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Becoming a Student
Orientation Leader
Diane Rogers, student
Western Michigan U.

When I applied for the Student Orientation Leader (SOL) position in January a year ago, I had no idea what God had in store for me. As a sophomore at Western Michigan University, I wanted to become a positive leader on campus by getting involved in the Orientation Program. Because of my orientation experience, I grew more over one summer than I ever have at any point in my life.

The Orientation Leader position requires a great time commitment. From May 1 to July 30, a leader trains for and works with the incoming freshmen. The entire month of May is used to train the leaders to deal with situations that might arise during the summer. I learned more about Western Michigan University than I ever thought possible. Once we had the knowledge to give the freshmen, we began our thirteen student orientation sessions. During the two-day sessions, each leader would acquaint twelve new students with the campus. While touring campus, playing games and answering questions, leaders were able to positively influence students.

My most meaningful conversations with freshmen occurred on the late night walk back from the Cabaret show. Since we had spent all day together, the students felt more at ease and began to share what was on their hearts. One student had heard me mention InterVarsity and asked how she could get involved. Another girl shared her fears of stereotypical college life with parties and little focus on learning. As I told of my experiences and the groups I was involved with, I could see the relief on her face. Now she is an active member in InterVarsity and enjoys the many activities that Western offers.

While influencing the freshmen is a main focus of our job, my personal growth came while interacting with the thirty-five other leaders and the professional staff. Early in the summer, a fellow Orientation Leader and I attended our InterVarsity region’s Chapter Focus Week, and we decided that God was calling us to lead a Bible study for any of the orientation staff who wanted to join us. We met together each Sunday night to start the week off focused on God’s will. For our last study, the our group traveled to South Haven to praise God on the beach. I know that I received at least ten times more than what I put into the study. Through the sharing of our joys, struggles, and hurts, I felt a bond like none I have ever experienced.

Your campus may have a similar orientation program for students. Why not consider applying? As a Christian in the Orientation Leader position, I had a unique opportunity to witness through my actions and attitude to many new students. By leading a Bible study and praying with other leaders, God’s word was spread to non-believers. I don’t know the full effects of the work we did last summer, but I know that my life has changed forever.