By: Miki Chiu, Class of 2028
Publicity Chair of the D’Lion Organization 2025 – 2026
Hi! I’m Miki Chiu. I’m part of the Class of 2028 majoring in Business – Entrepreneurship and minoring in Chinese here at the University of Rochester. I’m also a D’Lion and the current Publicity Chair for the organization.
If you’re part of the Class of 2030, I want to tell you what a D’Lion actually is and why it might matter more than you expect.
Starting Somewhere New
When I first got to campus, I was so nervous. It was emotional. It was scary.
I’m naturally introverted, and like a lot of first-year students, being away from home without knowing anyone here felt overwhelming. Over the summer, I reached out to a bunch of people in my class trying to get ahead socially. We exchanged a few messages… and then it was either a “liked your message” or no response.
When I moved in, The FYRE (First Year Residential Experience) team was everywhere: helping carry boxes, directing traffic, cheering, blasting music. They had this amped-up energy that made everything feel welcoming instead of overwhelming.
But once the day slowed down and the doors closed, it hit differently.
At night, I remember lying in my dorm in Genesee Hall listening to the hum of the AC. I would lie there staring at the ceiling, feeling my pulse race because I knew I had to experience this whole college transition alone.
No one really talks about that part of college. The in-between moments. The silence. The uncertainty.
That feeling of “Okay… this is real now” hits hard.
Now, being a D’Lion, I’m the one helping carry boxes, cheering for first-years, and welcoming families during move-in. I think about that version of myself. The one who was grateful for the energy but still a little scared.
It’s funny how quickly roles shift.
College is still a fresh start every year, but now I get to be part of the energy that helps someone else feel a little more steady in that first moment.
A Sea of Blue, One Shoulder Tap
One of the clearest memories from that first week was lining up for the giant “R” photo on Wilson Quad.
Everyone was wearing blue, and from where I stood it felt like a sea. Waves of unfamiliar faces stretched in every direction. I was surrounded by my entire class, but I still felt a little alone. It was hot, loud, and overwhelming in that way only the first week can be.
Then I heard someone in front of me mention Wilson Day.
I hesitated for a second, and then I tapped her on the shoulder and we started talking.
08.23.2024. That day I met Isabelle. She ended up becoming one of my closest friends at Rochester. We had every meal together, attended every club event together, and later on, we applied to become D’Lions together.
It wasn’t some big cinematic moment. It was just one small reach across the space between two strangers.
But that’s how a lot of things start here. Simple. Spontaneous. Sometimes with something as small as a shoulder tap.
D’Lion: Becoming The Person I Needed
As my first year went on, I started pushing myself a little more. I joined APO, a professional community service fraternity, and slowly became more involved. I became historian, then pledge educator, and eventually publicity chair there too.
Some of the friendliest faces I met there were actually part of FYRE. I noticed how intentional they were about checking in, remembering names, creating energy that made the first week feel exciting instead of overwhelming. And I kept thinking about how I felt during my own first week
I wanted to be someone who made that adjustment less intimidating for the next class because this campus becomes your home for the next few years. And that shouldn’t feel isolating.
They should feel comfortable. Familiar. A little chaotic in a good way.
I wanted to help build that.
What Being a D’Lion Really Looks Like
One of the most common questions I get is, “Wait… what’s a D’Lion? Is that like an RA?”
And honestly, that’s fair.
RAs focus on policies and safety. D’Lions focus on connection. We’re there to build community in a quieter way: through check-ins, small events, and everyday interactions.
I mostly smile and wave hi to my residents around campus, but they also occasionally knock on my door. Sometimes it’s very practical like asking for dish soap, wondering how to keep a door unlocked, but it can also be something completely unexpected.
Right before Lunar New Year, I opened my door to one of my residents saying “I thought you would want to celebrate.” and handed me decorations for my door.
Those moments weren’t dramatic. Just a small, thoughtful gesture. But they stuck with me.
Because that’s how community actually forms. From small, consistent interactions that slowly build comfort.
You start recognizing faces and stop feeling like a stranger in your own hall.
First-Year Realities
Most first-year students worry about two things:
- Friend groups
- Grades
There’s this pressure to figure out your “people” immediately. Add a little gossip, a little drama, and a lot of overthinking. Suddenly it feels like everyone else has it together except you. And when it comes to academics, I actually think some of that worry is a good sign. It often means you’re not struggling alone. You have people to study with, to rant to after an exam, to sit next to in the library when everything feels overwhelming. Those “That test was so hard, it’s over.” moments end up strengthening friendships in ways you don’t expect.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
- Everyone is figuring it out. Even if it doesn’t look that way from the outside.
- Over time, students find their rhythm. And through their halls, classes, clubs, and random late-night conversations, they build something steady.
- URochester doesn’t feel like home overnight. It happens gradually in shared meals, familiar faces, inside jokes, and small routines.
Then one day, without realizing exactly when it happened, it just does.
Making D’Lions Visible
As a general D’Lion, I:
- Design bulletin boards with interactive spaces, information, and events
- Host “Food for Thought” events each semester
- Plan monthly “Celebration of the Month” events to recognize residents
- Check in with conversations and affirmation cards
But as Publicity Chair, I also:
- Create the posts and design flyers
- Manage our social media platforms and attract engagement
- Highlight our D’Lions and their bulletin boards
- Spread the word about applications, community service events, social events, meet-and-greets, and huge events like Dandelion Daydream
Being a D’Lion isn’t just about publicity, but I really think it matters.
Sometimes the only difference between someone staying in their room and someone showing up is a post that makes them feel interested enough to try. I try to make our content feel relatable and not overly polished.
We’re students too. We have the same humor, screen time, and stress before exams.
If someone sees a post and thinks, “Okay, this looks interesting,” that’s enough.
Because once you show up, the real part begins.
Conversations happen and familiarity builds.
Growing Into Different Versions of Myself
Outside of being on the D’Lion E-Board, I also got to experience my positions in APO, being a vocalist in NJR, a Chinese tutor at the Language Center, and a sister of Chi Omega.
I didn’t arrive on campus thinking I’d be involved in all of that, but growth here doesn’t feel forced. It happens gradually.
A lot of my closest friends came from different parts of my first year. Some were from my first-year building. Some were in the same classes as me. Some I met through clubs.
Being involved made the campus feel smaller. Each space has shaped how I lead, whether it’s mentoring new members, performing on stage, or tutoring one-on-one.
And all of that feeds back into how I show up for my residents.
Because leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room.
It’s about being someone others feel comfortable knocking on the door of.
Advice for the Class of 2030: Where It All Begins
If you’re nervous, that’s normal.
If you’re introverted, that’s normal.
If you’re worried you won’t find your place, you will.
Your residence hall is often where it begins. Not perfectly, not instantly, but slowly.
And if there’s a D’Lion on your floor, know that we’re there intentionally.
To build comfort, familiarity, and to help this campus feel less overwhelming and more like home.
I can’t wait to meet everyone and welcome you guys.
Maybe you’ll be the one tapping someone on the shoulder next.
In the meantime, you can practice by tapping on our Instagram @rochesterdlions 🙂
