Here are some thoughts and reflections from 2016 Orientation Leader and member of Alpha Phi, Lauren DiNapoli:
It’s no secret that Orientation is an amazing, life-changing, and highly
valued experience here on Lehigh’s campus. The bonding that OL’s take part in
throughout training and the challenges that we all face together, result in an
incredibly tight-knit, supportive, and inclusive family of students from every
corner on campus. As a member of the Greek community, I couldn’t have possibly
foreseen how applicable, let alone beneficial, this experience would prove both
to my Chapter and myself.
I participated in the program along side four other women in my sorority,
and we can all agree that it has truly opened our eyes to everything Lehigh has
to offer. Yes, we are active members and yes, it is a large part of our college
experience, but there’s no reason we can’t all expand our network of community
and work towards a more inclusive and caring Lehigh that reaches outside the
Greek “bubble”.
Throughout these past two weeks, I’ve watched countless fellow students
experience personal growth that we can all benefit and learn from. We learned
to love and appreciate one another, respect every single person on campus, and
truly be ourselves. I can’t help but imagine what our campus would be like if
everyone followed these ideals. I can’t wait to bring these lessons and
experiences back to my Chapter and continue in spreading the campus-wide
inclusiveness, love, and leadership that Orientation was able to give.