I was mildly surprised when asked, over the summer, if I was being monetarily compensated for returning to school early as an Orientation Leader. The second time someone asked me this question, my surprised turned into shock; how could anyone presume to think that I would only do something like this for money? By the time I had heard this question for the seventh time, I was just offended. Isn't the love I have for my university-the school itself, but especially the community-more than enough of a reason to volunteer my time? Am I missing something?Being an OL is, to put it one way, a labor of love. One must love not getting enough sleep for a week-and-a-half straight. One must love wearing the same three, or two, or even one shirt for ten days straight. One must love being back early and missing an entire week of summer. Well, maybe not love... at the very least tolerate. But without a doubt, one must love Brandeis wholeheartedly.

Not everyone knows this, but not all OLs are assigned AIDE groups. I was one of these unfortunate few. There is no use in trying to deny that I was upset, as I still am. Having an AIDE group was the very reason I applied to be an OL in the first place. For about half of the training and orientation itself, I felt unnecessary and unwanted. Yet never for a moment did I consider quitting. Through the thick fog of my disappointment, I found the lighthouse of purpose.

Those who know me, and especially the first-years I have spoken with, know how much I love Brandeis. I can honestly talk about this place for hours on end (I know I can because I have). Instead of moping about not having an AIDE group (well... instead of spending all my time moping) I was able to piggy-back onto my friends' groups, and thereby meet many more people. This way, I was able to spread my love of Brandeis to a larger number of eager first-years.

There is a saying I remember from elementary school: want to feel good for an hour? Watch TV. Want to feel good for a lifetime? Help somebody. I have taken this mantra to be my purpose at Orientation. (Yes, I recognize that "help somebody" actually means something more along the lines of social action, but every little bit counts.) I cannot do anything but smile when a confused-looking first-year asks me for directions or advice. Not because I am malicious and am happy at their uncertainty-of course not. But because once I am able to help them, the subtle changes that come across their faces can only make me bring me joy.

Not having an AIDE group, I cannot say with certainty how I think the first-years appreciated orientation; likewise, I probably did not experience orientation as a typical OL would have. But I have no regrets. I focused on the other OLs, and my friendships with them, instead of the first-years.

The camaraderie among the OLs is what made waking up at 6 A.M. on move-in Sunday worth it. Corny as it is, there could not have been a better way for me to begin my sophomore year.

I cannot write an article about being an Orientation Leader without mentioning the shirts, the most recognizable aspect of being an OL. This year, the bright orange shirts (with blue lettering) stuck out like, well, bright orange. I personally rather enjoyed alternating between two shirts for 10 days straight. Nothing builds character like wearing dried sweat. But on a serious note, it is very nice to look down at my shirt and not be blinded. Other than that, I wore my OL shirt with pride, dignity and honor... and Febreze, lots of Febreze.