The Importance Of College Orientation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Importance Of College Orientation

Why orientation is much more than a tour.

319
The Importance Of College Orientation
NMRT Notes

Orientation is much more than getting acquainted with a school. It's much more than learning where the food is, when to go to the gym, and how to find your classes. Orientation is a time to rediscover yourself. It's a time where friendship is born, where laughter lives, and where fear dies. Those first few days living on campus will build the foundation for years to follow. The first-years have this opportunity to start with a strong foundation. With the right guidance and understanding, students have the potential to fall in love with college right from the start.

As a sophomore and a peer mentor, I have had the opportunity to view orientation with two different lenses. I have bonded with other first-years during my orientation, and I learned more about myself. I opened up more than I ever thought I could as a first-year to people I had just met. Sharing deeper parts of my life helped me feel connected right from the start. Some parts of orientation were difficult, and I was discouraged at first. I thought orientation was for more outgoing individuals, which I later dismissed as false. Everyone has their own unique experience at orientation. Even though I was not best friends with anyone in my orientation group, I made a strong connection with my peer mentor who encouraged me to apply for a position. I was able to learn so much about the school, and the information I gained made me feel comfortable to start school in the fall. The thought of Stonehill being my new home filled me with excitement.

As a peer mentor, I had the pleasure of fostering an inclusive environment that I thrived in as a first-year. I was able to witness the first-years grow and open up about their lives. I felt completely invested in their love for Stonehill, and I wanted to do everything in my power to make them feel at home. I was inspired by the change in the first-years over the summer. They were so willing to contribute to discussions and activities when they returned in the fall. I reminisced about my fall orientation when I already felt like I was somewhere I belonged. When my partner and I facilitated activities, the two groups from the summer were eager to learn about each other and ready to start their college careers. It was truly an indescribable feeling. Everything just felt right in that moment.

I feel that without orientation, students are thrown into a completely new and strange environment. If students are not welcomed into a loving atmosphere, they will feel excluded. Without sharing parts of their lives, they will be deprived of new friends. Orientation welcomes students into an inclusive Stonehill community, which should always be the highest priority.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180769
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7725
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452850
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23504
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments