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A Meditation on Orientation (Or, How Much Work Does It Take To Have Fun?) By CLARA JACKSON
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The weather was perfect for this year's Circle Line cruise. Everyone on the boat, including the author (center, in white), enjoyed great views of the New York skyline and the great company of their Juilliard cohorts. (Photo by Kenneth Karpel)
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The summer of 2002 was a wonderful time for me. I had just graduated with a master's degree from New York University and had the entire summer to relax—to enjoy Central Park and the city, free from school or work. Toward the end of summer, I was offered the position of assistant director of student affairs at Juilliard. The carefree days of summer were instantly behind me. I began working at Juilliard about a week before orientation commenced. This proved to be quite interesting, since it was my job to orient the new students to Juilliard. Two hundred new students were looking to me to help them adjust to the School. They expected me to know about Juilliard, and have all of the answers they were looking for.
Of course, I didn't have all of the answers. While orienting the new students, I was orienting myself. I had lots of help from my co-workers, and a talented group of orientation leaders and Residence Life staff members. I wouldn't have changed that experience at all. Having to learn about Juilliard, while at the same time serving as the "expert," helped me to understand a little better what the new students feel when they get here. I felt all of the excitement, uncertainty—and, yes, fear—that many of the new students also felt. By the time orientation 2003 rolled around, I had obviously learned a lot more about Juilliard and was ready to tackle it.
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The enthusiasm of the
orientation leaders was so over-the-top that I couldn’t help but be excited and a little giddy about starting at Juilliard. At first, we all felt hopelessly awkward trying to meet people—but really, I met some great friends, and I’m starting to feel like I’m part of a great community.
—Joel Ayau, first-year master’s student, collaborative piano
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Orientation is my favorite time of year. While it is by far the busiest and most challenging time for me, it is absolutely one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences I have at Juilliard. Seeing the excitement on the new students' faces always gives me a little thrill. I can't wait for move-in day, when I finally get to put faces to all of the names I have been seeing. Some students get out of their cars with looks of trepidation; others jump out ready to take over Juilliard. But almost all of them start to smile when they are greeted by a group of enthusiastic orientation leaders jumping up and down and welcoming them to their new home. As the students arrive, I look forward to getting to know them, learning what they do, and wondering who they will become during their time at Juilliard.
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I liked how so many activities were optional; we were given time to explore N.Y.C., adjust to this new environment, and feel out the School and its community at a comfortable pace. Making many activities optional gave students liberty to choose what interested them, as opposed to making all activities mandatory. Thanks!
—Monica Raymund, first-year student, drama
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I am often asked why I do the work I do, or what I enjoy most about it. This year's orientation offers me the best example yet to answer that question. The orientation leaders and I worked night and day to make it successful. (You wouldn't believe how much hard work goes into making fun!) Nothing that happened during orientation could have happened without the assistance of the 21 orientation leaders and the entire Residence Life staff. Each one of them played an integral role in all of the planning and implementation of these two weeks. And we got tired. Exhausted. And when you get tired and exhausted, occasionally the thought pops into your head: Why am I doing this? I just wanna go to bed!
But then, there is that moment—the one that makes you realize what a gift it is to do work you really love. That moment for me this year occurred in the most unlikely of places: karaoke. That's right, karaoke. Juilliard World Idol, to be exact. The event was going well and getting ready to wind down. Then the host called up one of the shyest and quietest members of my staff. I couldn't believe she was going to sing. This orientation leader was already a wonderful leader. But she was very quiet, doing her work with little fanfare or fuss. Earlier in the week, she had shared with me that it had taken everything she had, just to say her name out loud on the stage during the president's welcome.
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The Circle Line cruise was the best orientation event. The breathtaking view with the array of lights and buildings proved to be truly spectacular. I enjoyed capturing Lady Liberty in the sunset on my camera. The full moon created a releasing atmosphere and marked the rise of a new beginning. A combination of the water’s soothing sounds and the city’s nonstop drone awakened a desire deep within to appreciate those moments while we can.
—Salima Barday, first-year student, double bass
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Now she was standing in front of a room of strangers, preparing to sing karaoke. The music started and her quiet voice began to fill the room. You could see that she was nervous but determined. As she continued to sing, her fellow orientation leaders joined her on the stage. They all held hands behind her and chimed in at the chorus. When she finished, they gave her a standing ovation. There was something about that moment that touched me deeply. I think it was knowing that she had taken a huge risk for herself. She was willing to do something she might never ordinarily do. It was also the staff behind her, giving her all of their love and support. It was a gift.
And that is what I love about orientation and about my job. Every new student I get to talk to, every student who takes that tiny step out from what they know into the unknown, is a gift. I get to see students take those first steps toward becoming who they will be someday. No one has a better job than me. So, for all of the new students and all of the returning students, thank you. It is my hope that I am able to teach each student a little—but I know for sure that I learn something about myself from every interaction I have with the students at Juilliard. Thank you for giving me such an amazing gift.
Clara Jackson is the assistant director of student affairs.
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