Heather Bingaman

Scott Harris
UNIV 392
July 6, 2016

Setting: Debrief after LUCO 3.

Script: Standing behind the podium, Emma K. said something along the
lines of by the way, we got a really long email from a mother saying
how shes been nervous about sending her first child so far from home,
but that this orientation and the interactions she and her son had with
the orientation leaders and staff has really eased her mind.
Observing Ego: Im sitting in the front row, listening to this thinking oh
how nice and realizing just how much I need a shower after the
sweaty, hot picnic Ive just come from. A fellow OL asks Emma K. what
the students name is and Im half listening as she replies Andrew
Mather. No one says anything at first, so I flip through the post cards
in my hand to double check Oh! seriously giddy I realize that Andrew
is my student. Of course I knew his name, Andrew was a very
charismatic and vocal member of my past orientation group, but I
hadnt really looked at first because I figured Andrew is a popular
name, I didnt know all my students last names off the top of my head
and, honestly, Im a bit beyond exhausted at this point. I start thinking
back to these past two days with Andrew in my group and the picnic

where I sat down and chatted with Andrew, his mother, father and little
sister at the picnic just before this debrief. His mother hadnt seemed
nervous, in fact she was cracking jokes at the expense of her husband
and son. And Andrew hadnt seemed at all worried about having to
acclimate to life as a college student, always quick to laugh or make a
joke (the apple doesnt fall far from the tree).
Reflection: Yet, I realize, Im very much the same way when Im worried
or nervous: I put on a happy, Ive-totally-got-this face. Having moved 7
times before I turned 16 means I can slap on a happy, Ive-totally-gotthis face before I even realize Ive done so. I begin recalling Andrew
walking up to the front of the group as we walked between sessions or
asking me as I ushered them into a row of seats what I would
recommend for finding a niche here at Loyola, how close do each floor
of the res hall really get, and what my favorite thing about Loyola is.
And at the picnic his mother asked about academics and if he were to
join a fraternity would there still be anyone available to help him with
his studies; what was my experience with balancing social and
academic life? I was more than happy to talk about my experiences
here at Loyola and share my excitement with Andrew and his family. I
hadnt thought much of the questions or what possible motives for
asking those specific questions could have been, looking back now
though Im realizing that everyone actually does process big life
changes differently. Ive always assumed that Im one of the few who

can mask it well, but I was clearly mistaken. I dont think this
experience will cause me to act drastically differently in similar
situations, but perhaps Ill realize the possible significance of my
answers and make sure I am more intentional and as informative as
possible.