Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Orientation Leaders (OLs) are current college students charged with helping to facilitate the college transition process for new students.This role has the potential to affect OLs, particularly as it relates to how they self-author.The purpose of this study was to explore the ways that serving as an OL affects self-authorship development and in particular, what aspects of the experience serve as a catalyst for self-authorship.This qualitative study investigated the experiences of four selected OLs working at the same institution during the same period of time.Data was collected from three sources, including individual interviews, field observations, and training course journals.The data were analyzed using a constant comparative process resulting in seven themes being identified.These themes included: understanding and respect for diversity, leadership and decision making, interdependence of the OLs, personal development and growth, training becomes real, community among the OLs, and purposeful experiences.Findings of the study indicated that being an OL affected development toward selfauthorship and that being an OL served as a catalyst for self-authorship development.Although the effect of being an OL varied among participants, all participants indicated that being an OL helped propel them toward being better able to self-author.Study findings offer implications that may be useful to other higher education institutions.DEDICATION This study is dedicated to my mom, Gail Tankersley, who has never faltered in her love and support for me in all of my educational and life adventures and who continues to serve as a daily inspiration to me.This study is also dedicated to my grandparents, Thomas and Ruth Nist.To my grandfather who, prior to his death, consistently encouraged me to pursue an education and always made me laugh when he would fall asleep sitting in his chair and then tell me he was only "resting his eyes".To my grandmother, who continues to brighten my days and reminds me that we are on earth to serve others before ourselves.Now that your coffee is gone, we can go to the park.Additionally, this study is dedicated to the Orientation Leaders I have had the privilege to work with, in particular, the Orientation Leaders who were part of this study.Your thoughts and actions inspired me to keep going to tell your story.Finally, this study is dedicated to the gentlemen of the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Gamma Delta.Daily you remind me why I decided to pursue a career where I have an opportunity to work closely with students.Always remember the words of Brother Cal and continue to "Press On".
Author: Christopher James Tankersley
Institution: University of Akron
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2518948868