#orientation groups

Orientation Day 1

Outdoor Orientation Leader Training

Sure thing! I just skimmed over the groups for this year and they actually look pretty cool. I don’t think they’re offering the one I did, which was leadership-related. I really wish I had done an outdoors ones, because I’ve fallen in love with the nature of New England and it would’ve been cool to explore that as soon as I got to Smith. I’m not super comfortable with a lot of sharing when I first meet people, but there are definitely people who want to do that, and it looks like there are some good groups this year if that’s something you’re interested in! 

I hung out with some girls from my house in my group, didn’t really make any good new friends in my group (which was totally fine since I was really bonding with my housemates) but it was nice to see their faces around and be able to say hi. Pick a group that interests you, but be aware that by the time it’s time for your orientation group, you’ll probably be totally exhausted: saying good bye to your family can be emotionally taxing (I knew I wasn’t going to see mine for a few months, and I’d never even been to summer camp so I had no idea what it would be like to be away from them), it’s SO hot (I really hate the heat but I think few would disagree that August/September in New England are even remotely pleasant), you’re adjusting to a completely new environment/eating schedule, moving is just a lot of work, and you might be adjusting to a time change. Without knowing much about the programs being offered, I’d recommend the MacLeish Field Station one, because MacLeish is AWESOME (I went camping there in the fall! They have a living building which you really need to see). The yoga one usually gives out free yoga mats though (all I got was a book...). 

You’ll also meet some (perhaps intimidatingly) cool upperclass women who want to be there and help you with your transition to Smith. You’ll have the opportunity to ask them anonymous questions (on notecards kinda like middle school health class) which is equally informative and entertaining.