Uncovering the Turtle Shell

When I began OL training in March, it was apparent that I would be "the quiet one." Not that I mind by any means; I am usually the shyest in a large group of people. Not a problem for me. Especially because I have always been shy, only becoming more outgoing when I began my first job in retail.

From becoming a sales associate at Fashion Bug (I was still "the quiet one" when I left in January) I had gained a sense of comfort in knowing I could be more outgoing in professional situations. Working there for two years was one of the best experiences of my life, honestly. Not to mention, I developed a "work voice" that I can turn on and off subconsciously (Eryn still makes fun of me for this, but I'm okay with it now.)

I am realizing that I have become more comfortable around the other OLs and the sessions are more fun as they come and go. I create a shell when I am forced into situations with many people I don't know well. I can use an analogy of a turtle shell here, because it is appropriate at this point in my blog. The shell first becomes soft, where I am still timid, but I become consciously aware of the shyness. Then, holes begin to emerge in the soft shell, where pieces of my personality shine through. I don't think I will ever become a naked turtle with no shell, but I may make it to a flashy turtle with very little shell to cover up with. Flashy is still good, right?

I heard someone mention today that they love being around the other OLs because we were all chosen for two reasons: we are easy to get along with and we are all outgoing. That is what brought up this entire shell concept which has been developing in my mind all morning. I am by no means outgoing, so I still wonder why I was chosen. I must have pulled out my "work voice" during the interview. That thing is more powerful than I even know.

I don't feel like my shyness has been a detriment at all. Looking at my evaluations, I have received an excellent in both categories from every one of my students. I'm trying not to brag, but this is shocking to me. Maybe you don't necessarily have to be outgoing to be good. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My favorite part about orientation is registration. Every one of the five students I registered this morning came out with a complete and jealousy-worthy schedule. This was complete luck on my part, but I'm just glad to share the excitement with the students.

One girl I registered is an actuarial science major, so she already has a set schedule laid out in most cases. However, this girl was taking a very high level of math starting out, so her other options were very limited. As I was finishing her schedule of all business classes, she informed me that she wants to take Spanish as she scored into the fifth year of Spanish in the placement exam. (First off, that's amazing. She must already be fluent in Spanish, considering I think there are only six years offered at Drake.) We easily rearranged her schedule without needing to override any barriers and she walked away with a fall schedule that is ideal for future actuaries and includes Spanish with a lab.

Yes, Orientation Leader is definitely worth it. No, you didn't ask, but I thought I would answer the question even before you thought the idea.