OGLs Mark LeMerise and Melissa "Missy" DeGrandis will split the task of providing weekly orientation updates on The News at OU. They will share information about orientation and their experiences in campus activities.
Archives:
The 16 virtues-July 1 | Once a Grizzly, always a Grizzly--July 1 | OU, it's like your bro-June 25 | Your major is a major deal-June 25 | Breaking out of orientation-June 13 | Oakland love runs deep-June 13 | The major message-June 10 | Introvert to OGL-June 10
The 16 virtues
July 1, 2008
If you could sum up the ideal college experience in 16 words, exactly, which 16 members of the wonderful English lexicon would you select? For this blog entry being produced after 13 orientations, I’ve had some help in picking these words. It was mentioned in earlier entries that each OGL is assigned a unique word to identify their particular group. Each OGL received this word after writing the reasons why they themselves are the epitome of the word. In order to properly wrap up the bulk of the orientation season, I’ll share my thoughts regarding the importance and significance of each word. And, as a disclaimer, there is no significance to the order in which I evaluate this list, so I don’t think the first word is most important or the last word least important or vise versa.
First, since she is my partner is writing these blogs, I’ll start with Melissa “Missy” DeGrandis. She bears the word “unity.” After a rigorous two-minute analysis of this word, I can definitely feel its importance. Whenever something must be accomplished by more than one person, they all must have the same goal in mind. I know you probably thinking at this point, that’s teamwork, right? I’ll get to that word next. But, for now, we must consider teamwork a manifestation of unity. It takes something to unify people. One thing might be goals (i.e. finishing a class project). Another might be environment (i.e. living together in the dorms). Either way, establishing common bonds is the key to creating unity in many aspects of college (I gave a few examples). And, as Tory “Toracious D” Dantuma would remind us, creating bonds takes teamwork.
Moving on, our individual journeys through OU should be an “adventure” (Samantha “Sam” Kraemer). Why? We’re going in headlong unaware of what could lay ahead. I personally find the possibilities and potential exciting. Moreover, it would be no adventure without “spirit” (Michelle “Milo” Lopez). This word can come off as ambiguous. However, my interpretation entails being eager to embark on the college adventure. I find it much more interesting to face the future being ready to embrace its twists and turns. In a word, have “spirit.”
Vanessa “Diva” Paige touts the word “balance,” and it’s a good one, too. On one hand, you have to be “learning” (Stephen “Slippery Steve” Sharper) the material for your major and understand the importance of being a well-rounded student. But, college is not solely about the academics (though that is certainly very important). One must also consider the social aspect. However, too much of either side is generally harmful to a student. However, both side of this coin are necessary as I always explain to my orientees through a nice 10-minute speech regarding “involvement” (Sarah Brooks) that anyone can live the generic college experience. Analogically, involvement is the jelly (academics are the peanut butter, both crunchy and smooth at times) to your college sandwich.
It takes “motivation” (Laurel Kriebel) to really do well in these elements of the college life. I will couple this word with “enthusiasm” (Katie Koltys) because I believe enthusiasm stems from being motivated. But, where does the motivation come from? One reason I mentioned in a previous entry was simply the cost of attending college but more importantly, the high impact it will have on your future. Plus, you’re going to take classes about things you enjoy. You now have the control over your schedule and the direction of your career. With my new independence came enthusiasm and motivation for college.
Next, my roomie, Jordan “Jojo” Bucchare, sports his moniker “leadership.” Each OGL is a prime example of the applications of this word. We are Orientation Group Leaders after all. Showing the qualities of leadership is what gets you ahead in life. There are so many facets to being a leader that there a whole books written about it. So, to save you the long read hear, I’ll just say that if you want to lead a corporation, you’ve got to start somewhere. Becoming a leader is not always an easy task. It takes “courage” (Liz Rodriguez) to step up to these challenges. However, taking that one small step for you can lead to a plethora of possibilities. I’ve witnessed this first-hand: that sentence is a one-line description of how I became an OGL.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. College gets difficult and downright frustrating at times. When these times hit you, it takes “determination” (Emily Richard) and “dedication” (Allison Radell) to endure diversity. These two d-words describe invaluable characteristics that all college students must keep in mind when they’re being hit hard by that difficult class or they’re balance 16- or 17-credit-hour schedules. Being determined to persevere and dedicated to a goal assists in seeing the end of hard times.
Next on the list we’ve got a solid helping of “inspiration” (Megan Gapczyski). For this word, I’ve thought about everything at OU that inspires me in one way or another. The first thing that came to my mind was the beautiful campus we have. On a more general scale, I think we should all be searching for those people and things that give us new ideas and teach us different ways of thinking. Examples of such people would be professors that present challenges that cause us to ponder something on a deeper level or investigate outside of class time. You know, inspiration.
Finally, there is “integrity” (Jessica Hinman). Integrity in college implies moral and academic fortitude. In layman’s terms, don’t cheat. The temptation to cheat (this includes plagiarizing) can look very good when the amount of minutes you’ve studied can be counted on one hand. No matter what, you will win out in the end if you maintain integrity. Getting expelled from college over a menial paper would be foolish. Getting expelled over a simple glance at the test next to you would be even more foolish. Therefore, preserving integrity in every situation ensures success in college.
In conclusion, here are 15 words to keep close and apply when embarking on your college odyssey. But, Mark, what about that sixteenth word, you ask? Well, my entire experience as an OGL can be summed by this lovely f-word: it’s FUN. This is the answer I give whenever someone asks how my summer is going or what I do at my job. As Missy has kindly done in her blog, I would like to use this blog to thank the O-Team for shaping the person I am now, especially the Orientation Assistants (more commonly known on the streets as OAs), who I have been rarely mentioned in previous entries. Stacy, you are just an all-round fun person and have been helpful beyond words in helping me be an OGL, thank you. Adam and Hank, I think of you as brothers and can scarcely think of anyone I know who have such apt analogies or quick wit. Adam, I will miss you dearly and will try to carry your many words of wisdom with me always. Go Grizzlies!
-Mark
“Fun! Fun! Get it, son!”
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Once a Grizzly, always a Grizzly
July 1, 2008
What builds a bond of great memories other than being a Golden Grizzly? Eating a home-cooked meal of spaghetti with everyone you care most about, of course! My family and all twenty of my O-Team family along with myself went to my home for a spaghetti dinner last week. I planned to eat and depart soon after, but just like everything with the O-Team, it turned into something even more special. Yes, we ate (Thank you, Mom and Dad!) but we also began to share stories. My dad told stories of going off to military school and taking care of the farmhouse with my mom, things like that which instantly grab your attention. Then, it came time for the greatest storyteller in O-Team history, Adam. He told us stories of OU traditions and myths and legends. As Adam put it later on, “it’s like we live in a village and in the village is the Elder, Adam, who passes down those stories and traditions to you.” Well, Adam has done this but not just at the dinner. He has, along with Stacy and Hank, passed these pieces of Oakland culture down to the rest of us, giving us the responsibility to do so to the next group of students we meet.
As the orientation season draws to a close with only a few more orientations in August and the month of July off, I can’t help but to look back on everything I’ve learned and gained. I definitely learned to take more pride in my school. I learned to laugh more and work towards making the incoming freshmen happy and excited. I’ll always remember the skits, and DJ Marky Mark along with Slippery Steve rocking it out with their rap, or how girls that I met the first day of training I looked at thinking, “there is no way we’d be friends” but are now close as sisters. Things change, and sometimes it seems horrible, and most of the time we aren’t ready but it always turns out great and you always become a better person from it.
I’d like to take this blog to thank Adam for what he has done for me and the O-Team. There is a reason why everyone you talk to at Oakland knows Adam Pancheko. And, there is a reason why everyone always has great things to say about him or a funny story. He is the heart of Oakland to me, and I feel completely honored to not only have met him but to be able to call him a friend.
Adam won’t be with us in August, he’ll be going to Grand Valley for his master’s degree. We all knew it was coming and yet it still doesn’t seem real. However, I know that every time we hear or see a goose we’ll think of him because he has touched each and everyone one of us. Quite honestly, I don’t think Grand Valley is ready for him because he’s about to change it for the better just like he has here. Adam, you’re a Grizzly now and you always will be. I hope that wherever you go in life you always know that you have someone for the better and for that I thank you.
-Missy
“Team Unity”
“Team Adam”
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OU, it’s like your bro
June 25
The title of this blog is one of the first phrases orientees hear when they come to OU. After pertinent details they might need to remember like my name, I always re-spout this quip to emphasize the importance of balancing the newfound freedom several incoming Freshmen will find themselves with come Fall. But, I definitely classify it as a different kind of freedom. As I’ve stressed in previous entries, college is a big adjustment. I know it was for me. Having complete control over every minute of my day was a culture shock: I could eat when I wanted, sleep when I wanted, and relax when I wanted. Especially with living on campus, I was independent.
Something I know nearly all orientees cannot fully grasp is how different college really is from high school. When the first day of classes arrive, and you’re hit with a thrusting blow of independence, handling all the new responsibility can be quite challenging. Going to class 7 or 8 hours per day five days a week is a thing of the past. Now you’ll be in class 12-16 hours per week on average. However, as any adviser will tell you, these chunks of time are not just “free time.”
Heck, even the very nature of class has changed. A professor will lecture and you take notes, simple as that. Missing class will always be more of a detriment to you. Sitting for two hours scribbling down equation upon equation can seem like a mind-numbing waste of time but when it’s the one and only place you can get this information and ask questions simultaneously, that’s invaluable. Moreover, nothing, save for the exuberant 
sums of money you’re paying, is coercing you to go to class. Self-motivation is the key. Allison Radell, a fellow OGL, shared her gambit to finding joy in classes and making sure they’re never wasted. She “takes something away from every class.” Even if it’s the most boring of boring classes, if you can find even one useful thing to draw from a class and apply it later on, you’ve succeeded. However, sometimes having more reasons to have any motivation can be tricky, especially if you’ve no goal in mind. This brings me to my next point.
Although I came into OU already bearing my Computer Science major, I often talked with my roommate, who was undecided, about where he was leaning major-wise. I recall how I enjoyed going to class because I knew I was on a set path to a degree. Statistically speaking, I still have six more times to change my major until I begin treading outside the average. As much as having a set academic route is nice, I also envy 
undecided students. While the path to their degree may be still somewhat muddled, they also have lots of room to explore countless areas of interest. For this reason, undecided is often referred to as “Exploring” as well, and I think the name is very apt.
Not everyone comes into college knowing what their career will be. Heck, I don’t even know what my career will be. I have a major but that’s about it. Even at the very moment I am typing this blog, I have no idea what kind of career or job I want. However, even though my path to a career still needs tweaking, I take solace in the fact that my options are nearly limitless. Therefore, I don’t want orientees to be scared of uncertainty. On that same note, I also don’t want them to view being Undecided as just another slew of boring classes that don’t matter. Because, while they may not be interested in every single class, they are at a great advantage because they are still in the process of weighing their options. Check out Missy’s blog for this week if you want more details about this.
Several times during Orientation, Freshmen will hear the O-Team’s famous tagline regarding the relationship every OU student should have with the University itself, “Oakland’s got your back. It’s like your bro.” While the phrase is often said in jest to garner a few laughs, upon close inspection, it really is true, especially when it comes to indecision with a major, learning how to balance time, and dealing with the new format of the classroom. Two great resources are the Continued Learning and Advancement Workshops (C.L.A.W.) series and Collegiate Communications (COM) 101. While COM 101 is a 1-credit course that requires registration, the C.L.A.W. series is free to anyone and serves similar purposes as COM 101. Both programs are designed for first-semester Freshmen feeling overwhelmed or needing guidance and each can help in establishing a network of friends and connections early on.
In conclusion, we understand you guys are new to this whole college thing. Believe me, it’s easy to spend 10 hours a day playing “Guitar Hero” and 2 hours studying for class (not that I’ve ever fallen into this pattern). It’s easy to skip class when you know it’ll be endless pages of quantum mechanical equations (oh, never have I ever). It’s easy to let time management and college freedom careen out of control. That’s why Oakland has your back. It’s like your bro.
-Mark
“Fun! Fun! Get it, son!”
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Your major is a major deal
June 25
Ever since you started your senior year in high school and all through college the question you’ll get asked more than any other will be “What is your major?” So by now, you probably have the speech down as to what it is and what you plan to actually do with it. However, if you were like me as a freshman, you have no idea and you dread the question when someone asks. I would always say something like: “Well, I’m going to get some Gen Ed classes done. I’m still exploring my options.” Translation: I don’t know what to do, where to go, or what I’m good at in the first place but I need to start my college career somehow. That’s right. I was scared out of my mind to begin college because unlike a lot of my peers, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I was good at. To my surprise after investigating, many of those peers who supposedly knew what they wanted to do had no idea what they were doing in the major they picked. There were many reasons for them being just as unhappy as an undecided major. Many of them were in a field because they knew they had a better chance of getting a higher paying job not because they liked it. Some pick a major because others seem to be “blow-off majors” or “Stupid/unchallenging majors,” which I will get to later. Others picked one because their parents or other people in their lives influenced their decision.
If I can give any piece of advice to any college student, especially freshmen, it would be pick something for yourself, something that will make you happy because no one knows you better than yourself and you’ll have to live with the career you pick, not anyone else. It’s easier said than done, I know. But, maybe after exploring the classes that deal with your major, you will know more of what is right for you. Now maybe the wheels have begun to turn and you’re wondering what you really want or maybe you are that undecided major who has been screaming at the screen since the blog started saying, “Exactly! But I still don’t know what to do!!!” Well then I’m about to lead you to one of the best resources you can use on campus, the Advising Resource Center. OK, I lost a few of you but stay on the bandwagon a little longer. I was just as skeptical as all of you, and you know what? I pushed past my pre-convinced notions of what I thought the office was and went anyway. The office holds some of the nicest advisors on campus and they help you find what you need. They do things like personality assessments to see what work styles and environment your personality type does best with. They give different career options and allow you to see what a possible field is and what path you’d want to take to get there (what major might best fit you). And, you have as much time as you want with them as many times as you want. They aren’t there to rush you into a major. They are there to allow you to be happy with whatever you chose to do as an adult; because, if you haven’t been reading the last few blogs by Mark and me, you are an adult now.
Like I said before, I used them and I saw how many options I really did have that could make me happy. I got access to a lot of online programs that broke down majors into fields and fields into jobs and I could find out how much money the job makes, what the work environment was like, read blogs from people who worked in the field and see what an average day what like for them. I got it all and then some. And like most things on campus, their services are FREE!!!
Now I have the “decided” majors screaming at me “What about us!?” Well decided majors can use this office as well. You can explore what jobs are within your major and become aware of others if you aren’t as happy with the one you are in, the options are endless. OK, so now 
remember when I said some people picked a major because others were “blow-off majors” or “Stupid/unchallenging majors?” Well, I’m sorry to say you are wrong with a capital “W”. There is no such thing: different people have different strengths. Just because someone has a scientific or mathematical major doesn’t mean they are any smarter than a Dance or Communications major. All that it means is that different areas of study work better for different people. So next time someone feels the need to bash on a “lesser” major, why not challenge them to stand up in front of a crowd of people and give a presentation on a company or to go through a perfect routine of something you practice months at and trained your body for years?
There is no shame in anything if it makes you happy. And, if ever you doubt what you have picked because someone else has made you feel as though it was less impressive then take a look at their life and examine if they are truly happy. Odds are no. And, if they are, then smile and be happy they did make the right choice and know yours is just as right, because it’s for you, not them. I’ll end with a simple quote from a famous song: “Don’t worry, be happy.”
-Missy
“Team Unity”
Sincerely,
Melissa DeGrandis
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Breaking out of orientation
June 13
How do you have a life outside of work when life is your work? I’m not going to lie. Orientations probably provide the most fun I’ve ever had in a job. As enjoyable as it was slaving over a 500-degree oven and washing dishes at Panera (no offense to them, I do love their food), orientation is a multi-faceted jamboree of excitement. However, when the fun, games, information sharing, and staff meetings are over, us OGLs find ourselves with quite a bit of free time.
So, what does an OGL do in his or her free time? Generally, a few hours after an orientation, whether it is a one- or two-day orientation, we’ll round up a sizeable crew and hit up any number of restaurants in either Oakland County or the MAC (Macomb County for those of you who don’t hail from that fair area). Not only do we have orientation staff but summer residents and Housing staff will sometimes join in our posse, producing a veritable mixed bag of personalities. On one of our latest Applebee’s runs, this fair dining establishment debuted karaoke just as we brushed through the doors, thirty plus strong. After three hours of watching Metallica and Johnny Cash being belted, I had definitely learned a thing or two about my coworkers.
Another such episode involved a bold voyage to Buffalo Wild Wings (also known as “B-dubs”). This restaurant offers several varieties of unnaturally hot and spicy chicken wings. Personally, I was game to embark on a hearty challenge offered by B-dubs called the “Blazin’ Challenge.” Although I won’t divulge the specifics of the trial because I never actually did it, but this experience was definitely out of the ordinary for me. I solely blame actually wanting to attempt the “Blazin’ Challenge” on becoming an OGL because this was definitely out of my previous comfort zone. In fact, actually wanting to become an OGL was a blazing challenge in itself. Had Amy Ring and Adam Pancheko not challenged me to take one step out of the personal box I was, the OGL team would be short one Mark. I can say with good confidence that all of the OGLs have probably been confronted by their own “Blazin’ Challenge” experiences. And if they haven’t already, it will probably come.
I know that my so-called “comfort zone” has nearly been obliterated through a series of activities and interactions with my coworkers. I still understand boundaries between people, but now in a different light. The many treks I’ve gone on with my friends (I realize now “coworkers” is a too static, cold term) have done wonders in pressing me to try new things and step out of my shell. For these reasons and more, I find our interactions and communication outside of Orientation is invaluable not only to me, but to every OGL. It is a true testament that you are not only being made an OGL through training and orientation, but from those around you as well.
-Mark
“Fun! Fun! Get it, son!”
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Oakland love runs deep
June 13, 2008
“Hi I’m Melissa, want to be my friend?” Remember how easy it was in kindergarten to just walk up to someone and instantly being able to share your toys and chase each other around the playground? For many people once they got to high school making friends wasn’t the easiest or most fun imaginable; heck, in high school, you sometimes didn’t even approach certain people because it seemed to be an unwritten rule that the two of you weren’t on the same social ladder. Well, guess what? Those days are gone again. Being in college is a beautiful thing in the aspect that you are around people who start to act like adults and stop reenacting scenes from “Mean Girls.” As an OGL, I can’t help but smile when I see how the freshmen come in and knowing how much they will grow in the first year. When classes start you begin to see people blend and mesh, old stereotypes go out the window.
I know that my experience at OU with people has been amazing. I gained five of my best friends from living with them in “the cave” in Hamlin Hall. The O-team goes past friendship to something deeper; they are practically my family now. Each one of them is completely and totally different and if it were high school they’d all be into a different “click.” I’ll describe each just so you get a little taste. Adam Panchenko is known by all on campus because he defines OU: he has the most Grizzly pride and the most unique sense of humor in anyone I have ever met, not to mention his shoes are sure to be a conversation starter. Stacy Lutz is the most driven and hardworking individual I had ever met: she puts more effort into her work than most, while keeping people in line and still manages to balance it with the most fun loving personality of someone who truly enjoys life. Hank Wolfe is someone who makes you wish you’d take more time to enjoy music and all it has to offer you his laugh is contagious and he, Stacy, and Adam are all people who aren’t afraid to go outside the box and be who they are.
Laurel Kriebel is fun loving and always there to be the friend you need the most even when you don’t ask her to. Tory Dantuma can definitely be defined as a goof and can easily get the award for biggest flirt but he can also get one for the biggest heart, he always has a way of making you laugh. Jordan Bucchare is someone I grew up knowing since seventh grade and he is still the sweetest and most charming person that he has always been and works hard to make sure others are happy. Allison Radell is my hippie girl, her style rocks and her talent is out of this world, she composes and sings songs and does it like a pro. Emily Richard could go extremely far in acting however she is a communication major, regardless whatever she does she’ll do it amazingly because her positive attitude is what shines through. Mark LeMerise is one of the smartest people I have ever met but he never flaunts it or makes you feel less intelligent. With his smarts is the ability to be down to earth and a little gangster at times.
Stephen Sharper is someone I would describe as a deep thinker. He always seems to have something going through his mind, and when he’s not being wise, he’s doing martial arts and watching anime. Jessica Hinman knows more about Oakland than most people and also contains the most school spirit. She carries a pep to her step and can often be found dancing to no music. Sarah brooks is the go-to girl for computers, or most technology. When she’s not rockin’ it out on “Guitar Hero” or “Rock Band,” she is supporting the Apple Company, making it known that her love for Macs runs deep. Michelle Lopez (a.k.a Milo) is full of Latina spirit and cultural diversity; she works hard in finding ways to connect the cultural barriers. Vanessa Page is our diva in the best way. She doesn’t waste her time with nonsense and stands by what she believes and who she loves until the end; loyalty definitely comes to mind when thinking of her. Katie Koltys dedicates a lot of her time to her musical major. However, she also dedicates a lot of time to finding out who people are and what they are all about. She truly listens to you when you speak.
Sam Kraemer is my roommate and has turned out to be one of the funniest people in the group. She is the most organized person, with sticky-note reminders and lists all over walls and her desk. And, she’ll be the first to help you with something that’s giving you grief and supporting you in where you stand. Megan Gapcynski is the ultimate good girl, but she is also the most willing to try and experience new things. Her excitement and love for new experiences makes you appreciate the times you spend doing things for the first time even more. Liz Rodriguez is our other sassy Latina. She is full of confidence and has a smile for anyone who she comes across. And lastly, although I do not interact with them nearly as frequently, Kyle Engel and Kristen Rothfeld are prime examples of dedicated behind-the-scenes workers, vital to Orientation.
My whole point from these descriptions is that Oakland has every kind of person and it’s easy to build bonds that will last a lifetime. Welcome to Oakland University, we are happy to have you here.
-Missy
Team “Unity”
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The major message
June 10, 2008
Each OGL (Orientation Group Leader) has a word for their group that means something to them. My word is Unity and I spread that through each orientation group I get, in hopes of exciting them about Oakland.
My mission of today and every orientation has been to cure something I’d like to call “Commuter Syndrome.” It is a very serious mindset that stops Oakland University students from taking advantage of everything that is offered to them here at OU.
I explain it as simple as possible: There is ALWAYS something to do on campus, most of the time free, and there is no reason to not take advantage of it. If you are already paying a huge amount of money to go to college then you might as well make college a memorable experience that you look back on without regrets. Most commuters treat Oakland as if it were a community college and in turn don’t enjoy the time spent here. They go to class, hang out in the Oakland Center between classes and then drive home. This is a perfect pattern for a perfectly uneventful four years. Commuting students however are not the only ones at fault.
Residents of Oakland fall into a dangerous pattern as well. We’ll call this the “Resistant Resident Syndrome.” Once they bond with their roommates or the other people on their floor, they stay in the residence halls and go to class only to come back and hang out with the same people they live with. That’s not taking advantage of the college experience.
The student body, both commuter and resident, needs to take the hardest step into something they are scared to try. Join a club, go to a lecture, cheer on the Grizzlies at the sporting events, or find a job on campus. Trying one thing can lead you to a million different options and down a path that will make you feel like you had one of the best college experiences. You can’t put a price tag on that.
I came to OU planning to leave as soon as possible but then I started to do things on campus. I got a job on campus at ISSO (International Students and Scholars), joined Hamlin Hall council, Resident Hall council, became president of International Allies, went on the basketball road trip to the IPFW game, danced the night away at the Meadow Brook Ball, sat twelfth row at the Dashboard Confessionals concert that was brought to the university by the Center for Student Activities and the Student Program Board. Now I am an OGL and am starting a residential assistant job in the fall. All of these experiences have given me amazing memories and more reasons to love the university. This is the message I try to give the incoming freshmen in my group.
I try to unite the commuters and residents in hopes that they will work with each other in trying new things. I give these words of advice to them in my closing meeting with all of them. It is right after we have spent the entire day bonding and laughing as much as possible and right before they start one of the biggest chapters of their lives.
-Missy
“Team Unity”
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Introvert to OGL
June 10, 2008
With blurry vision, a digital “6 AM” stares me back in the face. It’s mornings like these when I question why becoming an Orientation Group Leader (OGL) was ever a good idea. However, it only takes a blast of hot water in my eyes to wake me up and wash away those foolish thoughts. Not a day has passed since being hired a few months ago that I don’t thank God for allowing me the opportunity to meet the faces of the next OU generation.
Sometimes, after having endured a month’s worth of training and preparation, I feel light-years ahead of the freshmen orientees that I am leading. But, as a sophomore, I am only a year older than these new students. Though by credits I am just 32 OU credit-hours (or less) ahead academically, the experience I garnered in my first year at Oakland has led me eons ahead of the Mark that stepped into his first 8 AM class as an OU freshman.
Never in a million years did I see myself doing this job. During the year, I also serve as an Admissions Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions giving tours to prospective students. I was convinced that this role would be the extent of my influence on the face of OU. Since my humble beginnings in that 8 AM Calculus II class, I have been transformed from introvert to OGL through the influence of several people.
This personal odyssey is at the forefront of my thoughts every time I step in front of my Orientation group. In fact, it’s probably what you might call the “thesis” of my summer as an OGL. In my opinion, OU has a glut of commuters and residents alike who live the generic college experience. I figure, anyone can drive to a campus, eat lunch, and leave. And, anyone can chill in a dorm room, go to class, hit the Caf when they need 
food and then go back to their dorm. As cliché as it is, I have literally lived the maxim “your college experience is what you make it.” Therefore, I want this for each and every freshman who enters the doors of OU.
After being trained for a month straight, you definitely gain more respect for the power and standing of an OGL. I don’t mean to put my kind up on some kind of power-tripping pedestal where we decide the fates and futures of our orientees, that’s for my favorite advisors such as Pat Bennett and Carmen Etienne. However, analyzed a little closer, an OGL is not just the person who sits with the students during boring presentations. In addition to that position, we become actors, rappers, athletes, Greeks, and much more. Through these transmutations by way of skit, song, or otherwise, the OGL conveys a thread of the intertwining tapestry of OU culture.
When the day’s events have transpired and every freshman leaves OU with a smile on their face and schedule in hand, you definitely feel a great sense of camaraderie wash over you. Orientations are huge team efforts. While the OGLs are leading around the freshman, countless other people including the Orientation Central Staff prepare what might be one of the largest transitions these students have ever made. The orientees see so many faces and hear so much information from so many different people; it’s hard to say that their impression of Oakland University can be fully formed by just one person.
-Mark
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