Upon deciding to attend Eastern, the next big step for freshman and transfer students after signing the dotted line is their Debut Day.

Debut Leaders, consisting of 10 individuals, will spend the day marching new students around campus, getting them acclimated, gathering their essentials, setting up university accounts and being there to answer any questions that the curious newcomers and their parents may have.

Leaders have earned their titles after three stages of interviews aiming to get to know applicants, test their problem-solving skills and presentation methods.

Allie Moran, a junior communication studies major, said she signed on as a Debut Leader because of her very own Debut Day as a freshman and has wanted the job since then.

“I put everything into it; 100 percent passionate,” Moran said. “On my Debut, the leaders reassured all of my doubts, all of my questions were answered and they made me feel so much more comfortable.”

Moran said she is excited to lead her first group of students Wednesday.

This year’s Debut Leaders trained two hours per week for the past five months before beginning the summer’s grind of all-day training, Monday through Friday.

Prep involves games called ‘modules’ and ‘just-in-time’ training, which prepare the Debut Leaders for all situations that may appear during the Debut Day and puts them in good position to handle situations on-the-fly.

Ben Poznic, a junior biology major, said Debut Leaders try to get their groups excited for the college experience.

The 10 Leaders divide into pairs and circle the campus, completing the tasks of class registrations, gaining familiarity with facilities, support services and breaking every now and then for fun activities.

Angelica Bradley, a senior pre-veterinary medicine major, said she is not nervous at all about Wednesday’s first Debut Day.

“[Supervisors] Kim Moock, Cordy Love and Jenna Day have done a great job preparing us this summer,” Bradley said. “We learned a lot about each other, whether its our pet peeves, how we listen, or how we react to certain situations. Because of that, we collaborate better and work better as a Debut staff for our incoming freshman and transfers.”

The Debut Days run from 8 a.m. to about 2 p.m., culminating with an optional tour of the campus for those who have not done so yet.

“I love being involved and interacting with students,” Bradley said. “As a Debut Leader, I can help new freshman and transfers with any questions, concerns or queries that they may have.”

Joshua Bryant can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].