Orientation 1 2008 - From Myth to Legend
For working adults and most students, the 2nd of January 2008 might have been the day they returned to the usual grind of work and school. However, this was not the sight observed at Nanyang Junior College for the new batch of J1s, as well as some 150 J2s-namely the councilors and Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs), who were generally full of vigour at the orientation this year.
Day one began interestingly with students from various secondary schools all clad in different P.E. attires, flocking into the college, taking in the sights and sounds of their new environment for the next six weeks (at the very least). Being new to the college, the J1s looked a tad confused as they tried to locate their assigned OG (Orientation Group) in the hall. However, the splendid welcome from all NYJCians soon eased them as they began conversing with the “strangers” sitting around them.
This year's theme was Olympians (factions)-namely Poseidon, Hestia, Athena and Hermes. Each represents the God/Goddess of Sea, Hearth, Heroic Endeavour and Boundaries respectively.
To kick start the whole orientation, the 30th Student Council put up a skit narrated by them which received ovation from the J1s. One J1 exclaimed, “The skit was a breath of fresh air!”
Next was the ice-breakers for the J1s with their respective OG. Zhang Kejin of OG34 said, “The orientation has bonded us together and the OGLs were very enthusiastic and in high spirits! The games and programmes were fun and interesting!”
No, this is not a mass-picnic. We’re just waiting for instructions!
With such burning enthusiasm just for day one, day two proved to be even better as a trip to Sentosa was on the cards! Wanting to be crowned the best OG, the J1s and their respective OGLs tried their best to win at each station and cheered aloud to earn extra points. Indeed, everyone had a pleasant and enjoyable trip, with stronger bonds and friendships formed through the course of the remarkable afternoon in sunny Sentosa!
Poseidon OGLs: tired but happy at the end of the Sentosa trip.
“Although my OG lost at almost every station at Sentosa, their undying fighting spirit touched me. Their favourite tagline, ‘OG8 huat arh!' must have cast a deep impression as they were using this cheer ecstatically throughout the whole trip!” claimed an ecstatic OGL of OG8.
As the adage goes, “All good things have to come to an end”, so inevitably the third day of orientation arrived. Nonetheless, it was filled with exhilaration and fun! It was a water-games day and almost no J1 nor OGL was spared dry from the activities held in various parts of the college in the afternoon. The orientation culminated with a feverish DIsco Night that saw one and all on the dance floor.
"Let’s conspire: pour ALL the water on your OGLs..."
Undoubtedly, the orientation was a resounding success! Yap Chuen Hwee, an Olympian head said:
“I think calling the orientation a resounding success wouldn’t be
an understatement. I’m sure that all the J1s, OGLs and councilors had a fun and memorable experience. Kudos to OGLs and J1s for
their undying enthusiasm and spirit. Special thanks to the councillors, for planning and working behind-the-scenes
to ensure that everything went smoothly. Orientation
is always about showing the J1s what a great place NYJC is, and that, we’ve
achieved!”
Aww... come on J1s, don’t be shy. It's only holding hands!
Indeed, it’s kudos to all the J1s, OGLs, councillors and our unsung heroes, the AVA (Audio-Visual Association)! Student Council’s head of orientation, Inez best summed it up,
“The greatest satisfaction the 30th Student Council got was from the ecstatic cheering of the freshmen, their smiles and laughter, and how unwilling they were to leave after Disco Night!”