This summer, I had the pleasure and honor to welcome new students to Jefferson as an orientation leader. Orientation is such an important time in incoming students’ lives. For most students, it’s the first time they stay the night at campus, the first time they meet their fellow classmates, as well as the time they get familiar with where the buildings are on campus and receive their first semester’s class schedule. These are huge steps that are taken in the two days of their orientation, and the OLs are there to help make things easier for everyone.
I remember the feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted, and lost during my orientation. But what I also remember was the excitement, encouragement, and leadership expressed from my OLs over those two days. The examples they set forward not only eased my nerves and made me feel more at home, but they inspired me to be that person for others. When the opportunity to be an orientation leader came my way, I knew I had to make the most of it.
Being an OL means getting students involved in activities that will help them get to know each other. It means trying your best to answer any question that comes your way and keeping a positive energy (no matter how exhausted you are). Most importantly, it’s about showing the students what it is you love so much about your school, so they can learn to love it too. This job isn’t an easy one, and at times it seemed almost impossible, but the biggest thing that motivated me to keep going was the amazing friends I made as an OL.
My team was full of the silliest, kindest, most hard-working people I’ve ever met. They are a group of people I’m so proud to call my friends, and I know I can count on them for anything. The memories we made this summer will last a lifetime and the bond we shared was so strong that we worked together flawlessly as a team. We could tackle any challenge that came our way and we did it all while having so much fun.
This job was one of the most useful learning opportunities of my life. I learned such important skills in problem solving, thinking on my feet, breaking out of my shell (and helping new students to break out as well), and to keep moving forward, because sometimes it’s really all you can do. I wouldn’t trade this experience or the lessons I learned this summer for anything in the world, even all the hours of sleep that I lost.
If you are considering or are every presented with the opportunity to be an OL, I would highly recommend it. The difference you make in incoming students’ lives is remarkable, and the difference you make in your own life is just as incredible.