It's the Little Things That Count...

We all love to go out to eat at fast food spots and restaurants, but that process can get boring, and soon becomes an unexciting part of everyday life. Johnny Rockets is a restaurant that proves to be family friendly, entertaining, and innovative. How does it do this? This restaurant attains its level of success by adding a fun, musical, and interactive aspect to the everyday restaurant experience.

BlueDelicious decided that Johnny Rockets would be a great work site to visit for our assigned excursion. Not only did Johnny Rockets seem like a place that offers a wonderful eating experience, but we believed that it also values and exemplifies some of the attributes and standards  that we as the New Student Orientation team also deem essential.

Before this experience, I have never eaten at Johnny Rockets, but have heard of the great experience that it offers. As soon the waitress approached our table, I knew from her positive persona and smile that I was not eating at any diner, but one that truly values the customer. After ordering, we all received a small bowl with a smile made of ketchup inside of it (as shown to the left). This very small addition to the dining experience can help the customer to feel welcome and also appreciated. This was relevant to me because it confirmed for me that during the summer, I should do everything I can to make the first year students to feel welcome and included in the Rutgers experience.

Not only does Johnny Rockets help the customer to feel welcome, but it energizes them by providing entertainment while they eat. How do they do this? Simple, they choreographed various little "jigs" that are family friendly to add a special touch to your meal. Although we were not able to experience this during our excursion, Johnny Rockets is notorious for its many "jigs." These dances may seem as if they are only a random and wacky way to gain customer approval, however, the implementation of these dances are a display of the great leadership that Johnny Rockets portrays. This restaurant was created to serve a family-friendly crowd, they instill this value into their employees, and their employees, in turn, allow themselves to become the tool that delivers Johnny Rockets' purpose to its customers. As a result, Johnny Rockets becomes an enjoyable experience for the customer and the employee because all understand and a common belief. That is, the dining experience should be entertaining and enjoyable for customers of all ages. This is attained through the use of music and dance.

As discussed in class many times, we as orientation leaders must identify the common goal of NSO and strive to achieve it by all things necessary. Like Johnny Rockets, we should be innovative and effective our quest to achieve our goal. The biggest lesson that I learned from the excursion is that the little things count. Just as the smiley made of ketchup made me feel more welcome, a smile given to a first year student on a bad day can completely change his mindset of Rutgers University.                                                                              

Top 10 at RU

Describing Rutgers as "pretty large" is an understatement. It's huge! With its diverse student population, five campuses and numerous organizations, Rutgers has a lot to offer. It has so many resources that allow students to make their goals and dreams tangible. But what are some of these resources on campus that appear minute, unknown and overlooked but can actually encourage engaging in our huge university? 

Here's my top ten: Photos & Do's & Don'ts included! 

Macs on macs on macs

Always see those Apple promos toward the end of a school year? Buy a new macbook for school & get a gift card/ itouch for free! Tempting right? I felt the same way. Knowing the upcoming work load and being infatuated by Apple products, I thought it would be a good idea to upgrade from my Dell Inspiron circa 2004 to a shiny new macbook. I had put off trying to buy one until I became more familiar with the university only to realize that Rutgers has so many computer labs. Free of charge. 

Located in the BEST residence hall on Busch Campus is a new computer lab open to all students. All the computers are Macs. Each wall of the lab has a flat screen for mini presentations or social media sharing. The computers print to both black and white and colored printers. Almost all of the student centers at Rutgers have their own computer lab. Each of the libraries has many computers also. See for yourself! 

DO use the computer labs and printers. 

DON'T buy a new computer unless it's very necessary. Also don't buy a new printer and ink! Each student gets $30 worth of printing every semester. 

Teach Me 

Thought you never needed tutoring during high school? You were probably right. Thought you won't need tutoring during college? Let's rethink that. Everyone could use a little help or some office hours once in a while. 

Located on College Ave, is the David Lloyd Kreeger Learning Resource Center. With the vast courses Rutgers has to offer, the Learning Centers are there to accommodate your academic needs. Every campus has their own learning center. There are even specialized ones such as the Writing Center. 

DO ask for help once in a while! 

DON'T under or overestimate the learning centers. Come prepared and open minded. 

One of my friends works at Kreeger and she said a student came in with his calc text book. He asked her to reteach him everything from that semester so that he could take his exam later that day. Not sure how his exam turned out but the Learning Centers are there for you!  

I got 99 cents... But that's it.

Always see those 99 cents coffees or 99 cents value menus? But in reality, your small coffee is actually $1.05 because of tax. That 7% of your work-study earned money is valuable. Save it! 

All food vendors on campus will not charge you sales tax on your meal. Places such as Au Bon Pain, Wendy's, Subway, Gerlanda's, The Rock Cafe and Dunkin Donuts can be found at one of the five different campuses and are tax free. College definitely teaches us the value of money and little perks like not being charged tax can make a difference on our wallets. 

DO treat yourself to those 99 cents five piece chicken nuggets because they will only be 99 cents. 

DON'T skip meals or neglect healthy eating habits. 

Artsy 

One of my favorite things about Rutgers is the different libraries found on campus. Each library has a completely different vibe to offer. In one library, you'll find a cafe, the best view of campus and nap-worthy couches. In another library, you'll find great rooms for group study sessions or dead silent individual study rooms. In all libraries, you'll find books upon books upon books and a welcoming atmosphere. 

At the Mabel Smith Douglass Library on Douglass Campus, is an art gallery free for all students to see. The exhibits change over time, so be sure to check them out before committing to a three hour bio study session when entering the library. 

DO explore all the libraries on campus at least once. 

DON'T forget to study afterwards. 

To the Ball Game 

Always supported your high school's team? Never had the chance to? Whichever question is applicable to you does not matter. New school, new support! 

Rutgers is a Division I school and the founder of college football. So why not come out and support our Scarlet Knights! Tickets for football and basketball games are free for students. More info can be found here. Most of our games are televised but ESPN can't even capture the overwhelming school spirit and RU RAH RAH chant like being in the stands can. 

DO pick up your free tickets, score a free shirt and attend a game.  

DON'T hesitate because you aren't familiar with a certain sport. Chances are the people around you love sports and people who love sports love to talk about them as well. 

The Sound of  Music 

Do you and your friends reminisce about playing the piano or having jam sessions back home? Do you simply enjoy the sound of a piano being played? Upgrade from the keyboard underneath your bed at your dorm and play a baby grand on campus. 

In every student center is a piano, free for all students to use. Usually the pianos will be locked, so all you have to do is ask the info desk for a key. Please play the piano or tell your friends. I personally love studying to the sound of it and I'm sure many students feel the same way. 

DO show off your musical talent. 

DON'T let those piano lessons from since you were in first grade go to waste! 

First Year Fresh 

You need to pick classes for your second semester but there isn't any APA day to help you out. Here's how Rutgers can help: 

Found at the Busch Campus center, Room 172, is the SAS Office of Academic Services. The Deans are great for working out scheduling problems, adding/dropping courses, recommending new courses and advice on careers and co-op programs. Outside room 172 is this huge bulletin board filled with websites, phone numbers, tips, new courses and potential programs to get involved with. Check it out for answers to any question you may have or for any ideas on what to ask at your next appointment. The office doesn't accept drop in appointments so be sure to call 732-445-0163 or stop in from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm to schedule an appointment. Not a student at SAS? The Deans will gladly refer you to the appropriate office. Check out their blog here! 

DO consultant a dean regarding any course-related or academic questions. A second opinion never hurts! Neither does a third opinion. 

DON'T call a week before it's your time to register for classes. Plan to meet with a dean in advance. 

I called a week before I was able to register for classes but the only appointment available was two weeks after. However, they were still helpful!

From Behind the Yellow Line 

Never really took public transportation before attending Rutgers? I was the same way. Although the bus system sounds like it has the difficulty of a 4-credit course, it really doesn't. 

Each bus has an electronic screen notifying any bystander or passenger of the bus's origin and destination. While on the bus, a voice clearly announces what stop the bus is currently at and what the next intended stop is. At each bus stop is a black, rectangular screen that shows every bus arriving at that stop and their approximate arrival time. They're pretty accurate too! For smart phone users, the Rutgers bus system can be found in apps such as NextBus or Smart Ride. (I personally prefer Smart Ride.) These apps not only show you the arrival times for the buses at the current stop you are at but also arrival times for other buses on different campuses. 

DO be aware of the electronic screens both on the bus and at the bus stop. 

DON'T be afraid to get lost or get on the wrong bus. 

Read All About It 

Want to know what issues are currently affecting your peers or whose album is under every student's "Recently Played" playlist? Pick up one of the university's publications. 

Found in every student center, library, major classroom building and some bus stops are the university's publications free for students to take. Get informed about trends, news, events and even comics from newspapers such as The Daily Targum or the Rutgers Review. Reading the paper once in a while keeps students up to date on new programs on campus, free giveaways, events, opinions, important people and new music. 

DO stay informed about what is going on at Rutgers. 

DON'T liter. 

The Circle of Livingston

Love sitting on steps with your friends, just chilling? Often rethink that love because of the reality that many people walk up and down those same steps? As the weather gets warmer, take a seat outside. 

Behind the Livingston Student Center are concrete steps that outline a circle. They're great for hanging out with friends in between classes, eating out for lunch or reading that one Expos passage you kept falling asleep to the night before. Inscribed with sidewalk chalk in the circle will usually be advertisements of the Livingston Theatre Company's upcoming show or any event that might interest you. The steps come with good people, good info and good scenery. It's too good to pass up. 

DO enjoy our school's atmosphere by taking a seat. 

DON'T forget to tell your friends you're all meeting up here later.

As a first year, this is my list of the things at Rutgers that continue to make my experience here worthwhile. I still tell fellow first years about some of the things that they weren't aware of and they tell me their tips and tricks as well! I think we all feel more a part of our university when we can share things or places we have found within Rutgers that a brochure can't effectively convey; but students and OLs can! 

Not Your Average Diner

What would you say if I told you to be a waiter or waitress you had to go through an audition process?

Well that is what the servers at Ellen's Stardust Diner in the city have to go through before they are allowed to hit the stage and sing to hundreds of hungry New Yorkers and tourists every day.

Before I go into how a wonderful life lesson from a singing waiter over quesadillas I'll let you see the man himself in action... well kind of.

This was my color teams waiter Sean, or SDJ for short.  He's a photographer with a background in musical theater who has been working at Stardust for years on and off.

Sean's Top Three Points (and how they relate to NSO)

1. Being on, even a a bad day 

One thing Sean really talked about a lot when he was serving our table was the fact that although his job was hard and sometimes very taxing on his voice he was very grateful that he has had the experience and the opportunity to have it.

He spoke about how it was almost impossible to actually have a bad day on the job because literally at least once every hour it is required for you to get up and sing the song of your choice.  At least once every hour you are the complete center of attention and knowing that allows for him to push through days were he may not be feeling the best emotionally and/or physically.

This is something that translate almost directly to NSO, excluding the fact that Sean is a singing waiter and we are orientation leaders.  As soon a we put on those polos and step into the spotlight we are not really allowed to have a bad day because the first years experience at orientation is very dependent on us as orientation leaders.  Also just like Sean is grateful to have a job that allows him to do something that he loves on days that he may no love, we should be grateful as well because being the center of attention on a bad day might be all that is needed to force someone out of a bad day.

2. A smile is contagious

Sean also mentioned that empowerment is something that he is interested in and mentioned a study on smiles that he was reading.  In the study he mentioned that people who worked in mental institutes would just smile and each and everyday the smiles would carry.

A smile is something that can brighten a persons day and a smile is also free.  Smiles are something that we as an orientation staff need to throw out a lot more freely in the summer just to remind everyone staff and student that there is someone out there for them.

3. Work hard

Although many of Sean's coworkers have been recently placed into broadway shows all over the city Sean made it very clear that although Stardust is very well know it will not get you the job that you want.  It will give you the opportunity to practice singing and gain skills, but no one is truly "discovered" in the diner.  The servers that want to get anywhere need to take initiative and go out look and apply to the jobs that they want, not expect them to be handed over just because they have this amazing job that allows for growth and experience.

I think that is something that is very relevant to NSO and life after NSO.  It is very important that over the school year and especially the summer.  Being an orientation leader, or program coordinator or orientation team leader are all wonderful experiences and it is easy to allow them to just happen to you. It is very important to take initiative and say that you are going to make the absolute best out of this summer and learn everything that you possibly can to allow for this to be a memorable experience.

I'm not gonna lie.  At first Stardust just seemed like a fun place to go that does things a lot different that your average diner but I go so much more out of the experience than I ever expected.  Maybe it was just because my team was lucky enough to be sat in Sean's section or maybe it's because everyone feels similarly to Sean but I'm not going to question it.

I'm just going to grateful that I met a great guy who taught me a thing or two about his job that could be transferred to my own.

The OL RA Connection

Being an Orientation Leader isn't solely about methodically acclimating students into Rutgers.  In order for that to be done, natural human connections have to be made. This interview may shed some light on the dynamics between an OL and their first year student group members. It seems like the only big problem students have is with the lack of amenities at orientation. I foresee a bulldozer taking care of the issues students have with the towers on Livingston somewhere in the near future.


But how do our responsibilities as an OL relate to those of an RA. This is a position I will be holding next semester, so I decided to get to the crux of what it means to be a great RA. I couldn't think of a better way of doing that by conducting an interview one of the most gregarious RAs Rutgers has to offer in Kieran Webster.

So who is this well dressed guy?

He is currently a senior who double majors in HR Management and Economics. This basically means that he'll be your boss one day. His resume is as well put together as his wardrobe. He's done lab research, worked as a TA, and has management experience in retail. Don't let the stoic face and high powered accomplishments fool you; Kieran is most distinguishable in Quad III on Livingston Campus by his open door and welcoming smile that greets every resident that walks through his door.

So let's get to know Kieran the RA:

Me: What kind of first year students do you deal with?

Kieran: I would have to say they vary vastly. I have encounters with the extremely ambitious ones like [residents] Greg and Kayvon; I have encountered the ones who want to just party and get wasted, and the ones who are bored with the educational system like Nate and Greg H. They all have different needs. The ambitious ones need a balance between their student life and social life and then the ones like Nate need to be constantly challenged and given new opportunities to explore new clubs, organizations, and different campus activities.

Me: Are the needs different between transfers and freshmen, specifically speaking?

Kieran: I would say that overall, the needs are pretty similar. They are both coming into a new environment with no instructions. Just fit in where you fit in, so they all need to be socialized into their new environments. But the differences lie in the fact that transfers are usually more mature and have had some college experience so they somewhat understand what is expected of the, but freshmen have no clue and can sometimes go through a more severe form of culture shock than the transfers.


Me: How did your experiences as a first year student affect your approach as an RA?


Kieran: It allowed me to have somewhat of an insight into the needs and wants of other first years. For example, I realized the most critical thing is opening students up to the point where they're willing to meet other people and respect the diversity in perspectives. It's hard to make friends as a freshman or transfer because most people are already surrounded by the peers they feel comfortable with and it's hard to get them out of their comfort zone. So as an RA I wanted to get my first year students to at least form friendships with people within the house and then this would give them the confidence to go out and meet other people


Me: What is the most rewarding part about helping first year students?


Kieran: They respect you and really allow you to feel like your job is meaningful. They come to me for help 24/7 and it makes me feel good that I can give back and help others who are in the same position I was once in. Also, they respect you so much that they become your allies and help you in making sure everyone respects the rules. Overall, having first years is what makes the job worthwhile, because they know the ropes already.


Thank you, Kieran, for those bars of gold! We'll be sure to carry them with us.


Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants are to Rutgers what bees are to flowers. It would be difficult to imagine the blossoming of new students without their hard work. Diversity at Rutgers University comes in many different forms. OLs and RAs need to understand the dynamics of the student body here. Both OLs and RAs must take into account the various difficulties students may face and find solutions. Their perception of this school depends on it. This summer we will in different ways be mini RAs. If we can bring any of the advice from this interview into NSO, it would facilitate the jobs of the RAs who must continue to introduce first years into the environment we endeavor to prepare them for. Remember, if they're happy, my job as an RA this fall we be that much more manageable. So let's work hard to make my job easy, guys!

Customers of NSO

It interesting to think that new students coming to Rutgers are in fact our customers.  They attend orientation, see the university for the first time and what do they get used to first; the New Student Orientation staff!  We as a staff should come together and work as a team to give our students; our customers the best experience that we can give them during their two-day orientation.  It is our job to make students feel comfortable and treat them as our friends rather than just people coming into the university.  The best way to show this…going to Tastee Sub for a NSO excursion!

Using our awesome tracking skills, the Gold team found the way to Tastee Sub in Edison, New Jersey.  Upon entering, we were greeted by the workers behind the counter as they made sandwiches for their customers.  Already, it seemed like a comfortable and nice environment to have some lunch.  When the owner came out, he politely shook our hands and allowed us to have a discussion at two tables.  At first, it interested me to see that such a tiny shop could make such a large profit.  The shop did not have flashy signs outside promoting it nor were there flyers of any sort posted anywhere about the shop.  With many questions crossing my mind, we began to discuss the success and story behind Tastee Sub.

How do the workers at Tastee Sub communicate with one another to continuously make sandwiches in a swift and smooth manner? Many of us wondered how the system worked.  To our surprise, the owner said, “through the sandwich.”  Communication through food? Listening to this seemed bizarre.  How do people communicate using food?  Through observations, it was clear that the sandwiches were the tools being used in this theory of communication.  Each person worked as a different part of this sandwich “conveyor belt.”  As the sandwich would move along, it would be communicated that another part had to be completed before the sandwich was ultimately complete and given to the customer.  This might be confusing in terms of how we can apply this to orientation.  But looking at it in a more literal perspective, we can communicate with the students through food.  During lunch, we get to know our group of students more and we talk about anything we want.  I feel that lunch is the time to get to know your students and to let them know that you are their friend.

The next question that came up was about the attitudes of the workers.  How did the attitudes of the workers at Tastee Sub demonstrate how workers should act?  When any customer entered the shop, they were kindly greeted with a "hello, how are you?"  Even the owner of the shop knew the names of specific people!  It was as if they were more so friends than just a customer coming into a shop to help the profit of the owner.  Every customer was treated with the same respect from every worker.  This concept should definitely be applied to New Student Orientation because I feel that students will feel that respect and return it.  New Student Orientation is like a small business; it has become popular and has a reputation because of the way its students (customers) have been treated.  The attitudes of the NSO staff impact the way students see the university as well as the people who attend the university.  A positive result has been that NSO continues to grow just like the reputation for Tastee Sub continues to grow.

  

Although the shop may just seem like a place to go get subs, the owner talked about how the purpose of it was for the customers.  He enjoys when customers come in with an empty stomach and leave with a full one.  Likewise, the purpose of NSO is for the students.  It is for the incoming students to become acquainted with the university before they start their first semester.  In both situations, the two business are different, but in fact have the same purpose; make customers/students happy!

 

The Wonderful World of the Wise!

What do you what to be when you grow up? What did you want to be when you were four? Eight? Thirteen? Sixteen? Or a freshman in college? Do you have an answer? 

If you haven’t got a clue, I found the answer for you! It all begins with a little something I like to call the wonderful world of the wise! 

Rutgers University’s Career Services provides the resources choosing your major, resume writing, future planning, networking, career guidance and more! It’s free, easy, and fun to use because it’s right on campus and available for everyone to take advantage of!

 Coming into such a large university like Rutgers can be such an overwhelming and challenging experience for most new first year students! But the key to success and overcoming these struggles is strictly in the power of your own hands! Yeah you might challenge me and say there’s over 300 student organizations, over 100 programs and events, over 80 fraternities and sororities, and you don’t know where to find anything. But, that is one of the greatest things RUTGERS UNIVERSITY has to offer. If you are looking for something in particular like a past hobby, an extracurricular, or a sport there’s a 99.8% chance that you can find what you want! But, there’s something evener cooler about this and that is if we don’t have it, then you can simple CREATE it! Everything is at your fingertips waiting for you to dive deep and fully submerge into the greatness! Now that is what screams Rutgers Pride! RU Rah Rah!

Speaking of Rutgers Pride, nothing makes that heart bleed scarlet and beat loud if it wasn’t for the main reason that is rooted in the history of this school! Rutgers University has the mission of instruction, research, and service! With that said let’s reserve back into that Wonderful World of the Wise! Speaking of reserving back , a terrific Thursday, kicked off with a unique program from Rutgers very own Career Services called 

The Reverse Career Fair:

 Where Employers and Students Leaders Connect

This unique opportunity allowed student leaders and organizations showcase all their talents with a home advantaged! This amazing event allowed me to engage in a career fair where the tables were flipped! Instead of me anxiously walking around nervously going up to employers and “sell myself”, I was able to hold down the fort at a table and have employers come to me. As the University Relations Coordinator for Student Volunteer Council, I manned our table proudly awaiting and ready to speak to employers about my organization and contributions to Rutgers. Throughout this magnificent event I able to identify, gain, and put to action some KEY SUCCESS TIPS from the Wonderful World of the Wise!

Most important lesson to take away: it is never too early to begin NETWORKING! If you’re a first year student that just rings opportunity because you get more time to learn and grow from the experience! Recruiters appreciate your interest and can love the fact that you are starting to plan for the future early! This is your chance to build your LEADERSHIP and practice that elevator pitch that everyone always talks about! Don’t be afraid to get out there and start talking! Did I forget to mention that Career Services (The Wonderful World of the Wise) also provided the students that were attending the session a beforehand training? Here, we had the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect! We discussed some things like what we should wear, things that are appropriate, and the importance of small talk! Now you see the wise definitely think of everything! 

That’s why they are the BEST RESOURCE to use when you’re a first year student! (And boy oh boy do they help 3x more when you get to be my aged and looking for jobs, phew!) 

Start early and get ahead!

Attending this event as further added and made my experience here at Rutgers much more comfortable! Getting involved has made this BIG university were you sometimes can feel like just another number, such a small close knit community to my heart. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! Just start stepping and start your trail…. 

Confessions of a Professional Student: The Story of Van Wilder

Despite its outwardly hilarious appearance, National Lampoon’s: Van Wilder presents many important themes and issues pertaining to the college experience.  The overarching theme of the film initially seems to stem from problems with financial aid because Van’s father has decided that after seven years of college, he no longer wants to pay his son’s tuition.  However, as the story progresses, we find that Van’s problems go much deeper than money.  Issues of financial aid are one of the many that are presented in this film, including leaving home, struggles with independence, hazing, and sexual anxieties.

In the opening of the movie, we are introduced to a character who is standing on top of a campus building, about to commit suicide.  The pressure of school has finally gotten to him and besides, he “didn’t even want to go here in the first place!”  Van has a very stern conversation with the “jumper,” who he affectionately calls “Timmy” (although that is not his real name), and Timmy ends up jumping off the building onto a trampoline held by the rescue squad.  This issue of suicide also seems to stem from the pressures of being a first year student on a college campus.  Considering the conversation between Van and Timmy: academics, social anxieties, and the rigors of living on campus made life seem not worth living for this character.  Although this entire scene is presented in a comical sense, this issue is very real for many students on campus and it is important to recognize that.

There is also a strong Greek Life presence in the film which comes with its own set of themes and struggles for the college student.  We find examples of hazing, drinking, and drug use.  There is also many sexual anxieties that the students seem to suffer from.  The desire to be in relationships, or avoid them, is an issue that almost every student goes through in their time at college.  When you’re living on campus and spending time with people on a regular basis, opportunities for relationships abound.  It’s important to recognize these issues and to seek out resources that can help overcome the anxieties that accompany sex and relationships.

Eventually, Van meets a girl named Gwen who writes for the campus newspaper.  She’s been assigned to do a story on him because the Editor is interested in why Van has been in school for so long.  After their meeting, a series of events takes place that leads Van to realize that he may actually be afraid to graduate and move on to the real world.  I think this is a theme that many college students can relate to, including myself.  When I first graduated from college, I thought I was ready to run out into the world and face it all on my own, but that was NOT the case at all.  I may have completed a degree, but I hadn’t figured out who I was or where I was going so I went back to school.  In Van’s case, he just stuck around for another three years until he realized it was time to move on.  Taking the time to network and build personal relationships with professors and advisors can be a huge help with this issue.  In the film, we see that Van knows everyone there is to know on campus, but it takes a collaboration of efforts to help a person graduate and networking cannot be your only skill.

Over all, I think National Lampoon’s: Van Wilder is a lighthearted and fantastic example of many issues that college students face and I recommend it to anyone who could use a good laugh, and some good advice for college life.

REVENGE OF THE OL’S!

Gilbert (left) and Louis (right) hugged by the Pi Deltas
 and conquering the Alpha Betas

We all know that when one starts out their college adventure there are many struggles and experiences you could faced with, and this is no different for the characters of Gilbert Skolnick and Louis Lowell in Revenge of the Nerds.

Gilbert and Louis are two incoming first years at Atom’s University where they’re hoping for the adventure of a life time. Straight out of the first scene Gilbert is found hiding under the covers of his bed. It's the day that he and his best friend Louis will be moving into Adams University, and he's more than nervous. He tries to hide his nervousness from his mother saying:

"I'm just worried about you. I don't want to leave you alone."

Analyzing this scene from the Orientation Leader's Point of View, this nervousness is something we have to keep in mind when meeting students. Attending Rutgers will be the first time they really get to experience being on their own, in a sense. No matter how tough, or relieved to be from home, or excited they may seem it's a scary situation for everyone, in one way or another. As OL's we can be a source of support for them, and even gain their trust and cooperation in orientation activities. Our goal wouldn't be to "baby" them, or "walk them through their orientation", but to empower them that they are growing as individuals, and that their experience in orientation and at Rutgers can be whatever they imagine it to be. 

Revenge of the Nerds is a a heart-warming, and hilarious story of these two, and I quote-on-quote "nerds", and their encounters with the trials and tribulations that come with being new college students. There are horrible math puns, weird "nerd" laughing, and cute jokes such as ARV (average restroom visits) all throughout the movie. It really embeds some of the experiences we can expect our future Rutgers students to encounter. 

Such as, peer pressure and wanting to fit in on campus. In Revenge of the Nerds, fraternity and sorority life is a big deal, and when Gilbert and Louis try to rush they are ridiculed and humiliated many times over by the university's hot-shots: Alpha Beta Alpha (the jocks) and Pi Delta Pi (the cheerleaders).

Pi Deltas 

 As Orientation Leaders it is also part of our job to make sure that every student feels equality, security, and welcome to Rutgers University. The college experience for students who are bullied, humiliated, and teased can really be turned around for the worse if such issues aren't handled immediately. We all know what it feels like to want to fit in, and maybe just maybe if Gilbert and Louis had someone like and OL, then maybe they too could have become empowered to fight against such bullies much sooner. 

Another theme I find very important in this movie, is the theme of diversity. One that we can easily relate to Rutgers. Gilbert and Louis eventually decide to form their own fraternity (Lamba Lamba Lamba or Tri-Lamba) with other students that have been labeled as "school rejects"by the Alpha Betas and the Pi Deltas. What's great about the Tri-Lamba's is how diverse and talented this group is. Aside from Louis and Gilbert being computer geniuses there's:

Arnold Poindexter: the clean-o-phobe violinist

Harold Wormser: tween-age boy aerodynamics genius

Toshiro Takeshi: the kind and some-what naive Japanese international student 

Lamar Latrell: athletics, gay, and stylish 

Dudley "Booger" Dawson: the bad-boy rock star

Through these boys, I was reminded how diverse Rutgers is, and as cliche as it sounds, to "Not judge a book by it's cover". As Orientation Leaders we need to remember this, and help others remember everyone has something to contribute, and everyone has a talent may not have been expected. The discovery of these secret talents is what can bring us together. It most certainly did for the Tri-Lamba boys, and because of this togetherness they were able to win the Atoms University Homecoming Olympics and elect Gilbert as Greek Life Council President, which ended the evil tyranny of the Alpha Beta's and Pi Delta's. It's easy to look at a person and fit them into some sort of stereotype that society has portrayed for us. However, student leaders look beyond those stereotypes and find the special things that lie inside each of us, just like Gilbert and Louis did. 

So in the end Gilbert and Louis get the girls of their dreams, become brothers in a fraternity, use their skills and talents to become the Homecoming Olympic champions, win the respect of their peers, and achieve the ultimate college experience we all dream of. 

At the end Louis and Gilbert says:

"They trashed our house! (in reference to the Alpha Beta's.) Why?! Cuz we're smart? Cuz we look different? Well we're not. I'm a nerd and I'm pretty proud of it!" And then their peers and alumni surround them as they all cheer, "nerds. Nerds. Nerds! NERDS! NEEEERDS!" into the air. 

  

  
It's this lesson of self-acceptability that we as OL's could hope to help another student achieve. 

Wegmans? Not only a supermarket- but a family!

Wegmans supermarkets are more than the traditional supermarkets. Ranked at #4 on Forbes Best 100 Companies to work for, the Wegmans empire is a privately owned family business that is continuing to open stores across the eastern United States and has been opening an average of four stores per year throughout the economic difficulties. Why is it that this privately owned supermarket is doing so well, and why is it that everyone wants to work there? Pretty simple. Its the people they hire and the values that they all follow. Wegmans adhere’s to their core values of: caring, high standards, making a difference, respect, and empowerment. Manager Kevin Lang of the King of Prussia Wegmans discusses working at Wegmans: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR4XqttFaTs&list=PL07AF7F56997EA21F&index=11&feature=plpp_video

Why can’t every supermarket be just like Wegmans?! If you haven’t visited a Wegmans yet, I suggest you do!

For our excursion, Team Rhymes with Orange visited the Wegmans supermarket in Woodbridge and was led around by one of the employees, Karen. We learned that Wegmans is extremely dedicated to their customers and show it in many ways. Did you know that Wegmans is licensed to sell cigarettes but chooses not to because it goes against their values? That alone shows dedication and the upmost respect for their customers because rather than making extra money through selling cigarettes, they want to promote health and wellness to their customers and practice what they preach. And did you know Wegmans employees place fruits one by one in the baskets in order to prevent them from going bad as quickly even though they know their customers might end up tossing the fruit in the cart anyways? 

At Wegmans, everyone wants to make sure that their customers are safe and healthy. Karen told Team Rhymes with Orange that if there is a spill on the floor, it is the job of every employee, regardless of their position, to clean up the spill or pick up the banana peel in order to ensure the safety of their customers and co-workers. 

At Wegmans, they use cross-training, they hire from within, and everyone’s name tag is the same. The manager’s name tag looks exactly like the name tag of the cashier or of the produce employee. In order to make their employees happy, they are caring, respect them and want to empower them. That last sentence sounded just like NSO, did it not? 

“In order to make their employees happy, they are caring, respect them and want to empower them.”

Wegmans truly believes that as long as the Wegmans employees are happy, then the customers are happy too. The customers enjoy shopping at Wegmans for that reason- the employees. The employees not only help them with their shopping needs, but simply enjoy interacting with their customers and starting up a conversation.

Their attitudes are contagious and their passion and drive for their work is evident when you see the smiles on their faces. 

Karen informed us that Wegmans is very flexible with employee hours and spoke about the “Helping Hands” program in which the employee’s children could participate in. As long as the child is fourteen years of age, he or she can go to work with their parent(s) and work with them. 

At NSO, we don’t promote the idea of hierarchy just as Wegmans stays away from, and we also stick to our values just as Wegmans does. There are many similarities between NSO and this privately owned business. Such as the idea that we are family. Numerous people have referred to the term “NSO family” and Wegmans has their own “Wegmans family”. 

The customers have this trust with Wegmans and know that each and every time they step into the store that they will have a great experience, and knows that the quality of their products and service is one that they cant trust. As orientation leaders, we should always make sure that we can have an environment in which we can have our students trust us, and have trust amongst each other. By adhering to our core values as Wegmans does, we are sure to have a very successful year!