this past summer....


wow so OA stuff is over and the last time i updated was when it began. It's true what our supervisors said; if you can do the orientation job, you can do any job. If there's one thing that i've learned through this experience, it's that many people make assumptions about other identities based on their knowledge of one person who identifies with a particular group. Orientation was staffed with people from all backgrounds and all different identities. the class and getting to know my co-workers really broke down a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions I've heard throughout my life. And even if what I've heard was true, these facts are only a part of who someone is, not all of who they are. It's really amazing how we all bonded so well and connected with one another on so many different levels. Most of the people I lived with for 9 weeks I wouldn't have associated with or befriended if it werent for orientation. I must say that orientation is the best program I know. I'm a strong advocate for anyone who is remotely considering this position in the future.

It's so evident that our supervisors cared emensely about the new students. What they do at new student services is not a job but a career. I was talking to my dad the other day and he defined the difference for me. A job is something you do to get money while a career is something you look foward to waking up to do everyday. If it was my calling to make orientation a career I'd definitely consider it.

I think the orientation program was as much for the new students as it was for the those that staffed it. What other job is there that brings such a diverse group of students together, unite them for one purpose?

I cannot do my OA experience justice by typing out what it was like. However, I would be more than happy to talk about it if asked about it.

On another note, after the grueling 9 weeks of orientation, I had the opportunity to witness the Holy Spirit work in the most miraculous ways at camp challenge this past week. Hearing the speaker's messages and the testimonies of the students, those that came to accept Christ and the stories of the friends that had been praying for them really shook my faith. It's late and I'm still soaking up the impact of this past week...I shall save those stories for another day.