Meet Vicky Allison – one of JMU’s busiest and brightest students. When she’s not working at Texas Roadhouse, participating in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, or pursuing a degree in health sciences and a minor in history, she’s working behind-the-scenes as one of James Madison’s biggest superheroes, carrying out the 1787 orientation. Vicky, a fourth-year transfer student with a passion for yoga and hiking, is a co-coordinator for the 1787 August Orientation. JMU’s orientation program is one of the most intensive college orientation programs in the country and Her Campus had the chance to sit down with Vicky to get the scoop on what it’s like to run such a huge operation and still hold onto your sanity.
HC: Why did you choose to transfer to JMU?
VA: I chose to transfer to JMU because the science programs are amazing and offered more opportunities than my previous school. I went to private schools my whole life and I felt that moving to a larger school like JMU would broaden my perspective in a way that my old school never could have.
HC: How did you first decide to get involved in the orientation program at JMU?
VA: During my 1787 orientation I talked to my ANT (Assisting New Transfers) and
HC: What exactly do you do as Orientation Coordinator?
VA: Most of the time that I have devoted to orientation involves what I do during office hours – planning the events that revolve around our student staff. I’ve been working a lot with the OPAs (Orientation Peer Advisor), the ANTs, and the OOAs (Orientation Operations Assistant). I was so excited to be a part of the selection process for the 2012 “O-Team!” My position mainly deals with the First Year Orientation Guides (FROGs) and I’ve been putting a lot of effort into this year’s recruiting process. I’ve also been advertising and meeting with several departments on campus. I work closely with other departments at JMU to find and hire FROGS through a diverse range of groups such as CMSS, Res Life, and FSL.
VA: I’m most excited to see the student staff create relationships with the new students. I love seeing that unfold. It’s really cool to make connections and realize you have commonalities even if you’re from different places or different years in school. I love watching the mentorship develop and really take off as the week progresses.
HC: How do you have time to do it all?
VA: A lot of time management! Unfortunately, I’ve had to give up a lot of personal things to balance working 40-50 hours a week. I don’t have a lot of free time. I’ve gotten pretty good at managing my time.
HC: What are some of your time management strategies?
VA: I write everything down, and I use a planner religiously. Seriously, I plan everything. I try to make time for myself every day to help me recuperate, like doing an hour of yoga. Making time for the people you care about is one of the most important things you can do when you have a busy schedule. Nothing helps you de-stress better than getting together with your friends. My roommate and I just goof off and laugh whenever we get the chance.
HC: Any advice for our future dukes?
VA: When you begin 1787, be open to the experience! There are so many new and awesome things coming your way that if you’re close-minded, you won’t get anything out of the program. 1787 is a chance to build relationships with the people in your residence hall, your FROGs and your OPAs. You don’t want to miss out on the community. Put everything you have into the experience, because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it will change your life!