A new group of OWLs has recently been admitted into the nest that is New Student Orientation.
Orientation Workshop Leaders, or OWLs, are trained student leaders who aid with the adjustment of new students to the culture at BU. There are more than 75 spirited and talented OWLs who serve as personal hosts and share their experiences, tips, and strategies for success during New Student Orientation and Welcome Weekend.
A notorious, and very appreciated, part of being an OWL is moving new students into their housing location. They unload the student’s car into bins, walk them to the student’s room, and unload it for them in an effort to have the most effortless move-in experience. Along with most of the summer events, OWLs can also be found doing campus tours.
OWLs range from sophomores to seniors and cover nearly every major offered at BU. They live on and off-campus and are each involved in an average of at least three other student organizations.
With a large graduating class of OWLs leaving in May, 24 new OWLs were hired before Spring Break to take on the role and help the new incoming students over this upcoming summer.
“I was very excited interviewing this new class because I heard many great things about our applicants and they all had great resumes. The hiring process is designed the way it is for a reason so we can see how our applicants handle the process,” says Kaeli Quick, a sophomore who was hired the year before. “Seeing each applicant we hired shine throughout the process was an indicator on why we needed them which made me feel good about working with them this summer.”
After all of the interviews were conducted, accepted applicants were invited to Nest Fest, a large celebration to welcome the new OWLs to the group, or commonly referred to as the “nest”.
Amanda Izzo, a senior and new OWL said “it was such a warm welcome. The OWLs were very cheerful and really wanted to make us feel like we were already part of a group. It was a moment that was truly unforgettable, and I can’t wait to work with all of them.”
Throughout the rest of the semester and beginning of the summer, new OWLs will be engaging in team-building activities that will familiarize them with many of the university’s facts and history, along with constructing strong bonds with returning OWLs.
“Our office is so excited to welcome our newest owls to our nest” says Kayla May, assistant director for New Student Orientation. “It’s been such a fun experience getting to know them all and we cannot wait to bond even more over the upcoming months.”
This upcoming weekend, OWLs will be heading out on a retreat to a local campground, paving the way for a weekend of team-building and bonding.
“This summer is going to be owl-mazing and I’m honored to lead such a great group of students. The new huskies are so lucky to have such a great group of student leaders on their side” says May.