This summer I was an Orientation Leader for the Mount Saint Mary College Class of 2020. I got so much more out of the experience than I could ever imagine. Some of you may be questioning what are the roles of this paid position? Orientation Leaders act as a liaison between freshmen and faculty. We are the first role model and resource for those nervous incoming students. You can be a leader in many different ways. Part of being a good leader is having confidence. The more you put yourself into these situations, the more your confidence will blossom.

If this is your first time in a leadership role, you will most likely question if you are cut out for the job. The faculty reminds you just how selective the application process was, and that there is a reason you were chosen for this position. One of the most important things I learned during training was what they called the “duck analogy.” In other words, you are a duck: always cool, calm and collectively floating above the surface of the water. Underneath the surface, you are frantically paddling and kicking. This applies to almost all jobs you will work one day, and everyday social life as well. You are always going to need to put forth your best for others. Give others that 100 even 150 percent of yourself, whether it be in a job or a relationship. If you are showing signs of stress or weakness, certainly lean on others for support. That’s what makes a good leader: teamwork!

“Being an orientation leader was by far the best experience I have had in college. I have made so many lasting friendships with the other leaders and got to be a role model and leader to the incoming freshman!” -Mikayla Zaccaria ’19

Why is it so important to become a leader in your community and what made it so rewarding?

You need to become a leader in your community because your voices matter. If you want changes to happen, you need to help make it happen. Anyone can voice an opinion; a leader can do something about it. For the first time in my life, I was able to sit in on a faculty and staff meetings. The other Orientation Leaders and I could voice our opinions on future plans that would benefit students not present. As humans, we need our opinions to be heard and what better way to do this than by having the confidence to become a leader not only in your college community but in your local community as well!

I will never forget the moment I realized I was doing my job correctly. Sure, as a newbie there was some rough moments. But when I got to see students in my group conversing together and enjoying each others company that brought me so much joy. I understand how it is hard to open up to people you don’t know. However, when I saw them conversing on their own, I knew I had successfully helped them break the difficult barrier. That’s the moment I felt the experience was so rewarding. I also felt over-joyed to hear that a student in my group was even more excited to come back after having gone to their orientation. I strongly believe these students are ready to be a part of the Mount community!

“I never thought that being an orientation leader would be as great of an experience as it was. I made new friendships, and I would do it again and again if I could.” -Lara LoBue ‘17

The other Orientation Leaders were out of this world! In the beginning, you sit in a circle, and everyone is dead silent because they all don’t know each other. However, by the end of the experience, we all had insiders and nicknames for one another. Even the faculty got nicknames and had fun with us as well. It’s amazing how I would have never had the pleasure of meeting or working with these amazing people if I didn’t take the position in the first place. And for that reason, I feel fortunate and honored. Remember the secret to be a good leader is putting yourself out there so that you can let your confidence flourish!