*How much work was expected of you?
Bobby Gardner: As an SOS Orientation Leader, there is a lot to be expected of you. You have to be able to think on the move and not lose your cool when things become hectic. As a coordinator, our training is a key asset to be able to adapt to stressful situations.
Charles Gentry: The most work was expected during the first few weeks of training, and on the day of or before SOSdays themselves. Once sessions began, the workload in between sessions reduced a good amount.
Chayla Handley: When I became a SOS Orientation Leader, I thought that it was going to be a lot of work, but I realized when we got started that all the work we had to do was actually fun. The training sessions are jam-packed with information and skills that you must learn in order for your Orientation day to run smoothly, but the Freshman Year Experience Staff made it enjoyable by incorporating activities with the learning and work. Our SOS Days are typically on Friday, and I'm not going to lie - it was a long work day, but the work was so much fun and definitely worth it!
*What level of commitment was expected of you?
Dustin Turnipseed: I was expected to try my hardest and commit myself to each task at hand. I found it easy to do each task once committed to do so.
Kimberly Wasserburger: The commitment level that was expected for each SOS orientation leader was very strong. We are orientation leaders for transfer students and we are one of their first impressions for Auburn. We have a responsibility to be committed to know our materiel, be on time, work as a team and most importantly a commitment to the students that we orientate. Although the commitment level is high the experiences, memories and friendships created are priceless.
Laura Williams: As an SOS Orientation Leader, I was expected to attend training sessions every Monday for about 6 weeks. Each training session was 3 ½ hours long and all were very informative and prepared us for our positions as Orientation Leaders. During these sessions we were given AU Knowledge tests that covered material about the University. We were also expected to attend a briefing session the night before an SOS session, where we stuffed packets and received information about our transfer students. The day of SOS, we arrived at the school at 6:45 a.m. and stayed until 4:00.
*What is an example of a challenge you faced during training and how did you and your fellow Orientation Leaders overcome it?
Brittney Rieben: During training, we all had to work extremely hard to understand and accept the differing views of others. We all work very well together as a team now because of activities planned by the staff to help us understand each other. Our different views made it better for us working together as a team instead of individuals during an SOS day.
Ursula Scott: Well, the memorization of the campus was very challenging, but some of us formed a study group and asked for a better test.
*How were you pushed to grow and stretch yourself during Training?
Cecily Hornady: During the training process, I learned that it is not an option to be outgoing and introduce yourself to new peers, it's a must do. Not only is it awesome to make new friends, it's great to connect and figure out what you have in common with your fellow leaders, which can be quite surprising.
*How did training prepare you for SOS Sessions? Blake Odom: Training is essential for this job. You present your group with tons of information about the university and give them a tour all in just one day. You have to know your information well and be on the top of your game. Knowing your information and knowing it well starts with your training.
*What is your favorite part of SOS? Explain.
Brittney Rieben: My favorite part of SOS is meeting new transfer students. Many times, we are their first interaction with Auburn University and I love being able to help them understand Auburn and making a great first impression.
Ursula Scott: My favorite part is seeing those that I have lead thru S.O.S and them telling me I really helped them.
*If you could give one piece of advice to an incoming transfer, what would it be and why?
Dustin Turnipseed: If you want to succeed in college here at Auburn, join the family by getting involved. Get to know people including your teachers, regardless of class size, and most of all have fun.
Kimberly Wasserburger: The one piece of advice I would give to incoming transfer students is to not be afraid to ask for help. It's easy to get behind in school work in a new place but teachers are here to help us and they want to see their students succeed. There are also study partners and free tutors in the library to help all students and in all subjects. There are plenty of resources on campus to help students just don't be afraid to ask or seek their help- they are all here to help!
Laura Williams: Get involved! It’s a great way to meet new people and helps to make your experience here at Auburn the best it can be.
*What did you gain from being a SOS Orientation Leader? Bobby Gardner: As an OL I cannot single out one thing that I gained from being in SOS. There are so many circumstances that you are placed in that prepare you for the real world. Including dealing with parents that are frantic about their children, how to deal with strong personalities, and how to keep your cool under pressure. Not to the mention the great friends that I talk to on a daily basis that I would have never met if it hadn't been for SOS.
Charles Gentry: I definitely learned much more about Auburn than I knew before. I also really learnedhow to create an environment where students or parents felt comfortable opening up and/or asking pertinent questions during small group sessions. I really learned a lot about communication and to notice visual cues about what information I said was actually sinking in or what I needed to repeat solely based on their looks.
Chayla Handley: I strengthened so many qualities and characteristics just by being a SOS Orientation Leader. My confidence skyrocketed - I had the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone to talk to and welcome people I had never met before. My leadership skills were strengthened also - I had to be responsible and prepared to answer any questions, and my answers were the foundation of several incoming students' college careers. Last, but certainly never least, my love for Auburn grew. These experiences have opened my eyes to a whole new realm of Auburn, and now, Auburn is even deeper embedded into my heart! *Did you learn anything about time management? What specifically?
Cecily Hornady: I learned to map out a schedule of my week; therefore no surprises would pop up in the midst. Making sure I wouldn't overload myself and schedule times for homework and other personal needs.
*What were the benefits of training? (Think getting to know each other, etc.)
Blake Odom: Training was a actually a lot of fun for me. We played games and interacted with each other while learning our material. Getting to know your fellow orientation leaders during the training sessions is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an SOS leader. |
|
|
|
|