When I arrived at Buena Vista University on June 6, 2015 I was greeted with a mob of what I considered crazy people. They helped me with my bags. They started asking me questions and immediately showed an interest in me. They wanted to know what I was passionate about, what I wanted to do with my life. One of them asked me how I was going to change the world. I later found out that this group of people called themselves the “O-team.” It did not take long before I realized that I wanted to be part of it.

Being selected to O-team was a huge blessing for sure. Besides the awesome games, karaoke, and edgy competition, I got to meet tons of new people and make connections. I also got closer to some of the people I already knew. O-team was full of friends I had already made during my freshman year and girls from the floor I lived on. One of my teammates was on the team, and someone in our Odyssey chapter was also on the team. The time we spent together preparing for incoming freshman consisted of relentless laughter and insane bonfires. All of it made a difference in who I am today.

Joining this organization taught me a couple things. It taught me teamwork, for one. I have had the privilege of being on various teams since middle school, but I believe that one can learn something different from every team. Every team is working to accomplish a goal. With that, I believe that most teams are working to accomplish a different goal. Different goals mean different lessons.

As I mentioned before, becoming an O-teamer allowed me to meet the majority of the incoming freshman. I even met the two girls who will be joining our golf team this fall! I find it so exciting to make those connections. I stayed up super late the first weekend and talked with a couple other O-teamers and some freshman. As the night got longer the conversations grew deeper. I got to know a few select people quite well, and that is what this is all about. I think that by getting to know the students, we are also giving them a comfort in the sense that maybe coming to college will not be so scary anymore.

My O-team experience is not over quite yet. Welcome Weekend is still coming up. I hope to connect with the freshman on a deeper level and really get to know them. I hope to find people I can be lifelong friends with. Most of all, I hope that the weekend in general is an amazing kickoff to the coming year of studies. Being on O-team was an amazing experience and I will do everything I can to have the same opportunity next year. I would encourage you to become an O-teamer. It’s time to break out of your shell and try something different. Tell someone why you love BVU. Get excited. This is college, and after all, they say these are some of the best years of your life.