Think back to your freshman move-in day. Between the excitement of finally arriving on campus and the nervousness of not knowing what to expect, you may or may not have noticed the enormous band of orange-clad worker bees known as the Goon Squad. 

They were there though, and they had a blast. 

The Goon Squad has been an integral part of new student orientation for seventy years. That makes for a lot of goons, seeing as there were well over six hundred and fifty volunteers this year alone. 

They come from all walks of orange collegiate education, all over the country, sharing one common goal: move all three thousand eight hundred first year students in quickly and efficiently. I am happy to report that this goal was, in fact, accomplished. 

There are certain perks of being a Goon volunteer too, such as permission to move in early ourselves. Most Goons moved in a day or two before the freshmen, and between four and five days before the rest of campus. Easier holding lines? Check. Faster move-in process? Check. Extra few days to organize and settle in? Check.

We were also given the opportunity to promote the other organizations that we are a part of. Typical Goons are extremely involved on campus, and can help new students find the organizations that will help define their next four years. Goons can represent their organizations by choosing to help with a club fair on the quad, encouraging new students to start thinking about what might interest them outside of the classroom. Goons were encouraged to sport hats, pins, or buttons decorated with the letters, symbol, or logo of their organization of choice to help attract attention to the various activities, too. 

However, the aspect of being a goon that I enjoyed the most was the interaction amongst our fellow volunteers, orientation leaders, other helpers, and the new students and their families. Being able to calm down a nervous student, or reassure a doting mother is extremely rewarding. Knowing that you helped make someone feel welcome in their new home is a great feeling. As for the volunteers, it is a group of individuals with orange spirit unparalleled by anything I have ever seen before. You rock. Thanks for being you. 

First year move in day, whether your own or someone else's, is quite unlike any other day, and I am beyond thankful to have been able to help the class of 2018 in theirs.