Freshmen orientation is a unique experience for both first time freshmen and those who plan and facilitate the program. I have now gone through three rounds of orientation, once as a student and twice as a facilitator. While each year has provided different experiences, the emotions have remained consistent. Students and facilitators can both relate to the feelings of excitement, nervousness and complete exhaustion. Here is the emotional roller coaster broken down.

Excitement comes first for both sides. For incoming students, a new chapter is beginning and the preparations for college life is a very exciting time. Facilitators are also excited, they have spent nearly a year training for a few short days of work. We are excited to put our knowledge to the test and hopefully impact the lives of new students. College is a time for social growth, so the chance to interact with others is the most exciting aspect of orientation.

Nervousness comes in a close second. New students are no doubt nervous to leave home for the first time and truly embark on their journey as an adult. Almost everything will be brand new and learning the ropes of college can be daunting. Facilitators are also nervous because they want the program to go over as smoothly as possible. It is our job to ensure new students are learning how to be successful, which is a huge responsibility to take on. Orientation facilitators are just as nervous about making a good impression on freshmen as the freshmen are about making good impressions on their peers.

Pure exhaustion begins to settle in as the days of orientation pass by. Many institutions have a one day orientation, but Humboldt State University has three jam packed days for new students. This time is spent exploring the resources available, attending workshops and connecting with other students. The days run from as early as 7 AM to as late as 11 PM. Not only is orientation happening, but students are also moving into their dorms and spending time with housing staff. By the third day of orientation, both students and facilitators feel the effects of sleep deprivation.

The last day of orientation brings a bit of sadness. For many students, it's time for goodbyes as parents begin to leave. Facilitators see the many long hugs and tear brimmed eyes and it brings us back to when our parents dropped us off. We are also sad because we've made a bond with a group of people and even though it's a short few days, we will no longer be together as one large group.

The final emotional stage is one I can't quite put my finger on. It's a mix of happiness, pride and fulfillment. For freshmen, there is the happiness of having completed their first steps as students and hopefully the reassurance they are ready to begin their college careers. Facilitators are also happy that the week is over, but the feeling of having touched a group of students lives in some way is amazing. For myself, the entire experience can be summed up by something one of students told me: "I've met so many people this week, it's crazy I almost didn't come to college. I was going to sit at home and work, but who needs money? I am so glad I decided to come." Despite a week full of ups and downs, freshmen orientation plays a crucial role in the college experience and has continually been a unique expereince for myself and so many others.