Hey everyone! I hope you all had an amazing first month of classes and have had some time to settle into a schedule. For my first post this year, I thought I would share with you what I did over the summer.

I decided to stay on the Iowa City campus this past summer. I applied and got interviewed back in November of my freshman year to be an orientation leader for the summer of 2024. My motivation for doing this was to learn more about the history of the university and assist incoming freshmen in settling in at Iowa.  Following the application process, I enrolled in Orientation Leader & Transition Training, a semester-long course, along with a bunch of other amazing orientation trainees. I learned a lot about leadership, helping freshman get used to campus life, and how to get students engaged with fun icebreakers!

After this classes, I went back home to Illinois for about two weeks before having to move back to Iowa for summer training. During my time in Iowa City, I lived in Daum Residence Hall, which is on the East side of campus. It was very convenient since summer training took place in the Iowa Memorial Union. The training lasted about two weeks and before I knew it, I was preparing for our first program day June 12.

What is an Orientation Leader and what do they do?

I’m happy to explain to you what an orientation leader genuinely does, as you’re undoubtedly curious now. The role consists of numerous components. Under the direction of the Executive Team and Pro Staff, we worked as a group to organize Becoming a Hawkeye Days. You had the choice to enroll in these extra program days on top of your original orientation. Everyone has a job to do every morning, which may include setting up the breakfast table, parking, or checking people in.

Then, after the first part of the program, you would get to do one of three things. After lunch, you would lead a small group of students to a room where you would facilitate a presentation. Or you would take part in a panel discussion where supporters could ask questions in front of an engaged audience. Being a floater and doing duties as needed was your last option. Throughout the day, orientation leaders take a variety of steps to make sure that the student and those who are supporting them feel prepared to face the move to college.

What I took away from this experience?

After the last program day, I was sad that the summer was about to end. Through this opportunity, I got to know some truly fantastic people, and I think it really helped me grow as a person. I relished the times when I would laugh with my coworkers, have a lively student group, and all around reaffirm my choice of Iowa. Keep an eye out for communications from Orientation Services regarding how to apply for this position if you’re searching for a worthwhile and enjoyable summertime endeavor! I loved my job, and I also got to explore all of the summer events Iowa City has to offer.