Being an orientation leader has been one of the biggest highlights of my college career. My orientation leaders were so friendly and welcoming and I wanted to be that person for another incoming freshman. The transition into college can be hard, so it’s our job to help make the transition easier. I enjoy helping students find their new homes and to make plans for their future. I love being an orientation leader for so many reasons and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
1. You’re Able To Ease Some Worries
Let’s be real, everyone is nervous coming into college. There are so many unknown factors and a plethora of unanswered questions. As orientation leaders, we know that we throw a lot of information at you, but we are also there to answer all of your questions. Questions about meal plans? *Check* Questions about housing? *Check* Questions about campus organizations? *Check* Questions about courses/credits? *Check* We know you have questions, so don’t be afraid to ask! We’ll be happy to help!
2. You Help Students Find Their New Home
Moving away from home can be a scary experience. During Orientation, it’s our job to ensure you that you’re making the right decision in choosing the university. However, during the first couple weeks of school, it’s our job to help campus become your new home. Some people change zip codes, cities, states and even countries. We know it’s an extreme change, but we’ll make sure that our campus feels like home just as much as your childhood community.
3. You Become A Family With Your Coworkers
Being an orientation leader is such a fun job...let’s be real, it doesn’t even really feel like a job. Shout-out to my AMIGOS (orientation co-workers) for not only being an amazing group of people, but for being friends that turned into family. We work long hours, so becoming close with the people you work with is inevitable. Whether it’s being overly energetic during ice breakers, singing and dancing in front of total strangers, or helping hundreds of students each day, we’re together through it all and I couldn’t be more thankful!
4. Falling in Love With Your College Over and Over Again
Being an orientation leader allows you to fall in love with your university over and over again! I thought I loved my university as a freshman, but I love it even more now! As an orientation leader, I get the opportunity to teach the freshman the school song, show them our beautiful campus, and get a ton of free gear! Being an orientation leader gives you a whole new sense of pride for your school! And let’s face it, you also get an unlimited amount of pictures with your mascot and that’s pretty awesome!
5. Going “Behind The Scenes” of your University
Orientation leaders get the opportunity to see more of the campus than the average student, and honestly I find that pretty cool. Not only are we a traveling campus map, but we know some of the behind the scenes rooms and offices that help our university run so efficiently. Seeing the behind the scenes offices and employees makes you even more thankful for all they do. Food is served to us each and every day, but do we ever wonder how much time is put into it? Streets are cleared after a snowstorm, but do we know how much they do to ensure our safety? All in all, being an orientation leader has made me realize that so many individuals do so much for the students to ensure that our college career is as successful and enjoyable as possible.
6. Make New Friends
Making new friends is a piece of cake when you’re an orientation leader. Not only do you become close with fellow orientation leaders, but you meet so many new students! My life is a perfect example of how easy it is to make friends through leading orientation. I met my best friends and roommates while being an orientation leader! We all share the same love for our university and want to help other students appreciate it as much as we do!
If you’ve ever had any interest in becoming an orientation leader at your university, I would highly recommend it! It’s hard work, but it is a job that is so rewarding and something that you will quickly grow to love! Being an orientation leader has easily been the highlight of my college career so far! I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime and I couldn’t be more thankful for the amazing experience!
P.S. Quick shoutout to my fellow orientation team, the AMIGOS! You all are amazing and I wouldn’t trade all of the long hours, hard work, Welcome to the Nest dancing/singing, and all of the fun for anything! Go Screagles!
