By Eileen Tan ’19
After leading RAMP Up! during my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to do it one more time. Coming back early to campus made my transition from studying abroad back to campus much easier and I was excited to meet the first-years coming into the program.
Unlike the previous time I led RAMP Up! we were expecting more inclement weather which meant we needed to create back-up plans for all the outdoor activities that were originally planned. With four other pre-orientation leaders, we brainstormed indoor activities that could still engage the first-years will bringing the group closer together. Training consisted of learning how to adapt when the situation goes awry to learning how to work with one another as a team.
When Friday rolled around, I was excited to be one of the first people to greet the first-years and I couldn’t wait to go on the ropes course later that afternoon. The first 24 hours is always busy because we go to a ropes course and stay-overnight in a lodge. I love doing the ropes course and watching the students overcome obstacles they thought were too difficult or intimidating. Over the course of five days, I saw the students break out of their shells and I could see the group making bonds with one another. I felt incredibly lucky to be able to help these students make the transition from home to college and I loved every minute of it.
RAMP Up! goes by quickly and I always love seeing the students around campus afterwards. I know when I graduate RAMP Up! will be some of my fondest memories. I’ve made bonds with many of the students over the two pre-orientation programs I’ve led and these are friendships I will always treasure.