Being an orientation leader is a job that most people on-campus view as important and perfect. Don't get me wrong, it's close to that sometimes. But when you're about to pass out from lack of sleep and yell at everyone, it doesn't seem like that. I enjoyed my experience for the most part, but there's a lot that I wish I had known going in. Being an orientation leader isn't an easy job and some people should probably just say no to doing it. Here are the 17 things I learned that also made me realize that maybe it wasn't for me.
1. It gives you a new love for sleep.
Sometimes your day starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends at midnight, chances are you won't get more than four hours of sleep or time to nap. If you love sleep, being an orientation leader is not for you.
2. Some new students are rude.
Texting during sessions, talking through your presentations, and wandering off are typical occurrences and you can't even yell at them. They usually know it bothers you, but they don't care.
3. You won't like everyone else on staff.
Everyone always talks about orientation staff like one big happy family, which for the most part it is, but there are always going to be people who bother you so much you want to use a cheese grater on your forehead.
4. Everyone else on staff won't like you either.
Some people will make a point to say that they don't like you. The staff has to be diverse, so it's only realistic that there are going to be people who hate you with every fiber of their being.
5. Real food isn't a thing.
Know what's worse than the worst campus food? The worst campus food over the summer. That's right, it gets worse. Dining halls aren't open, so if they make it, you eat it, even if it is soggy tuna sandwiches. It's a sick feeling that never goes away.
6. You can make more money doing other things.
Being an orientation leader, a lump sum of cash sounds great, but it's really less than minimum wage, and you'd make only a little less working in retail. If you're being an orientation leader for the pay, don't bother.
7. Finishing your sentence rarely happens.
A group of orientation leaders has a lot of leaders. Everyone has an opinion and seems to think that theirs is always right. If you can't make people listen or want to listen, it's a struggle.
8. Don't expect a break from people.
You are with your orientation staff, new students, or families close to 24 hours a day. When you think you have a minute to breathe, somebody will find you, and will talk to you. It's part of the job.
9. Don't expect a break at all.
Speaking of breaks, not only don't you get breaks from people, there aren't really breaks from anything. You have to figure out what's going on the next day, find time to shower, and by the time you get to go to bed, you'll probably have a staff meeting.
10. Which brings me to prep-work.
Orientation is a lot of planning. The office in charge puts in a lot of hours, but when it comes to mundane tasks, you aren't high enough in the hierarchy of orientation planning to say no. Stuffing folders for six hours, making sure there's enough for everyone, and making sure everything gets where it needs to go is on you.
11. You and your partner won't always see eye-to-eye.
Usually, you'll have a partner to help you with your group. Ice breakers and just about every other decision is up to you both to agree on. If you say something out of line, they will tell you. It's their job, but it doesn't matter if your partner's been your best friends for years or you just met them during training. They could be the nicest person ever, but you won't always get along. Sometimes you need to shut up and pretend you're wrong.
12. Your life outside of the program doesn't exist.
Family issues? Your best friend's graduation party? Doesn't matter to anyone. You're usually all program, all the time. Your problems are your own.
13. If you have another job...well good luck.
Orientation usually requires at least a month and leaves about one day a week for your real, year-round job. Your normal job will make sure they give you crap about only being available four hours a week.
14. Be prepared for your car to become a taxi.
If you have a car on campus during orientation, odds are you will be asked for rides a lot. Wal-Mart runs, Dunkin' runs, or anywhere else, you'll probably be asked for a ride. Best part is people don't give you gas money...so maybe not quite like a taxi.
15. Don't forget to smile.
Smiling is not my favorite. I'm not Buddy the Elf, but if you aren't happy all the time, they will make a point to tell you. Around new students, families, and even staff, there's this unspoken requirement that you are to be happy at all hours of the day.
16. Two words: "helicopter parents."
The transition to college is just as hard, maybe even harder, on parents than students. Their baby is going away and they might not be prepared to accept that their child is now an adult. They'll hover and ask more questions than anyone else, so be prepared.
17. Sarcasm: Use it wisely, or not at all.
As someone whose high school class voted them most sarcastic, this is a difficult habit to break. New students might not understand, parents definitely don't and some people on staff might get really pissed off from it. Point is, don't be sarcastic, nobody appreciates it.
I can't honestly tell you that orientation was something I absolutely hated looking back on it, but what I will say is to consider this list before you ever consider applying. It's a great experience where you'll meet a lot of people and be pushed to develop a lot of skills, but trust me, it is not easy.
