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When prospective students and their families visit Ohio University Eastern , they are often greeted by the warm smile and infectious enthusiasm of Abigail Lish, a senior social work student. As a campus tour guide, Lish plays a crucial role in helping newcomers feel at home while highlighting what makes the campus special.
Lish’s journey to becoming a tour guide began with a desire to share the excitement and opportunities she experienced as a freshman.
"I wanted to be a campus tour guide after seeing how excited our freshmen are to experience university life," Lish said. "I enjoy giving tours to show what our campus has to offer incoming students."
One of the highlights of any tour led by Lish is her ability to connect with prospective students. She takes the time to learn about their interests and aspirations, tailoring the tour to their needs.
"I ask students what they’re interested in and then share information about their chosen major as we go along," Lish explained. "I then provide information about the program and what they can expect."
Her favorite part of the campus to showcase is the laboratories, where students engage in hands-on learning.
"The nursing students work with high fidelity simulators, commonly referred to by many as manikins, and the biology lab has various plants to study—it's a fun learning experience compared to just sitting in a classroom," she said.
Lish’s role as a tour guide has had a significant impact on her own college experience.
"Being a tour guide has influenced my college experience very positively," she shared. "I’ve become more of a leader and more socially adaptable while talking to people. I feel like I get to know each of our students as they come into the University, and I believe they know they can come to me for help or clarity."
Danica Haverty, Ohio University regional recruitment manager and Lish’s supervisor, praised her dedication and effectiveness as a tour guide.
"Abby has a passion for OHIO Eastern that shines through during her tours," Haverty said. "She shares areas that are important to her as a student and relates her experiences to prospective students. Abby is always excited to give a tour and to share how it went afterward."
Haverty also emphasized the impact Lish has on prospective students and their families.
"Families and students often share that Abby gives a detailed tour that really showcases OHIO Eastern and the major the student is interested in," she said. "Abby makes them see themselves in our halls and classrooms."
What makes OHIO Eastern truly special, according to Lish, is the close-knit relationship between students and professors.
"Our professors work hard to teach each student in their classroom," she said. "The student-teacher relationship here is unlike any other I’ve heard about at other universities. I often explain that the professors are very helpful and want to communicate with the students, but you can’t really understand it until you experience it yourself."
As Lish looks ahead to her final year, she remains committed to helping new students feel welcomed and informed. Her passion for social work and her love for OHIO Eastern is evident in every tour she leads, making her an invaluable ambassador for the campus.
"Abby’s passion for OHIO Eastern is shown daily by her love of her major, social work, and her work in Admissions and Student Services," Haverty said. "She’s always willing to jump in and help a student or include them in campus life."
Through her work as a tour guide, Lish has not only enriched her own college experience but also left a lasting impression on those she guides, ensuring that they, too, can find their place at OHIO Eastern.
To schedule a tour of OHIO Eastern, visit ohio.edu/eastern/visit .