as well. Last year they were filmed and put on YouTube but this year we think we can have them in person again! My activities have helped me develop professionally over my time at Heidelberg, and helped me have responsibility for what brings me joy — and that’s a great feeling! They also helped me find like-minded friends and mentors who I can count on.”

Which professors or staff members have helped you the most during your time at Heidelberg? 

“Dr. Helena Theixos and Dr. Barry Devine are my favorite people ever. They’ve really helped me take on a lot of responsibilities and have a lot of opportunities that practically have prepared me for working in my field. I worked with Dr. Theixos first in the Ethics Bowl and then she invited me to help her do some research for the Faculty Research Conference and we had a great time! Anytime I see a fun philosophy meme online I immediately send it her way. And Dr. Devine is super flexible and helped me have the opportunity to be the managing editor for the Rock Creek Review last year which was so exciting! They’re super friendly and it’s so obvious how much they care for students, which is so important to me!! I also really appreciate the folks in Admissions like Sara Gebhardt, Katie Mullins and Brad Gibson. They’ve really helped me out in my work and put a lot of trust in me, and I really trust them as mentors and coworkers!”

What advice do you have for first-year students that you wish you knew coming in?

“Make sure you call your family this year — you're going to make a ton of friends and be super busy by September and calling them may fall by the wayside, but they’re going to miss you!”

The wide range of possibilities which fit every student here at Heidelberg is one of our strongest points. Orientation Days are almost in the books. Both Saef and Em, together with the other Orientation Leaders, have enjoyed the opportunities to tell their stories. Good luck everyone and Go ’Berg!

Written by Stefania Fiume