seminar
onesecondadaychallenge
over the summer as a Student Orientation Leader I documennted one second of my day--each day--as a reflection piece.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do
more and become more, you are a leader.
What college student in the right mind would fight for a summer job that requires its employees to be at work at five o’clock in the morning with a positive and enthusiastic attitude on nearly every weekday for two months? A job where being tired is never an excuse and being fourteen minutes early for work (rather than fifteen or more) is late and grounds for termination. A job that challenges each member of the team to step out of his/her comfort zone on a daily basis and overcome obstacles to ultimately grow as a student and peer leader. That was my life this summer—rocking the red polo, khakis, and black backpack that I endured one month of extensive training to obtain every weekday for about twelve to thirteen hours each day. My summer as a Student Orientation Leader was one that I will never forget and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
The duty of a Student Orientation Leader (SOL) is to facilitate in welcoming all first-year students into the University of Cincinnati. It is a job that requires each employee to know a plethora of information about the university and to be prepared and ready to share this information with new students and parents. As a SOL, one must willingly put aside their desires in order to truly cater to the needs of others in a diligent and effective manner. Each SOL is responsible for leading small group sessions during orientation to help break the ice between students and answer whatever pending questions the students may have. SOLs are also responsible for leading students and their parents to the different sessions throughout the two day orientation, as well as answer whatever questions parents have (which could be a high stress task at times).
On Day 2 of every orientation, the students create a flag that represents the principles of the university’s Just Community. The orientation leaders lead this session and explain the vitality of keeping true to the Bearcat Bound as a member of the university. SOLs also take care of the behind the scenes and, at times, tedious work such as collating folders, stuffing bags, making phone calls, and putting together nametags. A Student Orientation Leader is expected to represent the university both in and out of the fancy red polo. We are the faces of the university for all of the incoming students and it was crucial that we were always aware of this role throughout the whole summer—no matter where we were or what we were doing.
I chose to work as a SOL in order to grow as a leader and engage in a productive summer activity. The job exceeded my expectations being that I was not aware of how much I would learn about myself. I learned about my strengths and weaknesses as a leader and how to use them to effectively work with others. During the summer we were also able to go out and do community service. The experience opened my eyes to how privileged we are as college students and the importance to doing service and helping others whenever possible. The lessons we were taught daily about leadership, service, and growth by the supervisors of the program, Sarah Leggesse and Sha-Kim Ray, were not only valuable for the summer, but for the rest of my life. A true leader never stops growing.
To truly experience growth as a peer leader and advocate is a blessing. I am more aware of how I represent myself and the importance of leading by example. Being a Student Orientation Leader was one large step towards becoming the well-rounded
YOU ONLY SOL ONCE
and successful student I wish to be upon graduation. College is the perfect chance to explore many opportunities that will not always be available in life. I am satisfied with my growth as a leader in being a SOL and I recommend the job to any student looking to make the best out of the college experience.
