Leading the way: Life as a UGA Orientation Leader
Serving as an Orientation Leader at the University of Georgia is no easy feat. Orientation Leaders, also known as “OLs,” are among the first connections incoming students form on campus. By facilitating small groups, info sessions, social programs, events, and all of the other components of the orientation experience, OLs help catapult new Bulldogs into student life at UGA. Not to mention, they do this 21 times throughout the entire summer, with about 15,000 students and supporters.
Sam Ruona was an Orientation Leader during the summer of 2024. He is a fourth-year Political Science major, with a minor in public policy and management. Ruona believes his experience allowed him to guide incoming students and parents during the orientation process, which proved to be very rewarding.
“I had the chance to connect with so many students and parents each day,” Ruona said. “But even if just one left feeling more comfortable and confident about being on campus, I knew it was worth it.”
Through engaging with students and their families as they embark on a new chapter of life, Ruona connected people to resources on campus and offered valuable insight into student life. When giving advice to new students, Ruona thinks that students should soak in the experience of their first year on campus.
“I always told orientees and parents to lean into this experience and take it semester by semester,” he said.
Students may face challenges, but it is important to take life one day at a time and build a community on campus that they feel connected to. Student Organizations, Recreational Sports, and Welcome UGA events are a few ways to find community on campus.
Whether a first-year or transfer student, the transition to a new place can be overwhelming. Finding a mentor or general support can also be challenging during this time, which is why Orientation Leaders can make such an impact on their student groups. OLs like Ruona are among the most well-equipped and personable people on campus, full of guidance and knowledge that is a generous service for countless students.
