When I applied to be an orientation leader this past summer, I thought I knew exactly what I was signing up for. Welcoming incoming students, running groups, and staying organized. Seems simple enough, right?
What I didn’t expect, though, was how this experience would ultimately turn this past summer into the greatest one ever.
My first day as an official member of the Orientation Team was pretty nerve-racking. While I had gone through training before the students came, nothing ever really prepares you for standing in front of a group of nervous 18-year-olds by yourself. I mean, just two years ago, I was that nervous 18-year-old.
This thought grounded me a little, though. I thought to myself, “Look how far I’ve come.”
Walking the students around, answering their questions, and having them do icebreakers I know they secretly hated me for (sorry, not sorry), and watching them become more confident helped me feel less intimidated. I began to realize that I didn’t need to know the exact answer to every question or be perfect at all times, but instead, be someone who is persevering and trying their best, someone they can look up to.
And somehow, even though I’ve been here for two years, being an orientation leader made me feel more at home at St. Bonaventure than ever.
While actually being a leader was great, it wasn’t the only thing I experienced this summer. I also ended up meeting friends that I hope I am lucky enough to keep around for a lifetime – and then some.
There is something that is incredibly special about spending three weeks of your summer with people who are experiencing the same thing as you are. You all get the opportunity to learn from one another and laugh together every day. Somewhere in between all the early mornings, late nights, and countless Alani’s, I discovered that the Orientation Team was no longer just my coworkers – but they had become some of my favorite people and best friends.
Honestly, I think that this was the best surprise of the summer. I applied for this position in hopes that I would make incoming students feel welcome, never anticipating that I would feel so welcomed too.
As the weeks continued, I realized something that I never did as a freshman: sometimes, finding your place takes time.
Finding a place where you feel like you belong can sneak up on you – in class, walking around campus, and sometimes even when you become an Orientation Leader.
This summer reminded me that it’s okay to still be figuring things out, even when you’re over two years into college.
So, thank you, O-team. For making me feel like I belong. Like I always have a home here. And like I finally found my place.
Team Clare, signing out.