Activities:
- Prepared for 3 orientations in one week
- Learned difference between freshman and transfer
orientations
- Worked main check in
- Assisted parents and students in info center
Experience:
Wow, what a week! I
thought having two orientations per week was exhausting....Adding a third one
in on Wednesday really took away all down time. It was very tiring, but
rewarding. Orientation weeks usually consist of two freshman orientations (M,T
& Th,F). However, this time a transfer orientation was added in on Wednesday.
It was very valuable to me to be able to see how the staff manages not having a
break during the week but can still manage to have successful events.
I was also really
excited to be a part of a transfer orientation. I attended the transfer session
when I came to MSU, but it was a completely different experience being on the
other side of the table. I really enjoyed getting to work with the students and
their parents. They are a totally different population. I have recently
discovered (decided?) that I want to work in a transfer services role after
graduation and it was valuable for me to see what orientation does right to
engage these students, but also how difficult it can be when the students just
aren't interested.
In addition, I got to
work the main check in for the final freshman session. It was really exciting
to get to see the students in their first moments on campus. It's like a mix of
extreme excitement, nervousness, and general confusion on their faces. After
that I was able to work in the info center and help students and parents with
any questions or problems they might have. I spent a large amount of my time
putting out fires, so to speak, but it was enjoyable getting to resolve their
issues.
A couple of weeks ago the book
addressed balance. Right now I feel like I am pro at the WRONG way to balance.
I didn't really have a choice since my practicum only existed in the month of
June and I wanted to get all of the experience with orientation that I possibly
could, but I am still so burnt-out. If you consider class as a job (it totally
is) I was working (my job, my practicum, and class) about 60-70 hours per week
during that month. I had no time for myself and was totally exhausted. While it
was a whirlwind, I am thankful to have learned the lesson early of how NOT to
balance yourself and how important it is to take time for yourself.
I
walked from my office (upstairs in the YMCA) downstairs heading to my
practicum, and Brent and Hannah were there doing work for their practicum as
well. Of course we stopped for a selfie!
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