Words of Warriors 10 Things I Wish I Knew During Orientation

1. You are not an anomaly.

Let me tell you this up front: You are not the exception to the rule. Everyone—yes, everyone—feels scared and overwhelmed at some point. Everyone has thought, “I’m not good/smart/cool enough to be here.” Everyone has felt like they don’t belong.

2. This is hard on your family, too.

Everyone’s emotions are in turmoil. Give your family extra grace during this time. Believe it or not, it’s a difficult time for them as well. This may be especially true if you are an oldest child, an only child (like me!), or live far away.

3. Social dynamics aren’t figured out immediately.

When I came to Westmont and saw first-years sitting in a group and having a great time, I assumed they had formed life-long bonds within the space of 48 hours and would not appreciate my “intrusion” upon their good time. I, dear reader, was dead wrong.

4. Inside jokes are some of the best ways to bond.

If you can laugh at yourself, people will enjoy being around you. If you can laugh at a shared experience (a.k.a. anything that happens during Orientation), people will join in and enjoy being around you.

5. Keep your door open.

The only time your door should be closed is when you’re gone, in deep study mode, or asleep. You make so many friends this way! (By the way, if you live in Emerson, get a heavy doorstop.)

6. Use the hotel bathroom while you can.

Because you’re going to spend the next three months (at least) in dorm bathrooms. Yikes.

7. Make a clean break.

This is usually the hardest part of orientation: saying goodbye to your family. Please take my advice: only say it once! Westmont has a predetermined time when they kick all the families out. Adhere to that: seeing your family again briefly after you’ve already said goodbye is just unnecessary emotional confusion.

8. Find out where your classes are ahead of time.

I once got lost on campus for a solid 30 minutes. Don’t let that be you. Over the weekend, actually walk the paths you will need to take to get to class. You can also time yourself and figure out when you need to start going to class.

9. Sit with people in the D.C.

It’s okay! I know this is utterly terrifying, so it helps if you can at least claim some connection to them (“I shook your hand once during an Orientation event,” etc.). They will appreciate the company, especially if they are also nervous first-years!

10. DO things!

I know, it’s really hard to force yourself into events where everyone looks mildly uncomfortable.  Just do something. It will benefit you immensely in the long run, even if it is awkward at first. You can start figuring out what sort of Westmont events you enjoy. Besides, if you meet more people, you will have more of a chance of knowing someone at later events!