Welcome Weekend at Ohio Northern University is a time for
the incoming students to meet new people, while having fun in the process. It consists of games and activities in order
to bring the students together as they begin their college career.
This year, I served as an Orientation Leader (OL) for the
incoming polar bear class and helped to facilitate the events. Let me just say that it was an exhausting but
memorable experience from start to finish!
After completing two days of training, it was time to welcome the
incoming class to Ohio Northern University.
I was up bright and early the first day in order to prepare for the long
day ahead. Move-in day was fun because
it was filled with laughter and smiles.
Whether it was holding the posters welcoming the new students, screaming
as they drove throughout campus, or simply mingling throughout the dorms, the
energy was high and the excitement was there.
I have always been on the quieter side of situations, so it was great to
be able to step out of my comfort zone and be loud and crazy. As the parents began to say their goodbyes,
it was time to kick off Welcome Weekend with a bang. After being split into orientation groups,
the students were off to Playfair. For
me, Playfair was a blast. The students were
getting close and personal with the activities, while exchanging numerous
smiles. Being a junior, I was not
worried about what the other students thought of me, and did not think twice
about jumping up and down with excitement.
Friendships were beginning to develop, and the students were getting
excited about college life. It was a
very rewarding but late night!
The next couple of days of Welcome Weekend were just as fun. A photo scavenger hunt throughout campus was
completed. The new polar bears were
settling into their dorms and continuing to develop friendships. In addition, the residence life block party,
magician, Greekapalooza, and the improv show were a success. The best part of the block part was
definitely the free funnel cakes as well as the music and dancing. I may not be the best at the Wobble, but I
will always make my best attempt and make a fool out of myself. In addition, Welcome Fest brought together
the entire university with the numerous groups to enjoy.
Looking back at Welcome Weekend, the other Orientation
Leaders were the reason I had such a fantastic time. The students were great, but it was my
teammates (the orange team specifically) that made me want to step out of my
comfort zone. All the Orientation
Leaders became my family! Even though I
was biased to the orange team, every individual made the weekend fun and
exciting. I did not know many of my
teammates before this experience. Since
participating in this experience, new friendships have evolved. Since the weekend has ended, we have all gone
back to our normal lives. I do not see
those individuals very often anymore, but when I do get the opportunity to pass
them on campus, I make sure to say hello.
Overall, being an Orientation Leader was rewarding, and I am excited to hopefully
participate again next year!
