“Why would anyone attend Orientation?”

I asked myself that question in September 2021. I sat in my room, staring at the welcome papers my don had left me, trying to decide what to do with myself and my newfound freedom. Although most of my Orientation was via Zoom, I heard that Orientation kits were being distributed outside of Goldring Student Centre. I gathered my courage, invited my new roommates, and went to find the building I would spend so much time in over the next few years.

When we arrived at Goldring, we were greeted by enthusiastic, upper-year students in highlighter-pink t-shirts handing out drawstring bags, mugs, and some hockey-puck-shaped stress balls. Not a lot was going on and everyone was still standing several feet apart, but it felt exciting to be involved with something—and who doesn’t like getting handed free stuff? 

That evening my roommates and I ran over to the Margaret Addison Field, where our don was involved in a Residence Orientation presentation. We tried to join Craft Night, but the event hit capacity before our group arrived. I didn’t mind though. For the first time since I had arrived on campus, I felt a semblance of community. People were introducing themselves, exchanging programs, and were just so excited to be back in person with other people. The atmosphere felt welcoming and comforting and made me a little less nervous about this new phase of my life. 

As an orientee, I got the chance to meet the clubs and levies, along with the Victoria College staff, through the Zoom Opening Ceremonies. I even joined an online escape room night! Although the connections made in person can’t be easily replicated via Zoom, I still appreciated the opportunities to learn about Vic. I almost immediately got involved with VUSAC (student government) and Vic’s Drama Society (VCDS)! Once the school year began, I figured my involvement with Orientation was over and that I was on to other adventures at Vic. Spoiler alert: I was absolutely mistaken. 

In January, we were put into another “lockdown” and students were asked to stay home from residence, if possible, until nearly reading week. During this time, I found myself constantly thinking back to the excitement I had felt in September when everything seemed hopeful and new. Around this time, I saw a call for applications to join the Orientation leadership team.

When I first saw the application, I was certain I wasn’t going to apply. I made up every excuse in the book: I don’t have enough leadership experience, I don’t know if I can commit to it, what’s the point in being involved with something that might just get canceled anyways? I kept putting it off. It wasn’t until I saw a post that the deadline was being extended that I realized my first year of university was nearly over. I remembered the feeling of hope and excitement from my first days on campus, and on a whim, I applied. 

I didn’t expect to get a spot, so I was surprised that I got interviewed and even more surprised that I got hired. That was April. Over the next four months, I worked with the Orientation Executive Team to plan Vic’s first in-person Orientation since pre-COVID. When I joined the team, there were a few things I was expecting: to plan events, to welcome new students, and to meet other upper-year students. There was one impact, though, that I never could have anticipated. 

In April, I was feeling lonely, wondering when the world would get back to normal so  I could get on with my life. By September, I was part of a team. I felt valued. I felt like I was doing something meaningful. I felt like Vic was finally becoming the home-away-from-home that I had always hoped it would be. Suddenly, I wasn’t waiting anymore. I was going to live my life whether the world was “normal” or not. 

By the time second year began and Orientation was over, I was excited about being present on campus and taking advantage of all the opportunities around me. I joined a mock trial team,  got a job at EJ Pratt, and started looking for other ways to take on leadership roles. In just a year, I could barely recognize myself. 

When November rolled around again, I applied for Orientation Co-Chair without a second thought. I remember getting the email that I got the role just before winter break and calling my best friend right away. Orientation programming as a student and a student leader meant so much to me in the past two years, and getting the opportunity to give back one more time was the best news in the whole world.

This summer, I have been working with the most fantastic team of Orientation Executives, Leaders, and Transition Mentors that I could have ever imagined! I am so grateful to them and for all of the time and energy that they have committed over the last few months. This role has also given me the chance to work with the Dean’s Office, and especially the amazing Campus Life Coordinator, Ali Kehl! I’ve learned so much at Vic, and I am grateful everyday for this opportunity to give back to this community.

So, why attend Orientation?

I’m not saying that Orientation is about to change your life—although it might. This is no guarantee that you’ll meet your life-long friends, partners or join the best club you can imagine—although you also might. But I will say this: if you decide to come to O-Week, you might feel a little less nervous about this new phase in your life.