The NODA Experience

This weekend, I spent time at the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education Conference — more affectionately known as NODA. This was my second time going to this conference and I could not wait to return with to other returning student leaders and our faculty chaperone.

When I attended NODA last year, out of luck with one person not being able to attend, I had the opportunity to attend as a returner and not as a Senior Orientation Peer Advisor. When I walked into the conference I was an Involved OPA who cared a lot about my university, but let’s be honest — I thought I was too cool for school at NODA. When I walked out of the conference, I had the realization that the experiences of the 300 people whom I had shared the conference with, that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. From that moment on, I searched different Grad Programs, different Concentrations and of course as much as I love NODA region eight, I am only looking off of the East Coast.

So, after an entire year of falling more in love with higher ed and looking forward to NODA Round Two — through late packing, a missed exit, a very long trip to a Dairy Queen, traffic and a lost purse — we had finally arrived at NODA in Williamsburg.

From my second year at NODA, there are some things that don’t change, but are still huge takeaways:

- Be Yourself.

- Every Orientation is different just like each institution.

- Loving your University comes from loving yourself.

- Everyone comes from different walks of life — accept it.

- As different as something is from what you are used to, embrace it and accept it.

- Take all of the opportunities that you can

NODA Region Eight, this is for you. Thank you so much for allowing me to completely feel at home, helping me see my goals more clearly, loving my stories, annoying me with icebreakers but most implortantly, thank you for educating me on what a truly dedicated and loving group of people looks like.