Jaycee Smith
Responsibilities
The Cy’s Sibs Program Coordinator plays an essential role in the new student summer orientation program by developing, implementing and evaluating the Cy’s Sibs Program. Cy's Sibs is hosted for rising 5th–9th graders who are siblings of students participating in freshman summer orientation. The program is designed to offer younger siblings an adventure of their own through college exploration, recreational activities, a scavenger hunt, and special graduation ceremony. Cy's Sibs took place from 12:15 – 5:00 p.m. all on ‘Day One’ of summer orientation. All of the activities took place on the Iowa State campus and participants were chaperoned for the duration of the program by Iowa State staff and students. The Cy’s Sibs Program Coordinator is a member of the New Student Programs staff team and is the key individual responsible for the Cy’s Sibs Program.
Accomplishments
I would say that some of my greatest accomplishments came from responsibilities that weren't highlighted in the job description but rather from tasks that didn't happen everyday that allowed me to use my problem solving skills. This position gave me tons of learning experiences from contract writing, negotiating, and adapting to new groups everyday. One of my most exciting accomplishments was that during the span of 19 programs I had over 200 "sibs" attend. Because this was a free program that is offered during orientation we would sometimes have 4 children and other days we were working with 23. It was a great feeling to break the program record this year with the largest group in attendance for one day.
What advice would you give?
If you are passionate about something go for it! For a long time I felt out of the norm that I was in love with event planning but that I wasn't interested in hotels or weddings. While it wasn't easy to find an internship that encompassed both my love for higher education and event planning, it was possible and I've learned so much! Do what you love and you won't work a day in your life.