I am probably the shyest person out there – it takes a village to get me to even go to a school event sometimes. Being in an introvert is just in my nature, but I was ready for a change. This past summer I pushed myself out of my own little bubble and was chosen to be an Orientation Leader (OL). Not only did I make friends out of it, but I felt proud of myself for doing it.
Here’s 10 reasons why YOU should become an OL:
1. Love THON? Love wearing tutus and color coordinated outfits for your team? You’ll LOVE Welcoming Week. It’s a big burst of colors.
2. The fun doesn’t stop when Orientation is over – your fellow OLs will make sure to invite you to other events where you can show your pride. 3. TEAM CHEERS!!! The spotlight may not be your thing, but it’s so much fun. Not only do you make up the lyrics, you pick what song(s) you want in the background. And if you don’t like dancing: don’t worry. Just blend in with the crowd. 4. Becoming an OL is more tempting if you’re a Resident, but still fun even if you’re a Commuter. Residents, remember when you were tired from a long day of moving in, and the next day you heard all kinds of cheers and clapping and shouting to wake you up? You get your revenge. It’s pretty fun. 5. The bond. Whatever team you’re on, it’ll become like a little family. You’ll always be doing stuff together, making jokes together, laughing together. You’ll definitely make some new friends out of this experience.
6. Knowing where each building is and where to go for what when someone asks you. You might have been confused your first semester, but you’ve got it down now.
7. Also knowing how to pronounce and properly say “Luerssen” or “Thun” when someone asks you. That’s a big accomplishment.
8. All the fun activities you get to do. OLs get to do all kinds of things before Welcome Week starts and there are many, many, dance parties. The Wobble. Follow the Leader. Cupid Shuffle. No matter how hard you try to resist joining, you will get sucked in. And you’ll love it.
9. Comforting a new student or parent on move-in day. There’s a lot of emotions and confusion, it can be a rough day sometimes but that’s why you’re there – you’re the glue of Orientation.
10. And finally, the sense of joy and feeling of accomplishment when you see one of your first-years walking around campus and they stop you and say “hey, I remember you!”. There’s no better feeling. It’s definitely worth the heat, long hours, and losing your voice. //
Ultimately, the choice to become an OL is your decision – but hopefully I’ve guided you to think about it further. If you’re already considering, you should do it. It’s so much fun and it’ll definitely be one of the best experiences. It’ll be one of those times you look back on and miss, because I sure do.
If you’re interested or want to learn more about becoming an OL, stop by Campus Life in PSC Room 19. Applications will be out on 01/09/17 and will be due on 02/10/17, so you’ve got plenty of time to think about it.