Sisterhood Begins Here: NSO 2025
Between Aug. 13 and 19, Spelman College hosted its annual New Student Orientation (NSO) with the theme: “When and Where I Enter: Honoring Our Past… Claiming Our Future.” Current students warmly greeted incoming freshmen as they drove through the institution’s gates, commencing their collegiate journeys and settling into their new home.
Sisterhood is Global: Spelmanites Across Regions Unite
Lit with glow sticks and filled with exuberant energy, incoming freshmen flooded Sisters Chapel, ready to represent their region. Spearheaded by P.U.L.S.E., and facilitated by the New Student Orientation (NSO) leaders, “Sisterhood is Global” empowered first year students to unleash their enthusiasm following the lengthy move-in day that preceded.
“I feel like it’s a great way to let guardrails down, be raw and have fun. It’s definitely one of the most casual and comfortable events of NSO week,” junior NSO lead Olivia James said. “I think everyone’s starting to get to know each other a little bit, so hopefully they can start to explore what Spelman really is and see the more exciting parts of it.”
Young women from across the globe are being bonded by Spelman, an institution known for its regional diversity. The event allowed students from similar locations—the dirty south, Atlanta, east coast, DMV, west coast, midwest, and international— to connect with one another while encouraging them to celebrate geographical differences.
“These four years are the only time you can be around people that look like you and that are from so many different places,” freshman sociology major Aria Nobles said. “It’s empowering to be around so many people that have different backgrounds, experiences and to learn so many things from them.”
To become acquainted with one another, NSO leads instructed Spelmanites to raise their hands and recite their Spelman introduction, a fun fact about them, and their reason for attending Spelman. This activity not only broke the ice but also highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the students.
They were then instructed to rise from the pews and converse with classmates they had not yet spoken to. This exercise emphasized the concept of fellowship, a key facet of the sisterhood they will undoubtedly embody throughout their matriculation.
“Sisterhood to me means community and coming to each other’s defense. It means learning how to co-exist in a way that’s deeper than friendship, and supporting people in every aspect of our lives,” freshman psychology major Nia Gooden said.
Eventually, the “rep your region” segment kicked off, where students were divided based on where they were from. The NSO leaders garnered jubilation as they proudly held up signs with the various regions on them. Screams of Lil Baby’s “Freestyle” and Sexyy Red’s “Get it Sexyy” echoed through the space as everyone represented their hometowns through these anthems.
“Spelman is such a mecca of Black excellence, especially for Black women,” freshman Lena Johnson said. “I love events like this where you can have fun and see the duality of people. Of course we’re excellent in whatever field we’re in, but we can also just have fun and have a good time.”
Pinned into Sisterhood: Spelman’s Induction Ceremony Welcomes the Class of 2029
Between Aug. 13 and 19, Spelman College hosted its annual New Student Orientation (NSO) with the theme: “When and Where I Enter: Honoring Our Past… Claiming Our Future.” Current students warmly greeted incoming freshmen as they drove through the institution’s gates, commencing their collegiate journeys and settling into their new home.
After four days of unpacking stuffed suitcases and U-Haul trucks, personalizing cramped dorms as if they were studio apartments and sharing heartfelt goodbyes with their families, the soon-to-be Spelmanites gathered outside Sister’s Chapel.
In classic white attire, adorned with pearls on their wrists, students eagerly awaited their induction into a lifetime of sisterhood following “ A Choice to Change the World,” led by alumnae who welcomed them into the cherished community.
First-year sociology major Ayla McHenry, began her NSO week by moving into Stewart Living and Learning Center (LLC1) with her new Spelman sisters. During high school, McHenry attended a Predominantly White Institution (PWI), which often left her feeling less confident in her experiences, opinions and aspirations as a young Black woman.
“I love the sisterhood already. Seeing so many beautiful Black women in one space is refreshing, especially coming from my high school. It is an incredibly unique experience that you cannot make up,” McHenry said.
The Induction Ceremony allows students to engage in intimate conversations with the alumnae who volunteer to pin the girls as they walk across the chapel aisles. Alumnae from various graduating classes join the girls in white attire, offering wisdom and consolation to guide each young woman’s transition into her collegiate career.
The incoming freshmen often experience anxiety about being away from home and uncertainty about their future. However, after speaking with Spelman alumnae, they gain valuable insights and reassurance as they embark on this new chapter.
“I feel like being inducted into Spelman marks the beginning of my womanhood. Like the institution’s tagline suggests, I have chosen to change the world, and I get to define what that looks like for me. The induction ceremony will help me determine what I want my life to become,” McHenry said.
Events like the induction ceremony serve as tangible reminders of resilience and preparation. The apprehension that often accompanies independence and unfamiliarity is alleviated by the community support provided at this annual ceremony.
“This induction ceremony signifies that we will enter spaces that foster and encourage learning. I will meet women who challenge me to grow in various environments and experiment within my desired career field. Black women are underrepresented in the legal field. Once inducted and through discussions with alumni, I can address how to change this, reflecting on Spelman’s motto: ‘A Choice to Change the World,’” Angelika Bell said.
Canadian student Eden O’Neill acknowledges the induction ceremony as a celebration of her official status as a Spelmanite and an opportunity to connect with alumnae who may share similar journeys.
“Canada is primarily a white country, and when people of color are present, they often are not uplifted or respected. In contrast, Atlanta–especially at a special place like Spelman–provides Black people with support, liberation, and opportunities for growth. I wanted to be a part of that,” O’Neill said.
The Induction Ceremony is a tradition that instills pride, confidence and a sense of belonging among incoming students. Their first experience of Spelman sisterhood often occurs within the walls of Sisters Chapel, where they are pinned by the women who came before them.
After a 12 hour road trip from Somerset, New Jersey, Amira Pinkett is enthusiastic and assured even before being officially inducted as a Spelman student.
“I wake up every day feeling like all I can do is smile. Being in an environment with so many driven young Black girls who look like me is inspiring and encouraging,” Pinkett said. “There are countless opportunities that the sisterhood has to offer, which is why I have created a bucket list, starting with relying on my village–my sisterhood. That is how I will accomplish my goals and make the most of my experience.”