Bruce Javery II tables in the Student Union giving out information about the upcoming orientation leader applications that will be due on Oct. 21.
Tiffany Nesbit/The Lion's Roar

Orientation leaders may impact one’s thoughts about attending a university. Orientation leaders Hannah Vaughn, Summer Carter and John Sartori gave insight on how being an orientation leader has impacted their lives.

“I became a better person,” said Vaughn, a sophomore education major. “I feel like I can talk to any person. I have more confidence.”

Sartori agreed that he has gained more confidence in talking to different people.

“I meet a lot of students that say ‘Hi’ because they remember me as an orientation leader,” said Sartori, a sophomore communication major.

According to Sartori, future orientation leaders should expect “lots of fun, connection with others and friendships.”

Carter shared that one of her most fun experiences as an orientation leader was the dancing and roll call.

“Getting students pumped up and knowing I had a chance to influence others to come to Southeastern is one of the best,” said Carter, a junior early childhood education major.

Vaughn described one of her best experiences as a constant adrenaline rush.

“Every orientation is different,” said Vaughn. “You never know what to expect.” 

Sartori favored the bus ride to the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop. The orientation leaders traveled to East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina this past March.

“The bus driver cranked up the music and we danced in the middle of the aisle on the way to the SROW,” said Sartori.

The responsibilities of an orientation leader include leading groups of people during the summer by giving tours and providing information about the university. Carter mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of being an orientation leader.

“The advantage is the networking and people skills,” said Carter. “The disadvantage is that it’s time consuming, but it’s worth it.”

Vaughn believes the advantages of being an orientation leader are making new friends and bonding with the university.

“It gives you a greater appreciation that makes you love Southeastern more,” said Vaughn. “It made me learn that Southeastern really cares about their students.”

Sartori feels that meeting new people, including fellow orientation leaders, is the advantage of being an orientation leader.

“I can’t see any disadvantages personally,” said Sartori. “Richard Davis is my best friend now and I am close with the others because we’ve been with each other since last December through May.”

Sartori expressed how being an orientation leader impacted his experience as a college student.

“Before I became an orientation leader, I planned on transferring,” said Sartori. “I was miserable because I wasn’t involved at all before.”

Vaughn described how she felt towards the end.

“At the end of the year, you have a banquet and it makes you want to stay longer,” said Vaughn.

Carter expressed the bond between her and the other orientation leaders.

“It’s crazy how close you get to the others,” said Carter. “You find your best friends. It’s an indescribable bond.”

If a student would like to apply to be a 2017 Orientation Leader, the deadline to apply is Oct. 21.