Welcome Weekend 2015

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!