Image Courtesy of Alex Palacios, Orientation Leader.
Orientation Leader (OL) applications are open. Alex Palacios, Michael Fortin, and Anna Mele met with The Dean Daily to talk about what it’s like to be an OL in their own experiences.
An OL is…
Palacios: “The first face a new student or incoming freshman sees, giving them a feel of what Dean College is about and what it brings for their future. We try to have freshman enjoy orientation and have them see The Dean Difference.”
Fortin: “A role model. OL’s are responsible for helping with NSO (New Student Orientation) and represent Dean College. The main role of an OL is to welcome students who are new to Dean with open arms. They play a role in helping set new students up for success with providing the resources to succeed. OL’s also help ‘cross the bridge’ as they enter a new chapter in their life: college. OLs create the start to a new experience.”
Mele: “An OL helps new students become acquainted with the campus and the many campus resources offered that make Dean so special. We do our best to guide new students and support them through this new, exciting experience. Through collaborative activities, OLs connect the new students with the community and their fellow classmates. We create this personal connection with each student making them more comfortable with this new college experience.”
Why did you choose to be an OL?
Palacios: “My initial thought was to step out of my comfort zone; to do something different. I’m still friends with my OL. I wanted to be that shoulder to help the underclassmen out.”
Fortin: “I wanted to become an OL because I wanted to be a leader on campus. I wanted to be someone that other students can look up to. I also wanted to try something new and work on becoming a better leader. When I came to Dean I was accepted with open arms and treated like I was being welcomed into a new family. I really wanted to create that same feeling and experience for new students.”
Mele: “I chose to be an OL because I was inspired, and I personally enjoyed my experience as a new student. My OL freshman year helped me become comfortable in the college environment while also guiding me to various beneficial opportunities such as the dance teams on campus. I hope to be a friend and helpful resource for the students in my orientation group allowing them to feel comfortable coming to me with any questions or concerns.”
What does the OL job entail?
Fortin: “The OL job entails getting incoming students & new students to Dean ready for their first semester for college. You are responsible for giving them the resources to succeed. The job entails showing up to trainings, help get ready for NSO, help faculty with presentations during NSO if need be, lead team building exercises, be available for questions that new students or families have, and to always have a good attitude. This job also requires a lot of energy and excitement!”
What have you gotten out of being an OL?
Palacios: “Recognition. Generally, on campus, it’s opened up a lot of opportunities. It got me a lot of connections in school that have helped with outside connections as well.”
Fortin: “I have taken away a bunch of leadership skills and have been exposed to more opportunities on campus. I met Michelle Frizzle through being an OL and she introduced me to DAB (Dean Activities Board) where I now am the Vice President of Programming. Being OL also lead me to becoming Vice Chair of Orientation! I have also had the opportunity to make connections with incoming students and become a resource for them throughout their time here at Dean. There are career skills that I have taken away from being an OL such as working with a team, communicating, being a leader, dealing with real life situations, and much more.”
Mele: “As an OL I have gained much leadership experience as I have taken risks to take action and lead a group of students. I have also made many great connections if that may be with students, other orientation leaders or faculty members. These experiences have helped me for future success including life outside of college.”
Why would you encourage other students to become an OL?
Palacios: “A lot of it is, you get to see the behind the scenes of what it takes to keep the school functioning. As students at Dean, a lot of it comes with understanding the school more. It brings more respect, and if you aren’t a person that doesn’t make friends easily, or wants to try new things, this helps you develop your adult-self.”
Fortin: “Always try because the worst answer you can get is no. I always encourage students to apply to be an OL because it gets you out of your comfort zone. It always is a great way to get involved on campus and make connections with students who you never thought you’d make connections with. It’s a door that can open to other opportunities and connections on campus. It’s also a great way to spend your summer!”
Mele: “Becoming an OL not only challenges yourself in a work environment, but it also is simply enjoyable connecting with students and the Dean community.
What is one memorable moment you have of being an OL?
Palacios: “It would be when all the OLs were in Woodward. We played a game and a lot of us hadn’t seen each other in person yet. It was our second night together, and we got to see the lower classman step out of their comfort zone and see their real characteristics of who they really are. It was fun seeing everyone being able to trust and help one another. Best memories are team bonding.”
Fortin: “Some of my favorite OL memories include team bonding and doing things as a team such as late-night activities. I very much enjoy OL dinner where all the OL’s get dressed up and go out for a nice dinner as a team. My all-time favorite memory was when we gave crocs to President Rooney and she wore the crocs for the rest of NSO.”
Mele: “A memorable moment for me was connecting with the other orientation leaders specifically if that was over zoom, fun online games, ice breakers getting to know everyone, or in person activities we participated in together. The New Student orientation leader team is a family as we support one another through every challenge and positive experience. I can easily say that I am still close with the other orientation leaders even after orientation. These connections I’ve made with students, orientation leaders and faculty members are connections I will forever be grateful for during my time here at Dean.”
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