Orientation Guide Spotlight: Jurnie Womack
The parent looked overwhelmed. The student looked anxious.
They had just left a housing session during New Student Orientation at the University of Memphis and were worried about a residence hall assignment that didn’t feel right. Questions were piling up, and neither knew exactly what to do next.
I sat down with them, pulled up the housing portal and walked them through their options. We talked about roommate requests, residence hall choices and the flexibility they still had moving forward. What started as a stressful situation gradually turned into relief. By the end of the conversation, the student felt more confident, and it seemed like a weight had been lifted off both of their shoulders.
Moments like that are why I became an Orientation Guide.
As a finance major and Spanish minor from Chicago, I came to Memphis looking for a new experience. I wanted to leave home, experience southern culture and find a strong community. What I didn’t realize was that one day I would be helping other students find that same sense of belonging.
Faith in Jesus is the value I try to lead with every day, and it shapes how I approach leadership, service and relationships.
Through the Orientation Guide program, I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful moments come from helping someone feel supported during a season of uncertainty.
Choosing a New Home
Leaving Chicago for college was about more than academics. I wanted to challenge myself by stepping into a completely different environment and building a life somewhere new.
When I arrived at the University of Memphis, I hoped to find community and a second home. Thankfully, that’s exactly what I found.
One of the most important moments of my college journey was joining the Orientation Guide team. It brought me out of my shell, surrounded me with people who encouraged me, and strengthened my faith in ways I never expected.
I still remember attending New Student Orientation as a freshman. What stood out most was the energy. Students were smiling, having fun and genuinely excited to welcome us. I remember watching my Orientation Guide, Suzie, and admiring her leadership. At the time, I wondered if I could ever do what she was doing.
Growing Through Leadership
I decided to become an Orientation Guide because I remembered exactly what it felt like to be a new student.
Coming from out of state gave me a unique perspective. I understood the excitement, uncertainty and questions that come with starting over in a new place. I wanted to use my experiences to help students navigate that transition while also pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.
The role challenged me in all the right ways.
What I’ve learned through leadership is that culture matters. The way teammates treat one another, the way leaders communicate, and the way people make others feel can completely shape someone’s experience.
I’ve also learned that words carry weight. What you say to someone can influence how they see themselves and their potential. One person can make a difference within a team or community if they’re willing to show up consistently and invest in others.
Looking back, I’ve grown tremendously in confidence. I arrived at Memphis as a teenager and will leave as a completely different person. Much of that growth came from opportunities to lead, mentor and step into situations that initially felt intimidating.
That experience shaped my first semester because it gave me confidence that someone had my back. I knew there were people I could turn to with questions or concerns. Looking back now, it’s funny to think that the person I admired during orientation inspired me to eventually stand in that same role for future students.
The Energy of Orientation
People often ask what a typical day as an Orientation Guide looks like, and the answer is simple: busy, exciting and rewarding.
Our days begin early as the Orientation Guide team meets to review assignments before welcoming students and families to campus. Soon afterward, we create a chant tunnel outside the University Center Theater, cheering students on as they enter for the morning welcome. That’s when the energy really starts building.
From there, the day becomes a constant mix of activities. We lead small groups, help students set up essential campus apps, answer questions, guide them to presentations, and help them navigate everything from financial aid appointments to advising sessions.
My favorite part is getting to know students in smaller settings. That’s where conversations become more personal. Students open up about their concerns, goals and hopes for college.
Many students worry about housing and safety. I always empathize because I had those same concerns when I first arrived. I share my own experiences and connect them with resources like campus police, blue-light safety stations and the Everbridge safety app. Sometimes all someone needs is reassurance from a person who has already walked the path they’re about to begin.
By the end of the day, we’ve helped students register for classes, explore campus involvement opportunities and take their first steps toward becoming Tigers.
Creating a Lasting Impact
What motivates me most right now is community impact, especially mentoring and uplifting young people.
I enjoy sharing my experiences because I know how valuable encouragement can be during a major life transition. Whether it’s helping a family solve a housing issue or answering questions from a nervous freshman, I want people to feel confident and supported.
When students arrive for orientation, I encourage them to come with an open mind. College is a new season, and growth often requires embracing change. I also tell them to get involved immediately because the connections they build can shape their entire experience. Most importantly, I remind them to stay focused on academics and take advantage of resources like office hours and faculty support.
More than anything, I hope every student leaves orientation feeling connected.
That’s what Memphis gave me when I arrived from Chicago searching for community. It gave me friendships, opportunities, mentors and a place that felt like home. Through the Orientation Guide program, I’ve had the chance to give some of that back. If a student walks away believing they belong here and knowing there’s someone in their corner, then I’ve done exactly what I set out to do.
