By Callan Taylor
Freshman orientation, for me, was a ball of emotions. This was the first time I was truly away from home, the friends that I had grown up with, and from everything that I was familiar with. I was about to go to school with a group of strangers that I knew nothing about, however, we all had one thing in common: we chose to continue our education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
Fast forward three years and I am the head orientation leader for SMWC. An orientation leader’s job is to make the incoming freshmen feel at home and welcome. Orientation Leaders (or OL) help with move in, lead ice breakers and activities, comfort students who may feel home sick, and most importantly are enthusiastic about The Woods. I am a returning student and here are the reasons I have been an orientation leader for the past three years.
- It’s fun!
Hypnotists, late nights in Le Fer Hall (SMWC’s residence hall), and Playfair aren’t just for incoming students to participate in. OLs are involved in the activities happening on campus during orientation whether they are participating or leading an event, you can bet that they are smiling, laughing along and having a good time bringing students together.
It’s a group effort to give a Woodsie Welcome!
- It’s a new adventure!
As an elementary education major, there is something that makes me excited about the beginning of the school year. Maybe it’s buying new pencils, pens and notebooks. Or maybe it’s the start of a new adventure that the upcoming school year will bring. Whatever it is, each year brings on new challenges and opportunities. As an orientation leader, you are a part of the new school year for incoming students. This is the start to their new adventure and OLs witness students make Le Fer home, watch new friendships form and help guide fellow classmates through their first few days on campus.
- It’s an opportunity to show love for SMWC!
I love the Woods and have since the moment I stepped on campus. I had my Avenue Moment and knew this was where I was meant to continue my education and basketball career. I wear my Woods ring everywhere I can and keep an eye out for anyone else that has one on. The Woods is a special place that has been my home for the past three years. I’ve made lifelong friends and memories here, learned valuable life lessons and been given opportunities I would have never had anywhere else. The Woods has given me so much and I love to share that Woodsie love with incoming students in hopes that they will call this place home, too.
While being an Orientation Leader is exhausting, each second is worth it. It’s fun, it’s a new adventure, and it’s an opportunity to share my love for my school. Each student has the opportunity to grow from acorns into mighty oak trees at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and it is my hope that they love each and every second of it.
About the Author
Callan Taylor
I am Callan Taylor and I am a senior majoring in Elementary Education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I am on the basketball team and the senior class president. During the school year, I work as a student ambassador providing tours for prospective students.
0 Comments