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“I never expected to work in higher education,” said Tuong Vi Thai ’23, ‘26G reflecting on the unexpected path that led from theatre major to orientation coordinator at Salem State University. “But once I started working with students, I knew I wanted to keep helping others find their place here.”

Thai first participated in orientation in 2019, inspired by an orientation leader who happened to be a fellow high school classmate. The experience left a lasting impression, and by 2022, Thai had joined the team as an orientation leader while completing a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts with a concentration in stage and production management. What began as a summer job soon became a calling.

“Being an orientation leader made it easier to connect with people across campus,” Thai explains. “Students would stop by and remember me from their orientation. It showed how lasting that first connection can be.”

When the orientation coordinator position opened the following year, Thai hesitated to apply after reading the job description and wondered if she was truly qualified. With encouragement from her supervisor, who saw her dedication and potential, she decided to take a chance. “Having someone believe I could do it gave me the confidence to apply,” said Thai. “I’m so glad I did.”

Helping Students and Families Feel at Home

Now serving as Salem State’s orientation coordinator while pursuing a master’s degree in business and administration, Thai leads the program that first inspired a love for higher education. This role involves working closely with new students, their families and a team of student leaders to create a welcoming start to the Salem State experience.

“What I love most is seeing students and families connect,” Thai said. “Many families, especially those who are first-generation or from different cultural backgrounds, just want to know their student will be supported. I’ve had parents come to me for help with translation or to ask questions, and it means a lot to provide that comfort.”

Thai believes orientation is more than a single day on campus. “It sets the tone for the years ahead,” she explained. “It’s the first chance to show students that there is opportunity for everyone here, no matter their beliefs, background or identity.”

Seeing Both Sides of the Student Experience

Balancing graduate school with a full-time job gives Thai a unique view of campus life. “It can be tricky to switch between being a student and an employee, but it helps me see both sides,” she

says. “I know what students are going through, and I understand how staff can better support them. It’s made me more empathetic and connected.”

Her advice for new students is simple: say yes. “Join as many clubs as you can, go to events, talk to people,” Thai says. “You never know which experience will change your path. I joined orientation to try something new, and it completely changed the direction I thought I wanted to go in.”

This year, Thai received the Dr. Nancy Harrington ’60 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which has helped her continue pursuing her degree while working full-time. “As a first-generation student, that support means so much,” she said. “It’s helped me stay focused on finishing school and giving back. I hope to one day open a nonprofit that supports local theater companies and small Asian-owned businesses.”

Looking back, Thai is proud of how far she’s come in such a short amount of time. “Salem State gave me opportunities I never expected. Now, I get to help students find theirs.”