Each year there is a time where Southern Utah University (SUU) brings all the incoming classmen

together in a four-day event called Thunder U. This last Thunder U in the Summer of 2017, SUU

hosted over 1800 students. In order to help each student feel welcomed and engaged during

the orientation, the university obtained over 150 volunteers called team captains to take a small

group of students. Each group was organized into specific interests that the students had in

common. I had the privilege of being the team captain for the Ultimate Frisbee and Disc Golf

interest group. During the four days we had activities and events going on throughout each day.

I was able to talk and hang out with my group, which we called the Olympians, for each activity

and event.

            The purpose of the interest group was to get each student to make a connection with

SUU so that they could feel more at home during their time studying at the university. Each day

we were able to get to know a little more about one another and began to warm up to one

another. Soon we were able to talk with one another without having to force the conversation.

My goal was to see each student make a friend, whether in or out of the group, that they could

have during their first year of school if not for the rest of their life. I was hoping to see each one

make a connection to the school that has been so good for me so that they could feel how great

this school in helping them get where they want to go.

            One of the greatest moments I had during Thunder U was when we met up with the Dean

of Students Jason Ramirez and career counselor Brian Armstrong and went disc golfing. The two SUU staff, Ramirez and Armstrong, are experienced disc golfers and gave us pointers on what type of disc to use and how to throw the disc to get the greatest distance. It was fun to see everyone in my group, including me, struggle at first and then succeed in through the disc with the correct, or close to, technique. I will cherish that day for a long time.

            Thunder U was an experienced that helped me see how being a genuine friend is a type of leader. We all need a friend that we can follow and one that we can trust to follow us depending on the circumstance. I will take the lessons of leadership, friendship and patience with me for the rest of my life. I am glad to have the opportunity to have been a team captain for SUU’s orientation and I am grateful for the friendships made.