Twin brothers Josep and Michael Orellana share how Saint Leo University became their second home, embracing campus life and following in their siblings' footsteps.
A Journey of Involvement
As high school juniors and seniors, transfer students, and their parents consider their college options, hearing from current students can provide valuable insights. In a recent interview, Tiffany Dion sat down with Josep Orellana and Michael Orellana, twins from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to discuss their experiences at Saint Leo University.
Josep and Michael shared their journey and how they became involved in various clubs and programs at Saint Leo. As active members of the ISA (Intercultural Students Association), a club focused on knowledge sharing and diversity on campus, the Orellana twins emphasized the importance of involvement in clubs for social connections and networking opportunities.
Continuing the Family Tradition and A Memorable Campus Visit
One significant aspect that influenced their decision to choose Saint Leo University was their siblings' positive experiences at the university. Both their sister and brother had attended Saint Leo, which played a role in Josep and Michael's decision to continue the family tradition and join the Saint Leo community.
In the interview, Josep and Michael recounted their first visit to Saint Leo's campus in 6th grade when they accompanied their brother for a campus tour. They recalled the striking beauty of the campus and the welcoming atmosphere they experienced even as younger siblings. This early impression of the university left a lasting impact on their minds and contributed to their decision to attend Saint Leo years later.
Pursuing Their Passions in Cybersecurity and Computer Science: Both Staying in the Tech Landscape
Josep and Michael have chosen distinct yet complementary majors. Josep is studying cybersecurity, while Michael is majoring in computer science. Their chosen fields allow them to pursue their individual interests while complementing each other's academic pursuits.
During the interview, the twins shared an amusing and memorable experience of being enrolled in a class together at Saint Leo. This unique situation allowed them to engage in collaborative learning and foster a friendly academic rivalry that furthered their understanding and passion for their respective fields.
Their interest in the tech field was influenced partly by their brother's major in technology, who had a great experience learning at Saint Leo and continued to work in the field after graduation. Building on their family's experience, Josep has further immersed himself in cybersecurity through his involvement in The PenTest Club at Saint Leo, enhancing his skills and connecting with like-minded individuals.
The mission of Saint Leo's PenTest Club is to nurture an environment of motivated learning where students can come together to explore the realm of cyber-security with their peers. This exploration will be conducted through collaborative education sessions, social events, competitions, and more, whilst upholding Saint Leo University's core values. This club is a place where students, whether undergraduate or in their master's program, can come together to learn about pen-testing, or ethical hacking, and complete CTF rooms through TryHackMe and participate in CTF competitions such as the Raymond James CTF competition as a team. The hopes is that eventually the club will become a competitive team that will represent Saint Leo at different university CTF and ethical hacking competitions.
Academic Enrichment through the Honors Program
The Honors Program has been a significant aspect of the Saint Leo experience for both Josep and Michael. The Honors program faculty are passionate about the topics they teach, and the students involved are among the best on campus. The program encompasses first-year seminars that focus on discussing topics like faith, religion, and politics. It even culminates in a group debate, with Josep winning his freshman-year debate and returning as a mentor in the following year.
Authentic Insights in Admissions
Josep and Michael also work in admissions, interacting with prospective students and helping them make the best decisions for themselves. Their roles as current students lend credibility to their advice, as they can provide authentic and honest feedback.
Embracing the Saint Leo Community
In addition to academics, Josep and Michael shared how essential it was for them to find a community at Saint Leo University. Josep recalls meeting close friends during his second year through working orientation and engaging in various activities on campus. They both also discuss the importance of not isolating themselves during the first semester of college, encouraging students to attend events and socialize.
Preparing for the Future
As they approach graduation, Josep and Michael reflect on the impact of their experiences at Saint Leo University and their plans for the future. Undoubtedly, their time at Saint Leo has shaped their lives and provided them with a strong foundation for lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional development.
Choosing the right university is an important decision, but Josep and Michael Orellana's experiences help paint a picture of the community spirit, academic opportunities, and supportive environment that Saint Leo University offers its students. Their stories and the influence of their siblings' experiences are a testament to the value of embracing new experiences and actively engaging in the campus community.