Orientation

Today was the official Ivy League Connection orientation, held at Pinole Valley Middle School. Though supposed to begin at 6 on the dot, a couple tardies caused a small delay in the orientation. As we awaited the remaining ILCers, we all received some insight from Mr. Ramsey and Don on the importance of punctuality, and soon enough we were all accounted for and able to continue on with out business. 

Don discussed various things, from what to bring on the trip - our bags can't weigh more than 50 lbs and we should probably leave room in our suitcases for souvenirs - to the general mindset we should be prepared to have on our journeys. The fast-paced nature of the ILC will increase tenfold two weeks from now when the plane actually lands in New York. Times for resting will be few and far between, so we were advised to take it easy and prepare ourselves in the coming weeks. Aside from being physically prepared to do a lot of walking on all those college tours, we must also be mentally prepared to reenter the academic world - more intense in nature and demanding of time.  

Don reiterated the previous issue of punctuality when he discussed the possible consequences of being tardy once class is in session. In fact, at one of the other Ivy League Schools, it's one an expulsion- worthy offense to be late to class, and I'm sure that being on time is of a comparable level of importance at Columbia. 

After we were addressed collectively, the separate cohorts dispersed to hear from our chaperones about the particulars. Ms. L. discussed our itinerary - the first week of our trip is no longer a mystery to us. We now know what days we'll be visiting what schools, and when and where we will be eating our first dinner - one of the oldest steakhouses in the country! We also learned more specifically what we will need to bring and what will already be in the dorm rooms. 

As the orientation came to a close, we all joined together once again to hear some final thoughts from Don and Mr. Ramsey. Two weeks from today, at this moment, I will be in New York City! The countdown truly begins today.