Being an Orientation Leader was by far one of the best experiences!

Being an orientation leader in January was by far one of the best experiences I've had at Conestoga College. From the very beginning, I felt very welcome and accepted. When I signed up, the Student Life staff took my application with a big smile. It was awesome getting to know so many new people at training session too. Finally when the big day came, I was so excited. I put on the famous blue orientation shirt with pride and arrived at the school bright and early. All the feelings of excitement that I experienced at my orientation two years ago came rushing back as I welcomed the new batch of students into the gym. They timidly came into the gym trying to look for someone they knew and then stood waiting for the festivities to begin. It was an amazing feeling to welcome the students and reassure them they were not alone as their parents left them in the gym.
The entire day was really fun, for both the new students and the orientation leaders. We played games with the incoming students and found creative ways to keep them entertained while they waited in line-ups for student cards, osap, etc. This was a really rewarding experience, as you could really tell how much the new students appreciated us. The huge smiles and sighs of relief made when they asked orientation leaders where to go or how to find a room was thank you enough. They were so happy and appreciative when we replied with, "Of course, let me take you there!" The main goal of the day was to help the new students and make them have a memorable experience, while becoming familiar with the wonderful things that we have all come to know and love about Conestoga.
Being an orientation leader is a great way to gain leadership skills that you can use in your everyday life, as well as future jobs. Without these new leaders every September and January, orientation day would not be possible. All of their hard work and dedication is what makes orientation such an amazing experience. It's also a great way to make new friends. I've found that so many of the orientation leaders remember who I am and all the memories we shared on orientation day. We smile and wave when passing each other in the hall, often stopping to talk. We all have a newfound experience that bonds us together. Orientation leaders can often be seen still proudly wearing their t-shirts around campus, as a reminder of the great experiences they had. I would recommend being an orientation leader to anyone who is looking to become involved on campus and have a very memorable experience. Not only do you get to enjoy all of the fun the day brings, you also receive a certificate that you can add to your portfolio, which will show future employers that you are a leader and take initiative.
- Mechelle Jarman, Early Childhood Education Student
STUDENT LIFE IS NOW RECRUITING FOR ORIENTATION LEADERS!Check out our Recruitment Page to learn more and to get a registration form! The deadline is Friday April 6, 2012. |














My name is Mandy Mistele and I am one of Student Life's newest additions to the Respect Leader team. Now in my final year of the Fitness and Health Promotion program, I have had the opportunity to watch the Respect Campaign in action!





For the past few weeks, Cliffy the Condor and Conestoga colleges own Orientation Intern Kyla have been buried under a mountain of work. On Thursday they took a minor break to hold a mid- summer party for their fall Orientation Leaders. They had so much fun playing games and getting to know their wonderful group of volunteers. Cliffy was so happy that so many people came and volunteered their time for orientation. After the party Cliffy and Kyla got back to work. This week they have been busy creating the maps to explain why Cliffy's feet will be on the wall. They have almost finished the planning for the Cambridge open house and with the help of Cliffy; Kyla was able to get Old Dutch foods to sponsor our orientation. It won't be long before student life will not be buried under mountains of work but instead mountains of potato chips. Keep an eye out for more updates from Cliffy and his sidekick Kyla.
Last week we finalized the swag order for Orientation. We will be doing the tri-highlighters, but this time one tip is a highlighter eraser! Which I think is pretty cool. I am also doing the proof sign off this week for the Orientation Leader clothing. Things are really starting to take shape. We have registration out for the table exhibits and mature student Welcome Session. We also have been working on the Orientation Leader manual, training presentations and more.


"Where is Tim Horton's?"
The last two weeks have been very busy. Last week I did a lot of work on the Orientation Recruitment posters which are now up around the school. We are hoping to get more people the sign up to be an Orientation Leader for this fall. I am also working very hard at contacting the current Orientation Leaders to make sure they are all up to date with the planning. This week has also kept me busy working on planning the Mid- summer mixer for our Orientation Leader .Tuesday we had the chance to go and visit the other campus for Conestoga. This trip was so much fun. Now we had the chance to experience all ends of Conestoga and our ready to plan a great Orientation Event. Stay tuned for more updates in two weeks.
In a not-so-far-away land of Student Life, the Civic Engagement Intern works diligently on many projects. She staffs the Info Desk, she does campus visits to Waterloo and Guelph, and she plans the Family and Friends Orientation and the Get Involved Fair. She watches videos on TED.com, and makes Prezi presentations for meetings and events.
Hi, my name is Sarah de Boer and I am a second year
I have just finished my first year of the

























