By: Sierra Hall
Any incoming student to AUM has experienced orientation to the university. Whether you are a first time college student, a transfer student or an international student, you’ve experienced the early mornings and long hours of information called orientation. The various parts of orientation are scheduled weeks in advance, with students being the sole focus. From the student organizations at breakout sessions and the Deans of Colleges gathering to speak to new students, the SWOT team is behind it all. The Successful Warhawk Orientation and Transitions team is made up of undergraduate and graduate students ready to serve their incoming peers. Omari Burton, a soon to be graduate, and native of Montgomery – was a member of SWOT for 4 years! Sitting down with him gave me insight into how much work and passion is put into making each orientation not only informational, but memorable.
Although Omari experienced orientation, he never considered SWOT something he wanted to do until one day while browsing student leadership opportunities. “I got involved with the SWOT in 2018, I just decided one day I was going to be involved in something to get out of my room. I saw SWOT as an opportunity to get out of my shell and meet people.” As time went on, Burton found himself growing into a new version of himself – one that was outgoing, filled with leadership skills and more involved in campus life. SWOT forced me to finally become the leader I knew I could be. I have always had certain qualities and traits to lead, but I did not have the confidence and opportunity that I was granted from SWOT. Also, having to step up when the team had no leadership was very beneficial.
SWOT teams focus is to learn about the leadership qualities each team member has by putting them through training – not only to give tours, but to learn their personalities and see how well they can hone in on those skills to have a team that works like a well oiled machine. Looking back on his time, Burton states the bonds he has with the team he worked with are friendships he will hold dear to his heart. “My most fond moment of being on the SWOT team was going to see the movie MA with most of the team. It was meant to be a horror movie, but with our team it was pure quality because we knew how to have fun together.” When questioned if he ever expected SWOT to impact college life he replied, “Absolutely not,” with a chuckle before continuing, “SWOT was my only involvement for years before I finally started joining other things and impacting other things on campus.” For any incoming students Burton encouraged them to express interest in the SWOT as soon as possible, because he wished he had joined sooner. “Just be yourself,SWOT was a huge influence on my personal and professional growth. I have learned so many valuable small and big lessons that will be beneficial to the rest of my life for sure.” For more information on how to join SWOT, email cstraube@aum.edu.