Back in July, I wrote an article stating reasons why I loved UNCW before I had even started classes, and one of the reasons was the Orientation Leaders. Long story short, I've pretty much always wanted to be one. The process was long and hard, but the minute that I got the email stating I got the position, I started crying. I was lucky because I had a few friends who had been OLs in the past, so I knew that it wasn't just a summer job, but a life-changing experience. It wasn't until this weekend at the OL retreat, however, that I understood how actually life-changing it was going to be.

I'm not going to lie--I was nervous at first to spend the entire weekend with around 40 strangers and sleep in a bed with someone I didn't even know. I didn't know who I'd be talking to as I had only really talked to five or so people on the team prior to the weekend. I didn't know who I'd become friends with, who I'd open up to first, or who I'd connect with. I didn't know if anyone would welcome me into their arms, or if they'd think I was weird or something.

The first night, about 15 of us stayed up until well past 2 a.m. playing Catch Phrase, Hot Seat, and then just talking. It was nice to get to know people a little bit more than I had known them even two hours earlier, and plus we had some awesome tacos for dinner.

That being said, it wasn't until Saturday's three hour-long heart-to-heart session (which I knew about in advance, as it's an OL retreat staple) when I actually felt accepted by every single person on the team. We opened up, we were vulnerable, and majority of us cried or almost cried. It was rough, emotionally draining, but I am so glad it happened. After that group therapy session (which is pretty much what it was), we became a family.

Before the retreat, I was so hype to be an OL. After the retreat...I mean, I honestly don't have words for how I feel. I'm almost in tears writing this because after spending two nights and half a day with these people, I love them and care about each and every one of them so much. I can't believe that it's only the beginning, and I can't wait to see where this semester and this summer takes us.

To the 2017 OL team, I am always here for you. And whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me. I love you all, and I can't wait to continue to get to know you awesome people.