Hi, my name is Danielle and I am your 2021 University Orientation Chair. I first arrived to MtA in August 2018 for Orientation week in a car loaded to the top with luggage and family members. I distinctly remember seeing the Sackville sign as we drove off the highway into town and I recall feeling absolutely sick to my stomach. 

Change can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting and a fundamental part of life. This was a lesson I quickly learned during my Orientation week. I was so nervous arriving into Sackville, but I was greeted by an amazing residence exec team and some of the kindest volunteers I have ever met. I was worried about learning the names of the buildings and finding my way around campus, but I was guided by a team of compassionate and fun Crew leaders and later, many other friendly upper-year students. I was terrified to start a new chapter with new friends in a new town, but somehow, here I am entering my fourth year with the greatest friends in my second home, Sackville. 

Orientation week was one of the best experiences of my time here at MtA. I met many of my best friends during O-week, was decked out in colourful and wacky clothing, and was inspired by the many wonderful students, faculty, and staff of MtA. Of course, I also attended some of my all-time favourite events, including the town corn boil, Headphone Disco, and Karaoke BBQ (no karaoke involved). I returned the next two years for Orientation as a Crew volunteer, leading my groups through familiar and new events, each better than the last. I just couldn’t stay away! 

As I prepare for your 2021 Orientation – my last MtA Orientation – I can’t help but look back at the memories, smiles, and immense growth that occurred from my first O-week to my last. Sure, I still get nervous when I enter a new year of my degree, starting new and challenging courses, and soon applying for jobs and grad schools (because who doesn’t?), but I can face these changes with an underlying sense that everything will work out and I do believe that a lot of this confidence comes from Orientation! I hope you can experience your own O-week, too!! 

I can’t wait to meet you all and help you create your own lovely Mount A memories, so if you see me around, please reach out and say hello! Before then, you can reach me by email at orientation@mta.ca or on Instagram @mta.orientation . 

See you soon! :) 

Danielle