Hello, and welcome to Bobcat Student Orientation! This is the first step of many into your journeys as Bobcats – or Bobcat-adjacents – and it should be celebrated. Be proud of yourselves for getting to this point. As you settle into your visit full of preparation for what’s to come, things can be overwhelming. Let this serve as your reminder to take a deep breath, absorb what you can and know things will be OK no matter how your BSO experience goes.
I know this from personal experience. As a 2020 incoming Bobcat, my BSO was a half-day session largely focused on teaching us to use Microsoft Teams. Even that felt somewhat overwhelming, so my heart extends to those of you facing the daunting task of moving to college in person today.
My experience did very little to make me excited to become a Bobcat, but coming to Ohio University remains the best decision I have ever made, and I know each of you will thrive on this campus. Even if you are not feeling that bone-deep enthusiasm for OU yet, feel secure that you are here for a reason. The anxiety accompanying such a big change is only natural, so allow me to reassure you this is a great place to be.
Firstly, look around. The campus is beautiful. Our seat at Appalachia’s feet basks the campus in a beauty that remains unparalleled in my lifetime. It is easy to romanticize rain when it lands on changing leaves or somehow paints the world an even deeper green. Even on your worst days, it is possible to look around at the campus and feel happier.
Your fellow Bobcats will be kind, too. One of the most daunting parts of college is finding your people, but OU’s culture is a great starting place. I have been struck when I’ve visited friends at other universities by how it is much more difficult to meet new people. Entering my fourth year here, I still meet new people constantly, and you will always find someone with a smile to share or who will answer any question you may have upon entering campus. People here want to help you and befriend you, and I know you will find your corner of home on campus.
The Post is also here to help. Serving as OU’s largest, editorially-independent student publication, we offer the following pages (and all of our content) as resources for Bobcats, by Bobcats. During the year, feel free to stop into The Post’s newsroom on the third floor of Baker Center, room 325 or reach out to us at editor@thepostathens.com. We are here to support you!
I did not know the meaning of school spirit until I got to OU. The people here are proud to be here and for good reason. Bobcats are beyond proud of their school, and I am so excited to have a new class of students and their families entering to call Athens home.
My last piece of advice is to take photos of where you will be spending the next few years, take in all you can at BSO and take a deep breath. This is your first step onto campus, and you’re walking into great things.
Katie Millard is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Katie by tweeting her at @katie_millard11.
Editor-in-Chief
