1 00:00:01,630 --> 00:00:06,650 This UVA ID is a picture of me actually when I came to orientation my first-year. 2 00:00:06,650 --> 00:00:11,470 When I came into orientation, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. 3 00:00:11,470 --> 00:00:15,680 The girl in this photo had no idea how amazing her first-year would be. 4 00:00:15,680 --> 00:00:21,130 My orientation was amazing, I came into the year prepared for classes. 5 00:00:21,130 --> 00:00:24,359 Orientation starts off pretty early in the morning, we get the students and parents checked-in 6 00:00:24,359 --> 00:00:26,710 and then we get them hype for the rest of the day. 7 00:00:26,710 --> 00:00:30,310 When we're out on the Lawn and the orientees come out, we're holding up our posters. 8 00:00:30,310 --> 00:00:32,570 They get to meet their orientation leaders, their peers. 9 00:00:32,570 --> 00:00:36,460 We have ice breakers on the Lawn, we're playing shipwreck, we're playing telephone. 10 00:00:36,460 --> 00:00:40,290 We do ice breakers in order for them to get relaxed, to get to know each other, to hang 11 00:00:40,290 --> 00:00:42,420 out, and that gets them talking. 12 00:00:42,420 --> 00:00:48,300 The most rewarding experience is seeing the orientees that are kind of shy open up. 13 00:00:48,300 --> 00:00:53,500 In the afternoon, we also have a few information sessions where students can ask questions 14 00:00:53,500 --> 00:00:57,420 and to learn about resilience and how to be successful at UVA. 15 00:00:57,420 --> 00:00:59,930 The high point is definitely in the evening "I am UVA." 16 00:00:59,930 --> 00:01:05,049 "I am UVA," is a really really unique aspect of orientation that was just introduced this 17 00:01:05,049 --> 00:01:09,140 past year, we have five orientation leaders go on stage in Old Cabell Hall and they share 18 00:01:09,140 --> 00:01:13,630 their personal stories, their experiences at UVA, and what they can contribute to the 19 00:01:13,630 --> 00:01:15,060 University as individuals. 20 00:01:15,060 --> 00:01:20,229 We try to remind them that it's okay to be you, it's okay to bring a different perspective 21 00:01:20,229 --> 00:01:21,490 to the table. 22 00:01:21,490 --> 00:01:27,670 Our job really is just to promote an atmosphere of inclusivity and a welcoming environment. 23 00:01:27,670 --> 00:01:31,170 They have a home, they have a community, they have a group of people that all really care 24 00:01:31,170 --> 00:01:32,170 about them. 25 00:01:32,170 --> 00:01:36,649 Everyone has a story, your story matters, and they're going to add so much more to this 26 00:01:36,649 --> 00:01:41,259 University.