July 20, 2021

MSM Orientation Assistant Cat Tron gives us an inside look into the preparations for the 2021 Orientation.

Cat (BM ’21, Musical Theatre) reflects on her first weeks at MSM and what advice she would share with incoming students.

Tell us about your position as Orientation Assistant.

Cat: My job as the orientation assistant is something that has been a long time coming. I was named to this position in the spring of 2020, and began working that May. Due to COVID, we decided to put a pause on my job because we weren’t sure about how safely we could present orientation. Now that I’m back, it has been really interesting getting to see the behind-the-scenes of local businesses as well as the school! I work very closely with Director of Student Engagement Melanie Dorsey and it has been a dream since day one!

Tell us about what you have planned for Orientation 2021.

Cat: Orientation 2021 is a combo of all the things we love about our orientations but this time with a new, fresh twist. We’re finding events and places that we think will have our new students feeling inspired about their time at MSM, From wacky museums, to expansive views, to furry friends, and even delicious treats, it’s sure to be one heck of a party!

What was your favorite thing about Orientation when you were new to MSM?

Cat: I grew up in New York, so I was really very excited to spend time with my new classmates in a way that wasn’t necessarily academic, and in places I was familiar with. Some of the fondest memories of my life at MSM are from Orientation. My favorite event was getting to go to the Bronx Zoo. I have always felt really comfy around animals, so I felt myself truly be able to be open with my new friends there!

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Cat: My advice is to try everything. Try, if you can, to open yourself up to new people, places, foods, and thoughts. If any part of you wants to do it, I’d say go for it. Especially when in New York!

What else have you been up to this summer?

Cat: I am always a part of some new and exciting project! You can catch more info at www.cattron.info. Recently, I started a theatre company with my friends called The Life Mosaic, and we’re building our upcoming season! It’s sure to be a smash of a year.

Join us on Instagram for an Orientation Q&A with Cat on July 22!