ORIENTATION 2015

Right after coming home from BC last week (and yes, I will blog about that!), I had Orientation (OVT) training and Orientation itself immediately the days following. Now, I'm sure you're thinking, why do I volunteer for Orientation? Here's why:

Reason 1 - The people. I have met the most amazing volunteers throughout this program, regardless of the faculty. Especially the team I'm on this year, hashtag Crookie Monsters. Future teachers to be are a fantastic group to surround yourself. 

Reason 2 - The anticipation. Without Orientation, I have nothing to look forward to in September. Wait, that's a lie, I have school to start. Maybe. Over the summer break, you make time for team bonding and anxiously await for Orientation. It's a super great feeling! Did I mention you team bond?! Who doesn't love a little team bonding here and there?

Reason 3 - The timing. Orientation is right before school commences and ever since my second year, I've been excited to get back into the classroom routine and schedule. It's refreshing to see your friends, getting pumped up for Orientation and having a real great time before the "official" first day of school. Our Education cheers are corny rock and relate to Faculty pride that all Orientation volunteers have. 

Take a look at some of the pictures I took! 

 

Overall, Orientation is always going to be a part of my undergraduate experience and when applications are open, you should APPLY. You won't regret it! Here's a buzzfeed link about Orientation in which I died laughing. Enjoy!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/angromano/17-signs-you-were-an-orientation-leader-in-college-ep4l#.in8llDYvPV

I Swear, I'm Not Dead!

June 27 was my LAST post, and right now it's September FIRST. That's basically two full months with no blogging. I highly apologize for that, it's been an insane summer! No lie. That, of course, I'm going to share with you all, and then some. 

Seriously, I feel ridiculously awful that I haven't blogged in so long. I guess working at a library is SOOOOO draining. Hashtag not. I think because working two jobs, planning a BC trip and preparaing for fourth year is lots to juggle. 

I started this blog to reflect and share. The experiences I go through, I want people to listen, to engage and to contribute. With that said, I will, yes WILL, as in commit to actually blogging this time. Topics will include recaps about 

- Summer job at the library

- BC trip 

- Orientation 2015
- Senior Year University
- Other...haha

I'm not sure which I'll start first within this next week. You'll just go with the flow anyways. I'll show pictures (beautiful ones, not blurry) and also share what I've learned. As always, teachers are constantly learning. Today was the "official" first day of University, though, since I don't have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays tomorrow is my first day!

I should go, and start collecting some pens and paper for notes. I promise I won't be MIA! 

via GIPHY

Orientation Love

Thursday evening was the Orientation BBQ, which is held every year. As this is my third year with the Orientation program, I never actually went my first two years! Sad, isn't it? This time, I'm so happy that I did and broke that streak of not attending events. Truth.

Working 6-7 days a week really limits your time. You're probably thinking Wow Christian you have all money and no social life which is basically true. I'm banking tons of hours at my employment places but have such limited time to see my friends. Sad, really. That's why this post is all dedicated to Orientation, as seeing my other Education friends and The Crookie Monsters really made my week. I could not stop smiling at work the following day!

It's been mid-March, give or take 3 months from the time I have been a University student. To be franc, I kinda miss it. Working 45+ hours a week really takes a toll on you, but I'll suck it up for this summer. There was about ~250 people at this BBQ and though I did take lots of pictures, here's a few I want to share!

 

I miss my teacher friends, but I also am looking forward to OVT (volunteer training) and Orientation itself! I'll keep working my butt off, as I know I won't have this work life for long. This BBQ (with free food) was a fabulous distraction from this work-filled 4 months!

Oh oh oh! Here's some pictures of the park. Sometimes, I don't give full enough credit of my hometown. A lot of people complain about it -- whether it's traffic or the weather or just anything. Edmonton does have its perks too! (Which we should never dismiss)

Orientation Flag Making

Yesterday was a great evening to spend with my awesome Orientation volunteer team! I was, and still am, bummed about my practicum ending that it was great to see other Uni students to just laugh and hang out. It was also awesome to share (aka brag with delight) about my experiences as a student teacher and hear other people's too! This was a great opportunity to talk about what do we do now... no more planning/marking/classroom management/prepping/etc. This transition from teacher to student is just as tough as student to teacher.

Our team is called The Crookie Monsters which in my mind, sounds (and is!) the best. We cut out felt cookie monsters, one for each member on our team! Then, we'll print off each person's face and glue it onto their assigned monster. Creative, right?! I see you nodding your head there!

On the back, we have a giant C made out as a bitten cookie! It's chocolate chip obviously, the most universal and perfect treat. We even placed our hand prints via paint to add color, teamwork and unity. Tell me you're jealous. 

I am super pumped to spend more time with The Crookie Monsters and of course, Orientation 2015 in August!