After a very competitive interview process, I was chosen to be one of forty-nine orientation team leaders (or OTLs) for the Office of First-Year Experience. Our internship began at the very beginning of the summer with a staff retreat to the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC). After that, we had two weeks of intensive training that included the following topics: how to lead group discussions, how to connect with students on a personal level, how to create inclusive and diverse groups and how to improvise in challenging situations. Over the summer we lead the entire first-year class (over 2,000 students) through seven two-day orientation programs, where first-year students were acquainted with the campus, made new connections with fellow students and registered for their first semester of courses. Although it was challenging at times, it was honor to be a part of such a wonderful team and one of the best orientation programs in the nation. 

By the end ... I had a much better understanding of how to facillitate

groups effectively and help students in need.

Throughout the summer the OTLs also met in the classroom as part of the UNIV 390 course. In that setting, we learned more about different leadership techniques and theories and about the Jesuit history of our school. By the end of the course, I had a much better understanding of how to facillitate groups effectively and help students in need in a way that is consistent with our Jesuit, Catholic heritage. Through this class we also got the opportunity to give feedback to the administrators that run Loyola's orientation program. Over the next few years, I look forward to helping the Office of First-Year Experience expand their transfer orientation program and programs for current high school students. I hope to do that either as returning as an Orientation Leader or in a new position that the newly-hired director is creating for returning student leaders.

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