The last freshman orientation for the summer

            The last freshman orientation was August 21 and 22! This was my final orientation as an orientation leader for the summer. This opportunity to help new students has been very rewarding.

            Being an orientation leader has helped me feel a sense of responsibility, as I have been responsible for providing a welcoming experience to upcoming freshmen. Not only do you get leadership experience, but you also get a sense of community as you become friends with new students.

            This has been the best job I’ve ever applied for.

Orientation leaders 2013

            I have made really close friends with my fellow orientation leaders, so it is the best environment possible. I thought this summer was going to be uneventful like my previous years, but I was pleasantly surprised that it has been a really good one.

            This experience is different as there were some tests that truly bring who you are as a person into perspective. I have found out new things about my personality that I didn’t know in the past. I have been able to come forward with leadership qualities that were hidden or untested.

            I’ve gotten to share great memories with new people, and not having to sit around the house has been great!

            I have been responsible for providing the best transition for 50 freshmen. This is a big deal because freshman year can be very intimidating. These new students that have been in my group have showed me a sense of diversity. These guys and girls are great people and I hope I can be a friend to all of them.

            There is one thing that is difficult when you face something new. That is the ability to cope with a new environment. Nothing is more different or fresh than college. Going through my freshman year, I wish I had someone the first few days to show me around the ropes of my transition, so I hope to act as this role to anyone who needs it.

            If circumstances allow me to, I would love to be an orientation leader next year.

            If any of you feel that this job is something that appeals to you, feel free to become an orientation leader next summer. The application process starts around the beginning of the spring semester. Click here to go to the orientation website.

            Check out my other blog about what freshman orientation is like.

            You can also follow the Orientation Facebook page!

Transitioning done right... College edition

                Senior year of high school can be the best year out of your whole high school experience. You've been through the awkward lunch table woes of freshman year, the “limbo” stage of sophomore year, the premature junior “coolness” of almost being a senior, and then finally you’re on top of the ladder.

                Lunch time is shared with laughter and joy, your homecoming dance is special as it is your last, and then the much anticipated Prom occurs. The last hoorah! The time where your fellow class men join together before graduation. Once that cap is thrown in the air, there’s a moment of introspection. You've reached adulthood once 18 comes around. You are now ready to set your foot into responsibility as you head off to college.

BUT IT’S OK!

                A new start can be liberating. You are coming to a new place, trying new things. Change is always good. You get to meet new people and mold yourself into a fine adult. This isn't like freshman year of high school where everything is awkward and there’s a social ladder to climb. In college, maturity prevails. There’s really no social hoops to go through. Really, who’s going to know all 6,900 students that attend here. No one.

                The first day may be intimidating, but it always is when the unexpected looms around you.

                The best way for you to have a smooth transition is by :

1.       Get acquainted with your college

a.       Take a campus tour

b.      Attend Freshman Orientation

2.       Research student organizations

3.       Get acquainted with your professors

Many incoming students don’t take orientation into consideration, but it is a really helpful transitioning tool as you get to see the campus, meet organizations and meet other freshmen who you end up hanging out with. Trust me! This summer I have seen many freshmen becoming friends during the orientation sessions.

Once you begin school there will be a week where different student organizations meet and greet new students. Take advantage of this opportunity to get involved. It’s better to start getting involved from the beginning of school so that you don’t just sit in your dorm room when your school work is done.

Finally, know thy teachers! Your professors are one of the most important factors of having a successful college career. They will be with you along the way every semester. Speaking from experience, getting to know your professors helps you feel more engaged in classroom discussions. You’re not just another head in the crowd. Our professors are here to help when you ask. They care about your education. So don’t be afraid to pop in their office once in a while.

So for all of you incoming freshmen worried about your first year out of home, or your first time alone in another city; don’t fret. You will have one of the best experiences in your life. Just get excited for this fresh change to come and free your mind from expectations.

UT Tyler Freshman Orientation

                Last week a group of students made the next step in their transition to college. Newly graduated from high school, freshman received a peek at the college life. Freshman Orientation 2013!

Passing out tea for dinner

                This too was my first freshman orientation that I worked as an Orientation Leader. I partnered with a fellow leader to provide a positive and engaging experience to a group of 12 upcoming students.

                Day 1 began as an introduction, as freshmen were assigned two orientation leaders. They got to know their orientation leaders through fun ice breakers. They received presentations on the different resources they needed. They received presentations on money management services, housing plans, dining plans, student integrity, as well as attending a fair with some of the student organizations showcasing. Stanley's BBQ catered for dinner. If you would like to know more about Stanley's check out Dallas' blog post at http://go2uttyler.blogspot.com/2013/06/stanleys-famous-pit-bar-b-q-best-bbq-in.html

                After all the informative presentations were over, the free time began. How else can freshman unload the overload of new student information? POOL PARTY! This was my personal favorite part of orientation because it allowed everybody to get to know each other by swimming, playing pool volleyball, basketball and just having a good time.

                When it was time to leave the pool, everybody headed to Ornelas Hall student dorm where everybody was checked in to spend the night earlier in the day. But it wasn’t time for bed, I mean, who would?  The excitement overcame drowsiness. Orientation leaders and new freshmen got to spend time hanging around the media room in the first floor, as well as playing ping pong, watching TV and playing video games.

Students listening to presentations

                Day 2 was filled with more important activities as students experienced a mock class with Melissa Dotson teaching like she normally would during the semester. With great feedback, students were excited about their first day of school!

                Later they got to have some time with the orientation leaders to talk about anything they needed to know, or even answer questions they could only confide in fellow peers. 

                Meet your college was next, as students got to meet their designated colleges to meet some of the faculty and staff they will encounter the rest of their academic career.         

                As things wounded down, students waved goodbye to their orientation leaders and the campus that would soon be their new home.

                Orientation is a great experience as future students are able to get immersed early to some of the amenities that our campus has to offer. If you haven’t had the chance to register for freshmen orientation go to http://www.uttyler.edu/orientation/register.php

Check out a fellow blogger's blog that has pictures of what goes on in orientation at      http://go2uttyler.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-like-university-came-back-to-life.html#more