Going into college, it is typical for most freshmen to fear the aspect of making new friends. While some people have special qualities that allow them to strive in this particular social situation, others can have a difficult time meeting new people. Luckily for students at Siena Heights University, there are O-Teams that are created to help students specifically with this issue, as well as getting students transitioned into the college lifestyle.

So how does one become an O-Team leader? There was a meeting in Francoeur Theater about a month ago regarding the different leadership positions on campus. A sign-up list was available at the time. Currently, interviews are going on for the positions, so it is too late to sign-up for positions for the next year.

What are some of the benefits of being an O-Team leader?

“One of the greatest benefits of is not only meeting, but also leading and amazing group of people through their first year of college,” said Christian Vegas, one of the Straight Out of SHU O-Team leaders. “Going away to college could be a scary thing, especially if you come to a new place all alone. Plus, it’s such an amazing feeling to see when your O-Team members grow into great leaders and become O-Team leaders themselves.”

Vegas said he would recommend this opportunity to anyone. What are some of the benefits of being an O-Team leader?

“One of the greatest benefits of is not only meeting, but also leading and amazing group of people through their first year of college. Going away to college could be a scary thing, especially if you come to a new place all alone. Plus, it’s such an amazing feeling to see when your O-Team members grow into great leaders and become O-Team leaders themselves,” Vegas said.

It not only is a great experience for the incoming freshman, but it also builds a lot of new friendships for the leaders as well.

“The 32 best friends I gained that week of training and the 20 other amazing friends I gained that week, I’ll never forget them!” said Vegas.

He said being an O-Team leader is a great chance for students to work on their leadership skills, as well as make memories that will last a lifetime.

Another role on campus that goes along with O-team is being a Peer Mentor. Their job includes similar responsibilities as O-Team leaders, but instead of just working Welcome Week, they continue on into their group of students First Year Experience class.

“One benefit of being a peer mentor is learning leadership skills that will help you throughout your life. I have handled many situations that I have never been faced with before; struggles of student conflicts, time management, and making me step out of my comfort zone,” said sophomore Stephanie Tylicki.

Even though it may be too late to sign-up for these positions for this coming year, these leadership opportunities offer a lot of benefits for both the leader as well as the freshmen they work with.