Orange Pride members open up

               In college most students want to find that one student group that they can fit in and give them a more secure feeling on campus being surrounded by people who have the same interest or hobby as them.
               At OSU, school pride is a pretty big deal on campus, especially during football season, which is a peak time for athletics.  I interviewed Lindsey Corbitt, a sports media sophomore, Crystal Wanse, a nutritional sciences junior with an option of allied health, both who are members of Orange Pride.

What is Orange Pride?:  
 
Corbitt: “Orange Pride is a student organization with the purpose of being an ambassador to the football program and assisting the recruiting coaches in the recruiting process.
 
Why did you choose OSU?”
 
Corbitt: “Although OSU was not my first choice, when I came for a visit I fell in love with the people as well as the campus. The people here are so friendly and the campus is neat…I have always been fond of a more intimate setting, so OSU was the perfect school for me.”
 
Wanse: “The environment that OSU possessed is like no other. Everybody is so warm and inviting. When I went on my visit to the campus, I witnessed this and was automatically sold!”
 
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?:
 
Corbitt: “In 10 years I hope to be working in my field as a commentator or reporter for a sports company such as ESPN…or as a sports publicist for athletes. One thing I have always wanted was a family, so I would love to be married and maybe have a child.”
 
Wanse: “In ten years, I see myself living in Houston, Texas with the career as a Registered Nurse.”
 
 How had Orange Pride helped you reach that goal?
 
Wanse: “The skills to communicate with all different types of people will benefit me tremendously in the long run. Also, the networking connections I have made can possibly help me in the future.”
 
What made you want to be a part of Orange Pride and how has it affected you?
 
Corbitt:  “The summer before my freshman year…I decided I was coming to OSU so I called Sharla, the adviser, and asked her what the program was about and how I could get involved…I decided it was perfect for me because I love football and I am interested in learning as much about sports as I possibly can. After seeing the girls on the field at the first game and seeing how much fun they were having, I knew that was what I wanted to do. Orange Pride has helped me to understand the recruiting process and all the work that goes into recruiting athletes; it made me appreciate the work that the coaches and athletes put in for our team to look good.”
 
 Has being a part of OP made you feel more secure on campus?

Corbitt:  OP has made me feel very secure here at OSU…by allowing me to be a part of something greater than myself and something that impacts the entire school. Orange Pride is a family and has allowed be to become close with girls I may have not got to know if I wasn’t a part of this program.”
 
Crystal, you are so involved on campus, but you have an above average GPA, how do you balance being on OP, schoolwork, and having somewhat of a social life?
 
Wanse: “Time management is definitely a skill one must possess when dealing with many activities. You have to know when to study, when to work, when to participate in Orange Pride activities, when to have a social life, and most importantly when to BREATHE!”
 
Lindsey, for those who may not understand, what is the actual purpose of Orange Pride here at Oklahoma State?
 
Corbitt:  “Many people do not realize how important Orange Pride is to the recruiting process for football. We do a lot of the things that would take the recruiting coaches a lot of time to do, such as addressing envelopes and making badges for players as well as coaches, but that is only a sample of what we do in the office. On gameday we are responsible for making sure the recruits and their parents and guests feel welcome and have all of their questions answered about OSU academics, as well as athletics. If the recruits don’t feel welcome, there is a chance that they won’t commit, and we will miss out on good player. On gameday we also make sure that all recruits are kept safe while on the field and have a memorable experience.”