Orientation Blog Entry

On the PSU Orientation website, there is a link to a blog that is maintained by the Admissions/Orientation Department. This blog is geared toward new students who will be attending upcoming Orientations before starting as students at PSU.

They ask the current Orientation Leaders to write small bios about an experience they have had at PSU that they feel would be beneficial to incoming students.... Here’s mine:

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Welcome to Portland State. My name is Jennifer. I’m a first year Orientation Leader, but I’ve been a student at PSU for 2 years. This fall, I’ll be a senior majoring in Social Sciences. Next year, I’m planning on going through the Graduate Teacher Education Program and get my teaching credentials.

These goals seemed like a pipe dream only a short time ago. Two years ago, I was working full-time, celebrating my 10-year high school reunion, enduring yet another term with one class… and still being classified as a freshman. I had been taking college classes for 10 years, and had never felt like the finish line was anywhere within reach. Last year I chose to bite the bullet. I quit my job, sold my car, moved onto campus, and began my first term as a full time student. In this past year, I have learned all about the activities, resources and services available to students on campus, I’ve met lots of other students and been able to socialize with my classmates more, and I’ve gone from freshman credits to senior credits. These changes have not been easy, but I know that they have been worth it.

In addition to moving on campus, and focusing more on my education, there was one other key element that has changed my outlook of college life. I became involved. There are so many ways to become involved at Portland State, and they can be worked into practically any schedule. When I was a part-time, night student, I didn’t realize the number of ways there were to get involved. Student Government, Residence Life, Student Activities, Leadership, Clubs, Recreation, tutoring… the list goes on and on. I’ve enjoyed all of the different aspects of working in student leadership as an Orientation Leader. I enjoy passing on my experiences, and my “non-traditional student” perspectives to other students who may not understand it. I’ve gotten to know about services that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned about, I’ve gotten to know advisors and other people on campus who are there to help students succeed, and I’ve learned about the many academic and social activities that occur throughout the year. I recommend taking the opportunities given to get involved, and to make your college experience more rewarding and valuable.

Take that first step, and find ways that you can have a voice on campus. I promise, you will not regret it!