Orientation is approaching quickly! As a student that has been attending college for three years, I've seen the positive and negative aspects of it. I've experienced orientation myself, and have helped out as an Orientation Leader for two years. From a student standpoint, here are the pros and cons:
Pro 1: Meeting new people!
As a student, we see so many new faces! We say hello and if we are in the KCC with the orientees at the same time, it's common to have a conversation. From a student standpoint, I love to talk, but also from an orientation leader standpoint!
Con 1: You can't see these people again until August or September
If you do take the time out to meet people and hold a conversation in the KCC, it sucks because you won't see them again until school begins! Let's hope that they don't change too much over the three to four month time frame. If so, go ahead and rekindle the friendship that began in April.
Pro 2: Great food!
KCC has the best food during orientations and the staff is always available. It seems like the cooks put so much work and effort into orientation and you can definitely tell. Fried chicken, pork loin, all types of great dishes. And the ice cream is always full.
Con 2: The food isn't as good for the rest of the week.
KCC does such a good job with orientation, it seems like the rest of the week isn't as well prepared. It's like they go back to reality. The orientees get the good end of the stick! I love KCC though, don't get me wrong.
Pro 3: Free stuff!
During orientation time, there are free t-shirts, free cups, free pens, and more! The random bystanders, like us, get to get stuff too! There is always so much extra and I am one to get the extras, if offered.
Con 3: It's hard to get around when you are in a rush.
We will still have classes on Friday, so the swarm of people on campus is definitely a distraction! Hopefully no one will be in a rush because looking stressed and tired will not be OK for prospective students to see. You must have a great attitude because they are here to visit, you don't want to give off the wrong impression!
Advice to orientees for conquering college: Take your time and be yourself. These fpir years will happen and you will learn so much. Don't rush to be a senior or to be out because it'll be here before you know it. Realize what you are capable of and do it. Being yourself is important because you will meet some people that will be in your life for the rest of your life. It's a great experience!
