Orientation leader thrives while welcoming students and families to The Nest
Let’s get to know...Krystina LeFils, assistant director of parent and family orientation.Describe a typical workday for you?
Every day looks a bit different with meetings and prep work happening, however, during orientation season, it’s very busy in our office, as we train our Orientation Leaders, welcome new students and their families and manage the day-to-day tasks like emails.
On an orientation day, you can find me running all over campus, but typically I start by capturing any new family member registrations and creating nametags before heading to campus. This past summer, we were in the Lazzara Performance Hall, so we would set up Parent and Family Orientation check-in and then I’d oversee the check-in table for family members who wanted to sign up for the program upon arrival. During the day, parents and students would be in presentations, at lunch, on tours and in breakout sessions, and I’d be around wherever needed – whether to lead a tour, greet and introduce presenters, or getting caught up on emails or voicemails. There’s never a dull day!
What led you to this opportunity at UNF?
I first came to UNF as a student pursuing my MPA and I loved the atmosphere and people I met. Then, I applied to One-Stop Student Services to get an idea of what it was like working in higher education. I learned so much from One-Stop and found myself gravitating towards situations that needed additional attention or, where many pieces needed to come together to create a solution. Interactions where people left a conversation feeling like they’ve been heard and had someone on their side, is what encouraged me to join the orientation team.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Our office gets the opportunity to connect with students and their families early on and I’m so happy to be part of a team that gets to be so pivotal in their UNF welcome. Working with family members specifically is a wonderful opportunity. I enjoy guiding them and acting as a resource as their children start a new phase and become Ospreys!
What energizes you at work?
My coworkers! We work hard but also have a lot of fun. The partnerships we create with other campus departments and the excitement that the students and parents bring when we connect with them is the best.
What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re proud of?
Creating the staff assignments for our Orientation Leaders and trying to coordinate and rotate where 35 Orientation Leaders, 350 students and approximately 190 family members need to be each orientation session takes a lot of planning, but I love the challenge. At the end of the day, everyone got where they needed to be, so mission accomplished.
If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?I would love for all families to be able to participate in orientation with their student. Orientation is optional for family members, so while many do attend, I’m always thinking of ways that we can include more families.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like reading, cooking and being outside. Reading has always been my biggest hobby, so that’s what I’m doing most days after work. Hiking and kayaking are my favorite outdoor activities.
What was your first job?
A lifeguard at Cedar Point’s Soak City waterpark in Ohio.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t make assumptions. It’s simple, but it’s important to approach life with kindness because you really just never know.
Who inspires you and why?
There have been many people who have inspired me throughout my life, but currently, it’s the orientation student staff. There are so many amazing and driven individuals on our team and they’re always doing amazing things whether it be in their programs or outside of academics. They are full of spirit and keeping me on my toes. I think they’ve made me a better leader and motivate me to bring my best to everything I do.
What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?
I love going to the Riverside Arts Market with my husband. We usually try a new snack or coffee while we’re there and walk along the river. There are so many talented artists and wonderful food vendors.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
For the last couple of years, it’s been Ireland. I went to Scotland about seven years ago and loved it. If the trip had been longer, I definitely would have extended it to include Ireland. I’m not sure the exact locations I’d like to visit, but it looks so scenic. Since I’m not a fan of heights, Ireland’s less mountainous landscape might be more my speed!
What is one thing about you that others may not know?
I have three pets, two cats- Apollo and Junior, and a dog- Olive.
Name: Krystina LeFils
Title: Assistant Director of Parent and Family Orientation
Department: Orientation
How long at UNF: Six years
Hometown: Pompano Beach, Florida