It all began at 7:30 Thursday morning in the pouring down rain. It had been nice and hot all week and then orientation comes and the weather decides to get rainy and cold. The SOSers didn't let the dreary weather dampen their spirits though, they just kept on trying to get us incoming freshman to dance awkwardly with them, haha. I luckily didn't have to take any tests, so I just stood around being nervous until we got into our SOS groups. My group only had 4 people, so it made for quick introductions and it was a little easier to get to know them. I was a part of Hilarie's Heartbreakers (and we sucked at the mascot game). Our SOSers took us to the auditorium where eventually the parents joined us. We listened to President Ramsey and Student Body President OJ talk about why it is so great to be a Cardinal, and they told us to make the most of college, take advantage of everything. Next, the SOSers were introduced and they made it rain Cardinal Cash as they danced down the aisles. We listened to people talk anout how to get involved freshman year and about financial aid. From there the parents went off and the SOS groups went to their specific college to learn more about requirements and classes, etc. So my group headed off to the School of Education and Human Development (I'm a sports administration major). Our advisors gave everyone a general overview of what to expect in the future and how everything would go the next day when we scheduled classes. After that it was off to lunch. At lunch there were informational booths set up so we could learn everything possible.
After lunch there were more informational sessions we had to sit through, inlcuding campus health and security, and some sessions we got to pick.Everybody, including parents learned many Cardinal traditions (fight song, all hail, cards cheer, etc.). Then it was off to dinner and we bid our parents goodbye. We had some free time, i shopped at the bookstore and met some new friends as we waited for the Real World Skits to begin. They were great. Many were entertaining but all conveyed a message that we should learn from. After that we split up and discussed what we thoguht of the skits and debated some questions. After that, it was party time. I personally went to the dance at the Red Barn (it was a blast) but there were free milkshakes, cornhole, pool, RockBand, there really is something for everyone. When it came time to break up the party at 10:45 for our last SOS meeting of the day, everyone was a little disappointed. But after we met with our SOSers they gave us free pizza and were allowed to do whatever as long as we stayed on campus. I was up til 1:30 just chiling with people outside MIller. It was fun but everyone was exhausted.
First thing on Day 2 you take this big long survey (kinda boring) and then half the people go to advising the other half go to the Cardinal Challenge. I went to the cardinal challenge first and it was a lot of fun. Some answers are really easy but some you actually have to work for. But its pretty much an hour of exploring campus with some competition thrown in. We didn't win though :( THen off to advising, where you set up your schedule. THere are soooo many choices and about a hundred English 101's to choose from, it makes you a little overwhelmed. But eventually it all works out, and the advisors are really helpful. So it was off to lunch before we actually registered. During lunch there was a Cards Expo where there were a bunch of clubs to learn about. After lunch we did a couple last CARDS cheers and another rendition of ALL HAIL before it was off to register. Then we were free to go home.
Overall, Orientation was a blast. I came out more informed, more comfortable and with some new friends. My advice is to go in with an open mind and a good attitude. Don't be afraid to meet people (everyone is really nice and just as nervous as you), don't be afraid to ask questions.
Just be yourself and dont be afraid to have fun!
GO CARDS!! -Jenny Nicholson (Session 3)
I agree the orientation was very fun and it was a big reality check. Also, the advice about coming with a positive attitude it exactly right.
Posted by: Stephanie | June 09, 2009 at 02:12 AM