Only a month ago did it all take place. A swirling mix of emotions ... the nerves apparent, the questions forming and the excitement slowly bursting out of the shell you try to hold it in. It wasn't until a month later that I realized I had the best job ever
Work isn't always fun and — depending on what one does — it can easily be a drag and feel like it takes forever. Whether you are answering calls in an office, serving food at a restaurant or working with little kids at a day camp, it can all get a bit exhausting. The long days continue to drag on, and your personality and character seem to fade away. The anxiety one can get when you meet your fellow co-workers is another obstacle. Will you get along, become friends or even be able to stand each other? It's a new atmosphere, but I knew that when I was selected for Orientation Staff at Marquette University something special would happen.
Every college is different when it comes to the "New Student Rush." The schedules are unique, and the events planned always have a specific agenda for how to create the best atmosphere possible for the new students. For MU, it was a journey one cannot easily forget, icebreakers and all.
Rushing back onto campus, it would only be a few more hours until "extensive training" would begin at a camp you soon would call a campground built for bonding. A 30+ minute bus ride seemed like five seconds after how much fun everyone has. Cuddle up with your new bus buddy, blast Nicki Minaj and watch your OPT sing their heart out (with a moderate amount of Nicki flair) and prepare to rest up a bit after a long night of hot seat question and Mafia game interrogation. Gathered around the campfire and making s'mores would only symbolize the light that continued to grow throughout your next two weeks together. Get ready, because the next few days will prove that training can be exhausting. Long 12+ hour days of working (and bonding after the curtains close), would only exhaust you, forcing you to find any time to fit in a nap. But who cares because the love I had for this job was enough to keep my spirits alive.
Memorizing lines for the ever-so-famous WWYBAM, learning the appropriate language to use (come on now, who even says freshman? It's first-year students, thank you very much), and ending it all with a huge cookout in the quad — every moment was enjoyed. Besides, when a bird decides to take a crap on you ... but whatever, I heard it is good luck if that happens.
Whether your beautiful OPT member assigns you to direct first-year students and show them the ropes of being a Golden Eagle or to show family members around the gorgeous campus, share what you love most about your new home. It is memories like these that remind you that you go to a university because it is somewhere you are proud to call your own. Have fun at the student social in the annex where you could (fail) at trying to get a perfect score in bowling, shout out "Bingo!" or show off your best dance moves to a Lil Mama song in front of your new graduating class and fellow new students, live it up! Just be sure not to get too exhausted because a huge game of capture the flag is right around the corner!
Sure the next day is exhausting — maybe due to the fact that one fell asleep at 3 a.m. and woke up at 6 a.m. — but it proves to be very educational as you learn the ropes of how your classes will play out. Meet your adviser and ask the questions that you want to be answered. This is the start of a new chapter in life, and we as team leaders are here so that you get the most out of your experience.
After every Preview session, we gather all back together and reflect on the day. Too exhausted to speak, it's time to get shut eye. As the quiet night passes by, it will only be a day or hours until the next begins. Until then the friendships made with co-workers exceeds expectations. No longer are you friends, but family.
It is easy to get sick of the people you see all day long, but the power that holds O-Staff together is one that cannot be described until felt. As the mastermind and ever-so-lovely Caitlin works her magic to make everything run smooth, the amazing Orientation Planning Team acts like the best mentors you could have. When that last day of Preview comes emotions run high. Each hug is felt with love, each laugh is shared with joy and each tear is shed with a memory of pride. Each person has continued to "help us grow" in a unique way. Affirming the fact that college is the place you meet lifelong friends, O-staff proves how true that statement is.
It won't be long before all are gathered again. Working constant traffic duty and guiding new students through the University we call home, it won't just be 26 staff members, but over 100 volunteers who do what they do out of excitement and passion. The amount of affection we have for this program cannot be painted into the truly beautiful picture that it is.
As we wave our (baby) hands in the air for one last goodbye, I can't wait to see what is to come ... and to spend it with those I call lifelong friends.
