My Husky Experience began the summer prior to my junior year as an Orientation Leader for UW's First Year Programs' Advising and Orientation sessions. My job consisted of presenting to up to 400 incoming students at a time and leading groups of 3-30 students in which I introduced them to the University. This was my role from late June to September 2013 and restarted for two weeks in December. I came back for a second summer in 2014 as a returning OL.
What stands out to me in this experience are the relationships I built and the skills I gained. Being a part of FYP was the first time I felt I was a part of a family at UW. The people surrounding me brought an abundance of energy to work and encouraged me as my own confidence and energy ran low. Each person had their own personality and treated each other beyond being a co-worker. In high school, I felt immersed in my community and had high confidence about my performance. Coming to UW, I felt like a small fish in a big pond, and my first summer as an OL allowed me to rebuild my confidence through learning more about my school, leading groups and building relationships with others.
As a representative of FYP and UW for students who engaged with the school for the first time, my professionalism developed as I learned to network with students, parents and community partners. I learned how to problem solve and to operate as a team member, and as an individual with more autonomy. My second summer as an OL allowed me to further those skills and serve more as a mentor for first time OLs. I was able to build my confidence, provide more of a voice in the trainings provided to OLs and furthered my involvement at the UW in leadership positions. For example, during skits I was able to provide a more humorous personality that many don't see.
The position I had as an Orientation Leader allowed me to play a vital role for incoming students. Through my interactions with them I was able to share my own experiences, such as what I'm glad I participated in and what I wish I did. As a first-generation college student, I felt most connected when leading our EOP student groups. I wanted to share with them tips for navigating the system and resources that can provide support in doing so. After two days of working with students, I questioned how I could further supported and continue my relationships with them. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to work as a Commuter Commons Associate for FYP during the school year. I have been able to further build those relationships and help others realize what their Husky Experience can entail.
What stands out to me in this experience are the relationships I built and the skills I gained. Being a part of FYP was the first time I felt I was a part of a family at UW. The people surrounding me brought an abundance of energy to work and encouraged me as my own confidence and energy ran low. Each person had their own personality and treated each other beyond being a co-worker. In high school, I felt immersed in my community and had high confidence about my performance. Coming to UW, I felt like a small fish in a big pond, and my first summer as an OL allowed me to rebuild my confidence through learning more about my school, leading groups and building relationships with others.
As a representative of FYP and UW for students who engaged with the school for the first time, my professionalism developed as I learned to network with students, parents and community partners. I learned how to problem solve and to operate as a team member, and as an individual with more autonomy. My second summer as an OL allowed me to further those skills and serve more as a mentor for first time OLs. I was able to build my confidence, provide more of a voice in the trainings provided to OLs and furthered my involvement at the UW in leadership positions. For example, during skits I was able to provide a more humorous personality that many don't see.
The position I had as an Orientation Leader allowed me to play a vital role for incoming students. Through my interactions with them I was able to share my own experiences, such as what I'm glad I participated in and what I wish I did. As a first-generation college student, I felt most connected when leading our EOP student groups. I wanted to share with them tips for navigating the system and resources that can provide support in doing so. After two days of working with students, I questioned how I could further supported and continue my relationships with them. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to work as a Commuter Commons Associate for FYP during the school year. I have been able to further build those relationships and help others realize what their Husky Experience can entail.