It is almost the end of my freshman year of college. Where has the time gone? I remember orientation like it was yesterday. A rainy day in the middle of June, my mother dropped me off at the dorm I am currently residing in now, and I was bombarded with what seemed like hundreds of maroon shirts, loud college kids, and people swarming the car, carrying my luggage for this upcoming overnight trip. I didn't know what to feel at the time, everything was moving so fast. I had just graduated from high school the month before, and I was excited to see what this new chapter in my life was about to be:

All of us new freshmen were placed into orientation groups. These groups were headed by two current upperclassmen Quinnipiac students. These leaders showed an enormous amount of passion and love for this school. Their confidence and geniality made me so much more comfortable about beginning orientation. As the day went on, I truly learned what type of people my OLs were. Their caring, passionate, genuine attributes made transitioning into the Quinnipiac University community so easy.

Throughout my time spent at orientation, my OLs helped me have a better understanding of the college I was about to attend, on a more personal level. They shared individual stories, taught us the "do's and don'ts" and just sincerely wanted us to feel at ease with this scary transition. Their kindness and willing to listen to the millions of questions we had, gave me a sense of relief.

As I am sitting in the library, looking at pictures taken during my June orientation, I can't help but thank my OLs for everything they have done. I'm so very lucky. I'm close with my OLs; if I ever need anything, or just want to talk or catch up, they are a text or phone call away. Believe it or not, they were freshmen at one point; they understand everything we are currently going through.

I honestly don't know where I would be without my OL's. You guys have instilled confidence in me since day one. Encouraging me to join the organizations and clubs I am so happy in today and helping me find my place in this big school. You have prepared me for this crazy year of mine, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help. You two have made such an impact on my life, and I can not thank you enough.

Nirvana forever.