1. You can sleep anywhere, at any time.
You wake up early and go to bed late. You have to get creative in your sleeping locations—underneath tables are a terrific spot.
2. And when you’re actually allowed to go to sleep, you are not a happy camper when students keep you awake by being loud in their rooms.
GO. TO. BED.
3. You know nearly everything about campus, down to all of the acronyms.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, you know exactly who to ask.
4. You have an elevator speech perfected, memorized, and recognized for an Oscar.
Hi, my name is Amanda, I am 20 years old and I am from Florida. My major is Communications and when I’m older I want to save the world. I have two cats, one who has an extra thumb and can open glass jars. I’m addicted to mangoes. I’m really super interesting, I promise. Now tell me about yourself.
5. Your staff becomes your family.
Late night bonding brings you closer than you ever could have imagined. Plus, spending all of your time with them and living in the same building helps.
6. Inside jokes with your staff are abundant and you laugh every time you hear them.
You have phrases that no one else understands and songs that you all jam out to whenever they come on.
7. You get unbelievably excited when you find out two of your students have become friends, roommates, or started dating.
I DID THAT!
8. You have an unlimited arsenal of ice breakers that you aren't afraid to use.
Low risk, high risk, you name it, I know it and I will ask you to do it.
9. Knowing the feeling of relief when you didn’t have duty outside.
Orientation is rain or shine, kiddos—I’m not trying to get soaked in the rain or get a farmer’s tan.
10. Watching some of your students come in hating orientation and the university, yet leaving even just as excited for school as you are.
Best feeling ever.
11. You see someone in a polo the same color as yours and you automatically assume they’re an OL, but realize they’re a complete stranger.
HELLO! FRIEND! Oh… Oh, I am so sorry. I have no idea who you are.
12. You actually look forward to completing prep work and paperwork, because you know once it’s over, you get to go to sleep.
Put the paper in the folder. Put the folder in the bag. Rinse and repeat until my bed and I meet again.
13. You and your partner have a unique connection that lasts even after orientation.
To this day, your partner could probably recognize your “this student is giving us a rough time” or “that was the cutest thing ever” looks. And together, your teamwork and partnership helped students get excited and comfortable to come to college.
14. You’re almost always two feet away from a caffeine supply.
I need coffee and I need it now. Those 16 hour days are not a small feat.
15. That awkward moment you oversleep and are awakened by several OLs at your door, judging you.
But that’s not as bad as the stares when you stroll in half an hour later than the rest of your staff.
16. You always die first while playing Mafia.
IT’S BECAUSE I’M GOOD AT IT AND YOU ALL KNOW IT.
17. Knowing that orientation was probably one of the best summers of your life.
Never have you grown so much as a leader in such a short time. Orientation lets you to learn about yourself in a way no other experience can.
18. Feeling excited for the fall because you just gained hundreds of new friends and new students to help and inspire.
I CAN’T WAIT!
