Freshman class receives warm welcome
Welcome to the freshmen: incoming students gather with Dean Alonso
and guests following Opening Exercises.
Incoming students in the Class of 2012 entered a new phase in their life with the start of the Pre-medical Program earlier this month.
For the majority of students, the occasion signalled a transition from high school to university and the opportunity for independence and self-discovery. The new class includes students from countries as diverse as the US, Qatar, Egypt, Tanzania, Bangladesh and South Korea.
During a three-day orientation (August 8-10), students got to know WCMC-Q, their class schedule and members of the university community. They learned how to balance their freedom with responsibility, helping them prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Orientation gave students a wide-ranging introduction to college life, with events, activities, tours, information sessions, and social activities, including a treasure hunt and movie night, organized by Student Affairs, the Medical Student Executive Council Qatar (MSEC-Q) and second-year pre-medical students.
Class members quickly made friends.
Among the activities was participation in Cornell University’s 2006 reading project, The Great Gatsby, also required reading for more than 3000 incoming students at Cornell this fall. The project encourages intellectual and social exchange among new students, faculty and staff.
The pre-medical orientation ended with Opening Exercises, at which Dean of WCMC-Q, Dr. Daniel R. Alonso, gave the new students a formal welcome.
“We are delighted this new class is entering WCMC-Q, signalling our fifth year of operation,” Dr. Alonso said.
“Medicine demands an extraordinary commitment, and I congratulate the students in the Class of 2012 for having taken the first step.”
Following the presentation of Cornell University pins to students by pre-medical faculty, Associate Dean for Pre-medical Education, Dr. David Robertshaw, spoke on the importance of the occasion.
“Your first day will be etched in your mind forever,” he said to the incoming students.
“You have an amazing opportunity here to get good medical training that will lead you to a fulfilling life, and I want you to make the most of it.”
Incoming student Shubhagata Deb Roy said orientation had prepared him well for the start of the Pre-medical Program.
“I have a sister here, but I haven’t asked her much, because I wanted to discover things on my own. I’ve met a lot of new people – the faculty are very nice and the second year students are very friendly and approachable,” he said.
This year’s reading project, The Great Gatsby, was shared
among students, faculty and staff in a panel discussion and
breakout session (pictured).
An MSEC organized treasure hunt helped students learn
their way around the WCMC-Q building.
