Have you ever considered becoming an Orientation Leader? You know those energetic and enthusiastic SFU students you see in that same brightly coloured T-shirt for days? I’m here to share my experience and why you should join as well! Gain skills and have an experience that will no doubt shape your time at SFU.

Over the past 2 years, I have dedicated the last 2 weeks of my summer preparing to welcome new students through training activities. During the training, I attended workshops on building leadership skills, dealing with ethical issues, and making students feel comfortable. These workshops helped me out in many places outside of Orientation and, in fact, many of the skills I gained have helped me land my current job. My leadership experience, knowledge about SFU’s resources and ability to work as part of a team are some of the things I gained as an Orientation Leader.

But aside from all the great skills I learned, the most important thing I gained was a fun and exciting experience! The majority of my close friends I met through the Orientation program, and I keep touch with nearly all of the other leaders I volunteered with. What I find most rewarding is my effect on comforting new students and helping them discover that SFU is a place where they can grow. I enjoyed talking to the new students and hearing all of their different stories and backgrounds. My clan in particular consisted of many international students and I was lucky enough to make some friends that I am able to visit if I ever go overseas! I was happy to share my experiences with SFU students, and help them find ways to get involved. It is a very humbling and fantastic skill-building experience to provide support for someone in the way that Orientation allows.

So why not gain some great leadership skills and make a few friends along the way? Orientation is a great way to begin getting engaged in your university and make a difference in someone else’s life. I have never forgotten my Orientation Leader from my first year, and I am happy I could be a part of some else’s university experience as well! Applications are now being accepted for Burnaby Team Leaders on myInvolvement, so keep checking back for applications for Orientation leaders! Start your journey of engaging with your university today!