Saturday, June 14, 2014

Amber Norwood: Orientation and Events - Week 1

Activities:

  • Spoke with all staff members about their roles in the office
  • Attended meeting with Lari Wright and Elizabeth Young to make sure that everything was in place for students staying on campus during orientations
  • Prepared name tags and orientation packets for students and parents with the Orientation Leaders
Experience:

     This first week I have hit the ground running. My very first day I went with Kylie to meet Lari and Elizabeth to make sure the housing facilities were ready for student and parent check-in. It was a great experience to get to see just how much goes into planning the "flow" of a check-in through the residence hall and courtyard. After that, I got to go sit down with all of the staff members just to chat about their daily roles and what they love about working with Orientation and Events. They seem to be a very tight-knit group since the office is so small.

     The next day I worked directly with the OL's to stuff all of the name tags for the 1st freshman session and also add lanyards to them. It was great getting know that group of students. They are so hard-working and dedicated to what they do! After that, we went over to Moseley Hall and stuffed almost SEVEN THOUSAND packets for students and parents. That was exhausting. I enjoyed working in such a face-paced environment with a group who knows how to make it fun.

     That short week alone has affirmed to me that I made the right choice for my practicum. Orientation is what originally brought me to student affairs, so it's nice to get some experience in that area. Everyone is incredibly kind and easy to work with, and I also believe I will get a very diverse set of experiences that will benefit me as a professional. 

1 comment:

  1. Amber,

    It sounds like you are really enjoying your experience. I really liked how you mentioned that you get to work with a hard-working and dedicated group of OLs. I am sure that you are able to be a great influence on them, just as they are on you. Also, I love that you were able to get that affirmation that you are in the right place. It is easy to lose sight of why we chose to do what we are doing, especially during this crazy summer. How has it been transitioning into a new graduate assistantship, as well as learning the ropes of your new practicum site? Have you seen any cross references in terms of starting two new positions at the same time, and do you feel like you will be able to use what you are learning in practicum, with your new assistantship, visa versa?

    - Hannah Mountford

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