Behind the Scenes at Orientation
![Behind the Scenes at Orientation by Kelly Wilcox '97](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image/public/assets/images/feature-stories-archive-2008-2009/fs_orientation_maintitle1.jpg.webp?itok=j2YnFfyt)
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Kelly Wilcox '97, assistant director of student life and academic counselor, is a professional life coach who has conducted workshops with students, faculty, and staff. Prior to joining the Dean's Office, she served as head field hockey coach for six seasons. A McCabe Scholar, Wilcox earned All-American honors in both field hockey and lacrosse. She holds several college and Centennial Conference field hockey records as a goalkeeper and was a member of two Conference championship field hockey teams. Write to her at kwilcox1@swarthmore.edu
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I am drawn to teams because of the energy and bonding they create. My first experience of Orientation was as a first-year field-hockey player joining the team for preseason in 1993. In the years to follow, as the College's head field-hockey coach for six years, I was to welcome teams of my own to preseason each year. Now, as assistant director of student life and academic counselor, I feel part of a new team - along with Myrt Westphal, associate dean for student life; Paury Flowers, assistant coordinator of student activities; and Rachel Head, assistant dean for residential life - as we welcome hundreds of new team members to campus. Now, however, instead of 20 strong young women wielding sticks, our team comprises almost 400 individuals. Each has a unique story that makes you wish you could devote a whole day to each of them, listening to them reveal their hopes and passions over a cup of coffee - each one of them unique and integral to the energy fabric of Swarthmore.
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Kelly works closely with Paury Flowers (center) in advising all student organizations and activities and facilitating programs among students, faculty, and staff.
As a first-time participant of the discussions and brain storming sessions that took place, I quickly became aware of my colleagues' commitment to values upheld by the institution such as diversity, respect, intellectual curiosity, wellness, sensitivity and fun, to name but a few. Building upon feedback from past student leaders and participants in Orientation, groups began to design activities and events that would embody these values or provide forums for discussion surrounding these and other values.
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During orientation, the campus is full of students offering help with directions, moving and ...
The Orientation schedule offers multiple opportunities for students to be proactive in enhancing their personal well being, such as guided hikes in the Crum, introductory yoga classes, a session on breathing techniques for reducing stress and anxiety, and a guided bike tour around campus. I truly believe that the development of such life skills and a commitment to personal wellness should become part of the campus fabric, serving as enhancements to the already well-established commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
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... answering questions.
The students of the Orientation Committee, under the direction of Paury Flowers, have created so many opportunities during that period for fun, relaxation, and social interaction that it would be impossible to list them all. Looking back on my own Orientation, there were so many exciting events that I couldn't stand to miss - even if it meant making the painful hike up Parrish Beach with legs so sore from three-a-day field-hockey practices that I felt like I was climbing Everest at times. This year's events will be no less worth the hike up Magill Walk.
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After getting settled, students can enjoy a number of activities designed to introduce and welcome them to the College.
Throughout the planning process, and in particular these final weeks leading up to Orientation, I am drawn repeatedly to my initial thought - the one-to-one ratio. If we achieve our goal, each student arriving on campus will feel that personal touch. We will have provided opportunities to create those initial meaningful relationships. The values we all cherish yet sometimes take for granted will be woven seamlessly into activities and conversations. And, most importantly, each student will appreciate the benefit of being one of 374 students but will come away from their first introduction to the College having experienced the one-to-one ratio that so clearly defines Swarthmore and the people that make it unique.
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Associate Dean Myrt Westphal, one of two deans for the Class of 2012, addresses parents during a student life discussion on move-in day.
My story is unique and personal, and it reminds me as a member of the planning committee to keep the personal aspect at the heart of the process. This personal touch defined my amazing experience as a student and has guided me as both a coach and a member of the Dean's staff.
As for those morning coffee conversations, I would love to hear the stories of the incoming first-year students. Just come find me. Parrish 117. Coffee is on me...