Moriah Davey

By Moriah Davey, Hospitality Management Diploma
Photo by David Denofreo

College is the threshold of a new adventure. It’s the entry point of a new journey with endless possibilities.

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I was never the most eager of students. My school life revolved around finding out what the requirements were to simply “do okay,” and then I would do just a little less than that. But as my high school life came to a close and I was tossed into the welcoming arms of post-secondary, I figured that if I was going to make a change, now would be the time. So, in the style of some glorified New Year’s resolution I decided to give this new chapter my all (for once). I figured that signing up for New Student Orientation was a great way (and place) to ensure that I had a solid fresh start.

Although there are many reasons to attend orientation, getting my Student ID early was one of the most helpful. Student IDs were a familiar concept because I’d used them in high school, but if I hadn’t gone to orientation I would have been totally lost on how to get one for college. And, as I learned throughout the first semester, my Student ID was my key to basically everything! It gave me access to resources from the library when I had to take out books and prep for an exam. It also gave me access to the gym and other areas on campus. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait in the never-ending line of “the first day” to get it.

I’m so appreciative of the guidance my orientation leader gave me during the campus tour. They made me aware of so many services available at Douglas that I may have never discovered on my own. It’s one thing to know that certain places exist at the college, but my leader gave me the details about how exactly each service could help me succeed as a student. In fact, I found that I was the one answering the questions of my frantic friends who didn’t attend their orientation!

Attending New Student Orientation also gave me the chance to scope out where my classes were and I was able to buy my textbooks before classes started. This totally curbed some of my anxiety, and I was able to begin my first day feeling confident and prepared.

If I had the chance to speak to myself again as a new student, one thing I would say is to enter orientation with an open mind. I’d say, take the time to ask more questions about the things you’re unsure about, and don’t be afraid to talk to your fellow new students and ask them if they’re as nervous as you are (which let me assure you, as I came to find out, they were.)

New Student Orientation is a great place to begin your college adventure, especially if you put in a little more effort than just “doing okay.” I’m so happy I went to mine, and I hope you’ll do the same!