Dealing with hundreds of new students and Cougar Carnivals each week leaves no breaks in the life of an Orientation Team leader. This year, the job kicked off May 29 with the first orientation of the season.
O-Team Leaders lead new students through all the activities that take place at New Student Orientations. The O-Team consists of approximately 40 student leaders, who are selected each year to represent UH at orientations. Every member has to go through an interview process with the Dean of Students’ Office in order to be considered. After being selected, orientation leaders are put through an extensive training program in order to make sure they will be able to guide new students to the best of their abilities.
“My favorite part about being an O-Teamer would have to be being able to make a difference in how new students will adapt and feel about the University of Houston,” human development major Ariel Smith said. “We as a team put so much heart behind being a support to new students by answering questions about admissions to even giving advice about what to expect when they officially start school here.”
The O-Team consists of a group of students who work to successfully help and lead students on campus. They strive to make each orientation a welcoming and motivational experience for incoming students.
“I love meeting the incoming students,” kinesiology major Manuel Martinez said. “I love to spread my love and pride for the University.”
New Student Orientations are not only designed to help introduce students to their new school — they also help students transition into the social, cultural, and academic aspects of UH. O-Team members and leaders help these new students adjust to this new environment.
“I do O-Team for the students honestly, because even though there are many ways to get answers to questions concerning admissions, financial aid, or even where and how to get a parking pass, we as the O-Team get to give real, personal advice on what it’s like to be a student at UH and how to be successful here,” Smith said. “With that, we ease a lot of the tension and stress that comes with either switching universities or starting college as an incoming freshman.”
By being part of the O-Team, members make many new friends and get the feel of being part of a real team.
“My favorites memories would be the bonds and sense of family you gain with other OTL’s throughout the summer,” Martinez said.
Many O-Team leaders have had positive memories that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
“My favorite memory is when my O-Team leader made up little things to get the group involved together such as chants, chats and fun exercises,” biology major Leslie Rojas said.
O-Team members will continue to participate in New Student Orientations for the remainder of the summer.
*freshmen through orientation
Ugh.