When you go to the University of Cincinnati, who are some of the first smiling faces that you see on campus during New Student Orientation?
Why, they're the Student Orientation Leaders, of course, in their spiffy red polos with their names sewn in.
And this past summer, I had the opportunity to be one of them.
Lots of people just think that being a Student Orientation Leader is all fun and games, cheering for new students in the back of TUC Great Hall, and getting to lead small groups of students in order to help them make new friends and be their first upperclassman friend. But the truth is, being a SOL is much more than that in so many ways. It really teaches you more about yourself and this amazing university, strengthens your leadership skills, and helps you make lifelong friendships that you never would have had the opportunity to make otherwise.
To be honest, I wasn't sure at first if being a SOL was the right thing for me. I consider myself a pretty open person, but the idea of screaming in the back of TUC Great Hall and leading small groups seemed pretty intimidating. Nevertheless, it seemed like a fun experience with a lot of perks, so I decided to apply. Even starting with the interview process, I could tell the job was going to be rigorous. There was a panel of five students and administrators taking notes on my every word, and their lack of emotion made me worry I wasn't going to get in. Then came Mini Camp, the group interview process where two former SOLs led us in various small group activities throughout the day, from skits to icebreaking games to scavenger hunts, all to see how well we work in teams. The final interview consisted of only one question, and was the most nervewracking of them all. But about a week later, eating in the neighborhood restaurant Tea and Bowl with my mother, I got a call telling me that I had gotten the job. I was ecstatic, but little did I know what was to come.
From the first day of summer vacation, the day after the last final exam, April 29th, our training started. We were told the rigorous expectations of the job, ranging from being fired if you're one minute late to going through a month of training to being expected to go on the retreat with the other SOLs in a few weeks' time. From the get-go, everyone was unsure if they would make it through the summer. But we all made an effort to get to know each other the best we could, and bond through our shared circumstances. I quickly found that I was one of the few people who did not already know someone else in the process, so it was a bit harder for me to make those connections at times. Being thrown into a group dynamic, and being expected to get to know over 30 of my peers at once wasn't an easy process for me to say the least.
Then we moved into Calhoun with the other SOLs, another requirement of the job, and I got my two roommates. For sure, this was one of the best parts of the experience for me, because a lot of the best conversations that I had over the summer were with my two roommates. Although they were my first roommates I've ever had, getting to know them really helped enrich my experience this summer and helped me gain two more strong friendships. (My one roommate even ended up being secretary of Astronomy Club after I told her that I was president! ) As a whole, however, all the SOLs were held accountable for all of us getting to work on time every day, and the system worked really well, with no one being fired for tardiness the whole summer.
Training was a long process, with presentations every day from various departments of the university, as well as games including all the SOLs for us to have a bit of fun. They demanded the utmost professionalism from us, from sitting up straight at attention, taking notes during every presentation, and thanking each presenter. Along the way, however, I realized that living up to those high standards wasn't as hard as one might think, and I learned so much about our university that I couldn't have even imagined. Some of these resources I even utilized for myself, including reserving the TUC movie theatre for Astronomy Club movie nights, and the Pre Professional Advising Center for advice if I decided to go into Patent Law.
One unique chapter of my SOL experience was my injury that impacted a large part of my summer. I was playing ultimate frisbee with a couple of my friends and some other students, and my foot turned, causing a massive bone bruise to occur. It immediately swelled and I wasn't able to put pressure on it. But all the SOLs came together for me, with the orientation office lending me a wheelchair for a few days, people taking turns pushing me around, and a fellow SOL asking her parents to bring down crutches for me to use. I was warmed by all the effort that they put in for me, and realized that no matter how awkward I may feel at times in the group setting, they were all there for me no matter what.
Overall, however, they emphasized teamwork above all. This was highlighted during our retreat, which was held at Linsley Outdoor Center in Pennsylvania. It was a long standing tradition for the incoming SOLs to go on this retreat, and they welcomed us with open arms. Over the 5 day retreat, we went rock climbing, orienteering in the woods, had community meals with rotating responsibilities, low and high ropes, a bonfire with skits and finished off the trip with helping each other over the 10 ft wall without being allowed to speak, as well as only being able to have 5 helpers at a time, and 5 pushes per person. I still had the boot on for part of the experience, but the other SOLs made sure I was never left behind, and our orienteering team even won the competition. The teambuilding atmosphere where everyone always brought each other up with kind words really emphasized how much of a community we were already, even before orientation started. Even though we all weren't extremely close to one another, a fellow SOL summed it up better than I ever could. Roughly, what she said was that, "Family doesn't mean you're best friends with everyone, or even that you talk to everyone on a regular basis, but you know that you're there for each other when things get tough."
We got back to Cincinnati just in time for my 19th birthday, and the SOLs got me some birthday cupcakes, which really made me feel loved and appreciated. As training wrapped up, we officially "graduated", getting our red polos and backpacks, and the next Monday, it was time for orientation!
As orientation started, it was a rough first day as we all scrambled to get to where we needed to be. As we fumbled along with our small groups and realized that we were making a noticeable impression on their lives, we realized over time why this job was so selective. The many moving parts of orientation were stressful at times as well, with Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs) telling us where to be or how to approach different situations. Much of the time, it was frustrating that it seemed like we were just being told what to do and had no autonomy. "Trust the Process" was the most frustrating thing for a lot of people to hear.
Small groups continued to be awkward for the first few sessions, until I got into the rhythm of things, and stuck with my best way of doing things. Being a parent SOL was fun at times, when talking to parents, but utterly boring at other times, when standing in the back of Great Hall. There was also unexpected things, like figuring out the best ways to take students around the library so we didn't run into other groups of SOLs, counting school supply donations, and stuffing name tags when there was nothing else to do.
But over time, I realized that that's what leadership truly is. Being able to work in groups when needed, as well as having the humility to be able to take others' authority at times, while still being able to make decisions if there is no one else there to help you. Leadership isn't just telling people what to do, it's also taking into consideration the wants and needs of those who don't have the ability to help themselves.
Not to say that there weren't fun times, including going on an unforgettable trip to Gatlinburg with the SOLs and climbing my first mountain in the Chimney Top section of the Smoky Mountains, and a trip to the Fun Factory to do some roller skating, which was fun even though I can't do it very well at all. One month before the end of the main stretch of orientation, we had students from Chong Qing University, the University of Cincinnati's sister university in China, come to learn how to be SOLs for their university. Since I had had prior experience with international students, such as IPALs and Worldfest Week, I was looking forward to getting to know them. Over the time they were here, I learned all about their program and that they were all in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering over there, all their classes were taught in English, and I got to know each of them personally and exchange our hopes and dreams for our futures. I really got close with these four students, and we even went on a trip to Coney Island together for the first time for the Fourth of July fireworks. They even told me that there were TA positions available as a co-op for UC students and recommended me to the people in charge. As of this writing, I am waiting on confirmation for the position. I would have never have gone as far as I have with considering this job and cultural experience if it wasn't for my fantastic new friends. I can't wait to hang out with them at their school in the spring if I get the position.
At the end of regular orientation, there was a banquet to celebrate our contributions to our SOL class over the summer, and I received most growth. This mirrored the award I got from the Parents and Family Association at the Fun Factory event. Even though it seems like a bit of a cliche, it really got me thinking. I had grown over the summer. First and foremost, I redefined my definition of leadership, Secondly, I learned to accept people as they are, becoming less judgmental than I was at the beginning of the summer. I made lifelong friends with people I was just randomly thrown in with, which was atypical for me. And I could sincerely feel as if I had changed lives for the better, both of my small groupers, and my own. Hugs and "see you later"s were exchanged, as we took a two to three week break from orientation.
I took the first week to relax and reflect on what I had been doing this whole summer. The second week, I took a trip to Columbus alone, which is something I wouldn't have had the confidence to do before this experience. Having the time alone helped me realize that my self-confidence and decision making capabilities had improved over the summer, and that it's ok to want my alone time as well to recharge. The third week, I went to Peer Leader training, and listening to speakers helped me realize how much SOL trained me for this position, and any other professional position in the future.
Going back to Orientation, I had a small group for International Orientation, for which my supervisors asked me to talk to all the SOLs about how to approach international students, due to my expertise. I had so much fun, working on the IPALs panel as well with it, and got to know so many more international students. To wrap up the summer, we worked New Student Convocation and I got to sing the Alma Mater on stage with 11 other SOLs in front of over 5000 new students, and then aided them take their new class picture. As the day wound down, we said our goodbyes and had a final ice cream party. As we wound down the party, I found myself in a bittersweet state.
I realized that as stressful and crazy this summer may have been, I would never get an experience like this again. I made lifelong relationships and connections on campus that I never would have made without it. I came into this summer looking for change, and I found it in the most unexpected ways. By becoming disabled for a time through my injury, I learned how difficult firsthand living with physical disabilities is, which, although I had helped my disabled mother all my life, was a completely new experience. I helped many physically handicapped people throughout the summer and could completely emphasize with them for the first time. I wanted to become less judgmental, and did so through going through experiences with so many different people and learning where they come from, enabling me to realize that decisions people make don't define them, it's how they overcome the obstacles in their life. I wanted to gain humility, and living and working in the group environment under a multitude of supervisors kept my pride in check and helped me keep that mindset into the future.
Overall, I can say that being a SOL changed me for the better. It was much more than helping introduce others to the university, it was a catalyst for many of the changes I wanted to make in myself.
Why, they're the Student Orientation Leaders, of course, in their spiffy red polos with their names sewn in.
And this past summer, I had the opportunity to be one of them.
Lots of people just think that being a Student Orientation Leader is all fun and games, cheering for new students in the back of TUC Great Hall, and getting to lead small groups of students in order to help them make new friends and be their first upperclassman friend. But the truth is, being a SOL is much more than that in so many ways. It really teaches you more about yourself and this amazing university, strengthens your leadership skills, and helps you make lifelong friendships that you never would have had the opportunity to make otherwise.
To be honest, I wasn't sure at first if being a SOL was the right thing for me. I consider myself a pretty open person, but the idea of screaming in the back of TUC Great Hall and leading small groups seemed pretty intimidating. Nevertheless, it seemed like a fun experience with a lot of perks, so I decided to apply. Even starting with the interview process, I could tell the job was going to be rigorous. There was a panel of five students and administrators taking notes on my every word, and their lack of emotion made me worry I wasn't going to get in. Then came Mini Camp, the group interview process where two former SOLs led us in various small group activities throughout the day, from skits to icebreaking games to scavenger hunts, all to see how well we work in teams. The final interview consisted of only one question, and was the most nervewracking of them all. But about a week later, eating in the neighborhood restaurant Tea and Bowl with my mother, I got a call telling me that I had gotten the job. I was ecstatic, but little did I know what was to come.
From the first day of summer vacation, the day after the last final exam, April 29th, our training started. We were told the rigorous expectations of the job, ranging from being fired if you're one minute late to going through a month of training to being expected to go on the retreat with the other SOLs in a few weeks' time. From the get-go, everyone was unsure if they would make it through the summer. But we all made an effort to get to know each other the best we could, and bond through our shared circumstances. I quickly found that I was one of the few people who did not already know someone else in the process, so it was a bit harder for me to make those connections at times. Being thrown into a group dynamic, and being expected to get to know over 30 of my peers at once wasn't an easy process for me to say the least.
Then we moved into Calhoun with the other SOLs, another requirement of the job, and I got my two roommates. For sure, this was one of the best parts of the experience for me, because a lot of the best conversations that I had over the summer were with my two roommates. Although they were my first roommates I've ever had, getting to know them really helped enrich my experience this summer and helped me gain two more strong friendships. (My one roommate even ended up being secretary of Astronomy Club after I told her that I was president! ) As a whole, however, all the SOLs were held accountable for all of us getting to work on time every day, and the system worked really well, with no one being fired for tardiness the whole summer.
Training was a long process, with presentations every day from various departments of the university, as well as games including all the SOLs for us to have a bit of fun. They demanded the utmost professionalism from us, from sitting up straight at attention, taking notes during every presentation, and thanking each presenter. Along the way, however, I realized that living up to those high standards wasn't as hard as one might think, and I learned so much about our university that I couldn't have even imagined. Some of these resources I even utilized for myself, including reserving the TUC movie theatre for Astronomy Club movie nights, and the Pre Professional Advising Center for advice if I decided to go into Patent Law.
One unique chapter of my SOL experience was my injury that impacted a large part of my summer. I was playing ultimate frisbee with a couple of my friends and some other students, and my foot turned, causing a massive bone bruise to occur. It immediately swelled and I wasn't able to put pressure on it. But all the SOLs came together for me, with the orientation office lending me a wheelchair for a few days, people taking turns pushing me around, and a fellow SOL asking her parents to bring down crutches for me to use. I was warmed by all the effort that they put in for me, and realized that no matter how awkward I may feel at times in the group setting, they were all there for me no matter what.
Overall, however, they emphasized teamwork above all. This was highlighted during our retreat, which was held at Linsley Outdoor Center in Pennsylvania. It was a long standing tradition for the incoming SOLs to go on this retreat, and they welcomed us with open arms. Over the 5 day retreat, we went rock climbing, orienteering in the woods, had community meals with rotating responsibilities, low and high ropes, a bonfire with skits and finished off the trip with helping each other over the 10 ft wall without being allowed to speak, as well as only being able to have 5 helpers at a time, and 5 pushes per person. I still had the boot on for part of the experience, but the other SOLs made sure I was never left behind, and our orienteering team even won the competition. The teambuilding atmosphere where everyone always brought each other up with kind words really emphasized how much of a community we were already, even before orientation started. Even though we all weren't extremely close to one another, a fellow SOL summed it up better than I ever could. Roughly, what she said was that, "Family doesn't mean you're best friends with everyone, or even that you talk to everyone on a regular basis, but you know that you're there for each other when things get tough."
We got back to Cincinnati just in time for my 19th birthday, and the SOLs got me some birthday cupcakes, which really made me feel loved and appreciated. As training wrapped up, we officially "graduated", getting our red polos and backpacks, and the next Monday, it was time for orientation!
As orientation started, it was a rough first day as we all scrambled to get to where we needed to be. As we fumbled along with our small groups and realized that we were making a noticeable impression on their lives, we realized over time why this job was so selective. The many moving parts of orientation were stressful at times as well, with Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs) telling us where to be or how to approach different situations. Much of the time, it was frustrating that it seemed like we were just being told what to do and had no autonomy. "Trust the Process" was the most frustrating thing for a lot of people to hear.
Small groups continued to be awkward for the first few sessions, until I got into the rhythm of things, and stuck with my best way of doing things. Being a parent SOL was fun at times, when talking to parents, but utterly boring at other times, when standing in the back of Great Hall. There was also unexpected things, like figuring out the best ways to take students around the library so we didn't run into other groups of SOLs, counting school supply donations, and stuffing name tags when there was nothing else to do.
But over time, I realized that that's what leadership truly is. Being able to work in groups when needed, as well as having the humility to be able to take others' authority at times, while still being able to make decisions if there is no one else there to help you. Leadership isn't just telling people what to do, it's also taking into consideration the wants and needs of those who don't have the ability to help themselves.
Not to say that there weren't fun times, including going on an unforgettable trip to Gatlinburg with the SOLs and climbing my first mountain in the Chimney Top section of the Smoky Mountains, and a trip to the Fun Factory to do some roller skating, which was fun even though I can't do it very well at all. One month before the end of the main stretch of orientation, we had students from Chong Qing University, the University of Cincinnati's sister university in China, come to learn how to be SOLs for their university. Since I had had prior experience with international students, such as IPALs and Worldfest Week, I was looking forward to getting to know them. Over the time they were here, I learned all about their program and that they were all in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering over there, all their classes were taught in English, and I got to know each of them personally and exchange our hopes and dreams for our futures. I really got close with these four students, and we even went on a trip to Coney Island together for the first time for the Fourth of July fireworks. They even told me that there were TA positions available as a co-op for UC students and recommended me to the people in charge. As of this writing, I am waiting on confirmation for the position. I would have never have gone as far as I have with considering this job and cultural experience if it wasn't for my fantastic new friends. I can't wait to hang out with them at their school in the spring if I get the position.
At the end of regular orientation, there was a banquet to celebrate our contributions to our SOL class over the summer, and I received most growth. This mirrored the award I got from the Parents and Family Association at the Fun Factory event. Even though it seems like a bit of a cliche, it really got me thinking. I had grown over the summer. First and foremost, I redefined my definition of leadership, Secondly, I learned to accept people as they are, becoming less judgmental than I was at the beginning of the summer. I made lifelong friends with people I was just randomly thrown in with, which was atypical for me. And I could sincerely feel as if I had changed lives for the better, both of my small groupers, and my own. Hugs and "see you later"s were exchanged, as we took a two to three week break from orientation.
I took the first week to relax and reflect on what I had been doing this whole summer. The second week, I took a trip to Columbus alone, which is something I wouldn't have had the confidence to do before this experience. Having the time alone helped me realize that my self-confidence and decision making capabilities had improved over the summer, and that it's ok to want my alone time as well to recharge. The third week, I went to Peer Leader training, and listening to speakers helped me realize how much SOL trained me for this position, and any other professional position in the future.
Going back to Orientation, I had a small group for International Orientation, for which my supervisors asked me to talk to all the SOLs about how to approach international students, due to my expertise. I had so much fun, working on the IPALs panel as well with it, and got to know so many more international students. To wrap up the summer, we worked New Student Convocation and I got to sing the Alma Mater on stage with 11 other SOLs in front of over 5000 new students, and then aided them take their new class picture. As the day wound down, we said our goodbyes and had a final ice cream party. As we wound down the party, I found myself in a bittersweet state.
I realized that as stressful and crazy this summer may have been, I would never get an experience like this again. I made lifelong relationships and connections on campus that I never would have made without it. I came into this summer looking for change, and I found it in the most unexpected ways. By becoming disabled for a time through my injury, I learned how difficult firsthand living with physical disabilities is, which, although I had helped my disabled mother all my life, was a completely new experience. I helped many physically handicapped people throughout the summer and could completely emphasize with them for the first time. I wanted to become less judgmental, and did so through going through experiences with so many different people and learning where they come from, enabling me to realize that decisions people make don't define them, it's how they overcome the obstacles in their life. I wanted to gain humility, and living and working in the group environment under a multitude of supervisors kept my pride in check and helped me keep that mindset into the future.
Overall, I can say that being a SOL changed me for the better. It was much more than helping introduce others to the university, it was a catalyst for many of the changes I wanted to make in myself.
From left top: Pictures from my Gatlinburg trip, from the top of Chimney Top Mountain, me in my SOL polo posing with the UC bearcat, in my polo with UC's famed Mick lion statue
From left bottom: Picture from the SOL banquet, picture from my outing with the CQU SOLs to Coney Island, picture from our LOC retreat after we conquered the wall, and the tunnel of Awesomeness welcoming new students on the first day of orientation
From left bottom: Picture from the SOL banquet, picture from my outing with the CQU SOLs to Coney Island, picture from our LOC retreat after we conquered the wall, and the tunnel of Awesomeness welcoming new students on the first day of orientation