What a whirlwind month it has been! August flew by faster than I would have liked, but it was filled with activities. On August 1st, I left Washington for Florida. We started off my time back in Florida with a trip to Universal Orlando. Of course, I had to take my family to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to experience a butter beer. Later that week, we also spent time in St. Augustine. Although it was pouring rain the entire time, we still managed to explore the city, and enjoy some gourmet popsicles. Later, we drove up to Jacksonville, to visit the oldest standing plantation in Florida. Since we are in Florida, we had to spend some time at the beach. One day, we drove down to Cocoa Beach to visit Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and eat on the pier.
Lauren, Myself, and David at Islands of Adventure
Eating gourmet popsicles in St. Augustine
At the oldest plantation in Florida
Hanging out on the pier at Cocoa Beach
After my family left, I moved in to my residence hall just in time to begin Resident Advisor training. This year I will be a RA in McKay Hall. Training was a week long and I really enjoyed getting to know all of the other Residence Life staff members. After RA training, next up was Orientation Team training. We went on a retreat to Camp Ocala, where we learned all about how to be successful Orientation Leaders, as well as bonded as a team. I have never had that much fun camping before.
Once Orientation Week started, my life was crazy. We spent countless hours setting up, attending, and tearing down events. The O-Team became my family for the week. We were all together from about 7:30AM-11PM, so there was plenty of time to spend with each other. During the week, I learned how to dance, since O-Team dances ALL the time!! It was so awesome to get out of my comfort zone, while encouraging incoming freshmen to get out of theirs, as well. One of my favorite events of Orientation Week was the Silent Disco. Everyone gets a wireless headset with flashing colors, corresponding to what music station you are listening to. It becomes a huge party with a lot of dancing, but the funny thing is that there is no music being played aloud. After Orientation Week ended, I was completely exhausted, but also sad that it was over. I had so much fun welcoming the new freshmen class to ERAU.
Waiting for Convocation to start with the O-Team
Orientation in the ICI
O-Team after Orientation
Now that classes have started, it is back to my everyday routine. Classes and meetings will begin to consume my life soon, but I will make sure to make some time for myself. A weekend trip to Disney World might be a necessity…
Until next time,
Lindsey
