THRIVE Early Arrival Program

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THRIVE is a three day Early Arrival Program for first-year students that takes place the week before Fall semester classes begin. The THRIVE program focuses on health and well-being and includes workshops, events and activities focused on the nine dimensions of well-being (physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and financial). Students will also participate in a variety of social events and excursions into the city. Through the leadership of SJU's Health & Well-being team and our upperclassmen THRIVE peer mentors, participants will get a head start on creating a healthy college lifestyle!

There is a $170 fee for all participants which covers the cost of food, transportation and activities for the duration of the program.

For more information, please email THRIVE@sju.edu. 

Register for THRIVE 2024!

**6/27/24 Update: THRIVE Registration is now closed, as we have reached our capacity for the 2024 program.  Please contact our team at THRIVE@sju.edu with any questions.**

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "THRIVE?"

What does it really mean to "Thrive?" In short it means that we are feeling good and functioning well. Thriving involves connections and positive emotions. Thriving also includes developing positive meaning that helps us to live in a purposeful, energized, engaged, and resilient way. Our THRIVE early arrival program provides first year students the tools and connections they need to start a successful college journey!

What is a THRIVE Mentor?

THRIVE Mentors are a group of upperclassmen students who provide leadership, guidance and support to incoming first-year students participating in the THRIVE Early Arrival Program. During the three day THRIVE EAP, peer mentors work as a team alongside SJU Health & Well-being staff to provide a vibrant, fun and engaging experience for THRIVE participants! The Thrive Hive peer mentors are committed to helping new Hawks explore health and well-being topics through the nine dimensions of well-being, providing a solid foundation for a first year experience where each student can Thrive!

Meet the 2024 THRIVE Mentors!

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Veronia Rateb

Major: Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Class Year: P1

Hometown: Reading, PA

What advice to you have for new Hawks? 
Stay true to yourself and enjoy it while it lasts. Seriously, I know it's cheesy but you will look back on your time here and miss it. Getting involved will really help you connect and transition during this time of change. It also will help you make new friends and new memories. Enjoy the ride! 

What is a fun fact about you?
I am bilingual, I am fluent in Arabic and English!

Keely Gallagher

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Class Year: Senior

Major: Communications

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

What advice to you have for new Hawks? 
My best advice is to take time for yourself! The excitement, stress, and overall change of college can be overwhelming. Make time in your schedule to take care of yourself! Go on a walk, paint, call your parents (they appreciate it SO much, believe me!), do whatever makes you happy. You can't excel in all aspects of college without prioritizing yourself and your needs.

What is a fun fact about you?
I've met the Jonas Brothers when I was 5 in Disney World!

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Ryan Manz

Class Year: Sophomore

Major: Business Intelligence & Analytics

Hometown: Rockaway, NJ

What advice to you have for new Hawks? 
1. Take your first few days slow, it may seem to be a lot when you first get here, but I promise it will get better.

2. Put yourself out there, I wasn't the most outgoing guy out there, but relationships / friendships are huge.

3. Focus on time management, I can not stress enough how important having a planner was for me, I was able to write down everything I had to do and it kept me organized and on track.

What is a fun fact about you?
I play on the Club Soccer and Hockey teams here at SJU.

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Morgan Kaylor

Class Year: Sophomore

Major: Pharmacy

Hometown: York, PA

What advice to you have for new Hawks?
Be true to yourself! This is a fresh, new beginning for you, and being true to yourself is the first step to thriving in college. You will find your people, your place, and most importantly who and what you want to be, just give yourself time and have an open mind! Everything will fall into place!

What is a fun fact about you?
I have done various styles of dance since I was three years old! I have done shows and even competed at Nationals and Worlds!

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Jacqueline McCoy

Class Year: Sophomore

Major: English - Secondary Education

Hometown: Harleysville, PA

What advice to you have for new Hawks?
Some advice I suggest is learning how to communicate effectively. Whether that's with friends, roommates, or professors, you will be put into many rhetorical situations that call for personal judgment and opinion. It can be hard when you do not know how to communicate respectfully and in a way where you will be able to share how you feel. You can learn how to communicate by being aware of your communication style, as well as the styles of others. Being mindful of others' strengths and weaknesses is crucial for these conversations.

What is a fun fact about you?
I won a school spelling bee in 8th grade!

Jamie Valentin

Class Year: Junior

Major: Sociology

Hometown: Woodbury Heights, NJ