Making the Most of Orientation

I have always had a desire for making people feel comfortable, and I absolutely love that I have the opportunity to set new Cobbers up for success from the very start of their student journey. I recognize that a critical part of feeling comfortable in a new place, situation, or community is having a good idea of what to expect before entering that new experience. Fall Orientation is full of memorable experiences and valuable opportunities to learn about what one can expect at Concordia. Based on my first-year experience and the two years I’ve spent as an Orientation Leader, I have identified three tips for new Cobbers looking to make the most of their Fall Orientation experience, and I encourage you to consider them as you begin your Concordia journey!

Be present

One of my tips is pretty foundational to the others because it is my suggestion to be present. This means two things: physically being present by coming to Orientation events and mentally being present by having an engaged attitude while you are there. We have a variety of phenomenal events planned that make up Fall Orientation. We have strategically placed all new students in Orientation Clubs with other students whom they are going to be seeing on a regular basis throughout the academic year. We have also carefully selected Orientation Leaders for each club to be a peer resource and friend. By being both physically and mentally present with your clubbies and Orientation Leaders throughout Fall Orientation, you are going to make connections with people and begin making your own Concordia memories.

Be authentic

Another tip of mine is to be authentic. It is so easy for new students to feel like they have to compromise their values and passions just so that they can “fit in” during those first few days of college. But this is a mistake because it is in those first few days that you begin making connections, and you will be most satisfied with those relationships if they begin with authenticity. Continuing to grow in my faith was a desire of mine coming to Concordia, and I ended up becoming best friends with a handful of girls on my floor who had the same desire because we practiced authenticity with each other early on in knowing each other.

Be open

My final tip for new Cobbers looking to make the most out of Fall Orientation is to be open. Open to learning, open to making friendships, open to discovering new talents, open to various fields of study, open to receiving wisdom from faculty and staff, open to getting involved, and open to reflecting on how you are being influenced every day by your time at Concordia. Being open during Fall Orientation will not just benefit you in your transition to Concordia; it will also set you up for a successful Concordia student career, as being open is a critical part of learning and maturing.

You will learn the value of being present, authentic, open, and much more as you begin your Concordia journey during Fall Orientation. Be comforted knowing that the Orientation Team, your Faculty Mentor(s), and the greater Concordia community sincerely care about you and recognize that your first few days at Concordia deserve to be the best possible. All you can do now is get ready to capture the moment!

Guest blog post by Emily Campbell ’17