High school to college is one of the biggest and most complacent transitions one can make as a young adult. Being able to access more freedom and more independent is what every teenager is begging to obtain. Once college hits, many feel like they are being thrown into the fire without any leisure.
High school is slightly more laid back, depending on what school it is, versus college. Being able to take make a schedule that doesn't rely on your presence each day is quite the advantage. Vacant clubs and organizations are great opportunities to find what an individual likes or to meet new people as well.
The beginning of college, in the summer, is when orientation begins. Most, if not all, colleges have these in which students must attend. Whether it be a few days, a few hours or even a few minutes, students are educated about the campus they will be spending most of their time at.
I got the advantage to be one of the leaders at orientation for Adelphi. This has really changed my life and I desperately hope that this has changed the life of the freshman that were in my group, as well as other groups. There were two sessions and a week of training, therefore it was about three weeks long.
After training me, and all the other orientation leaders were ready. We placed our polos and khakis on the chairs of our dorm room and proceeded to go to sleep. The next morning was incredible. The energy within our bodies was abundant. Getting ready for check-in, I had the opportunity to be a greeter in front of one of the four/five residence halls that were being used. Filled with energy and absorbing so many smiles, I was so ready for the 36 students that I would be receiving each time after the welcome dances.
When the dance was finished, each leader ran with their partner to their spots and began to call out their group name. Being one of the front runners we sat down and began an icebreaker. It's hard to look at a huge group of freshman who are nervous because it was as if I was looking at a mirror image of myself from last year.
Day one, day two, finally day three...well this was it. We all complained because of the lack of sleep, but it was such a bittersweet moment when all of the freshman left us. It was as if we were leaving our littler brothers and sisters for a while.
Session two ended and I knew right than and there this was one of the best experiences of my life. I gave it my all, everything I had. The smiles, the cheers and each thank you made this worth it.
Even though these students were one year younger, I felt so much older. Coming into college makes a person very vulnerable and scared. Since I obtained a lot of knowledge about campus this is what made me confident.
Well anyways, being a orientation leader is something that really changed my life. I learned that everyone from all walks of life can get along and be together. I learned to have patience and the little things don't matter they will always be fixed. I learned that worrying will never get me anywhere unless I am able to do something about it.
If I could say one thing to the freshman it would be, have hope and stay humble. College is tough, no doubt, but stick to it and be yourself. Being vulnerable is scary, but knowledge is confidence. I never had confidence in my knowledge, or my dancing. Then came orientation, I danced in front of 1,000 students like it was absolutely nothing. Once you have knowledge you have confidence. Never stop learning. Also, learn to be independent. Independence is strength. If no one wants to go somewhere or do something with you, that doesn't mean you should not go.
You only have one life, very cliche but true. Never care what people think, if you mess up they will forget. If they don't forget own your mistakes and learn to laugh at them. You only have four years of college that you will never have the chance to redo. Do everything you want, spend time with people that matter, have a lot of laughs and be safe.
Good luck to all the incoming freshman at Adelphi, and everywhere. Remember education is what makes you powerful.
