Hey guys,
One thing I was pretty apprehensive about regarding BC was the orientation program they offer. You know: it’s the new people, new experiences and new opportunities that make you both excited and anxious. So after having just attended the first Orientation session (June 12-14), I just wanted to give you an overview of what orientation looks like and what you can expect.
All in all, expect a fun, engaging and exhausting experience. Orientation leaders some of the most energetic and passionate people I’ve ever seen in my entire life and they, like anyone else at BC, are there to help you, work with you, give you advice, so honestly, do not hesitate to ask questions about anything that pops in your mind. Nothing is too dumb to be asked, especially when you’re an incoming freshman student who is searching for a new home. BC will become our new home. And I’m certain that you’ll become sure of that after the orientation session.
Here’s a couple of things that you’re going to do:
On Sunday:
- first, you’ll go to mass
- the parent and student programs run concurrently up until about 8:30 pm when parents leave and student meet with their orientation leaders (OLs) for some ice-breakers and other fun, introductory activities
- you’ll attend about 2 presentations/talks about the Jesuit Catholic education BC offers. Some of the videos that they played really touched my heart and although I may be an isolated example, I cannot put into words how proud I was of choosing BC after watching those videos. They really instill in you the passion and desire the faculty has to make students “men and women to serve others”.
On Monday:
- in the morning you’ll meet with your academic advisors in small groups to get help in order to pick your classes and register the next day
- you’ll watch “BC Scenes”, which are 2 productions (one before lunch and one after dinner) of skits that the OLs put together and act in. They are truly hilarious. Part of the skits deal with academics, and others with social life at BC. All in all, even though you’ll find yourself laughing most of the time, you’ll realize that they have a point. And everything you watch on that stage is inspired from reality, which can be really tough if you don’t manage to make good decisions.
- you’ll also hear a talk about diversity at BC, and Ms Smiley, the presenter, is extremely funny and engaging, so this will be yet another talk during which you’ll have a good time; then you’ll break into groups and do a few games and activities and have a friendly discussion about diversity and embracing it
- in the evening you’ll attend a barbecue as dinner and then you’re going to the PLEX for a night of athletic activities. After the well-anticipated dodgeball game, you can do zumba, play volleyball, basketball, eat ice-cream, talk to various club representatives for different sports on campus (they have tables set up in the gym), and finally, you can take part in a dance competition that proves to be really, really fun. There will also be a BC dance showcase.
On Tuesday:
- depending on which group you're in, you'll register for classes, attend a talk about Campus Ministry and Service, another about 48 hours, another about Careers and another one about the Library and IT resources available.
- the whole program comes together at about 3 pm in the Theatre with the parents and students. You're going to watch the surprise video you've been recorded for as a group and after hearing the Director speak, you'll truly, 100% know and you'll have no doubt in your mind that you've made the right choice.
I cannot put into words the feelings and thoughts I had while listening to the faculty speak. I truly knew that no matter how hard the transition would be, they would be there for me and I would be in good, very good hands. Orientation is a very enriching experience, and it will assure you that you’ve made the best choice possible.
And one more thing: as you go through advising and other activities, you’ll notice that the faculty and staff are all very, very friendly. They are there for you. Ask them any questions you want to ask. Nobody expects you to know everything or stick with the major that you’ve chosen. You have endless possibilities, opportunities and resources at BC, and they want to make sure that you take advantage of them.
