Most of us probably remember how we felt the first time we ventured up the Hill as a Hamilton student — the uncertainty of the journey ahead in the back of our minds and the thought of not having to shower for five days at the forefront. Still, whether you entered with excitement, hesitation, or dread, many of us who completed first-year orientation left with lasting memories and friendships. This year, the Class of 2023 departed for their orientation trips on Wednesday, Aug. 21, and returned Sunday, Aug. 25.
Shap McCoy ’23 was part of an Adirondack Adventure trip called “Grand Traverse,” and says his favorite part was having lunch at the summit of Dix Mountain. He adds that the trip allowed him to bond with his classmates, and says he still keeps in contact with some of them.
Kelly Collins ’21 led an Exploration Adventure trip called “Stay Tuned,” which focused on the radio and music industry. The group toured local radio stations like KISS FM and WCNY and visited Subcat Studios in Syracuse. According to Collins, many in the group had a keen interest in music, so they really enjoyed seeing the various instruments and equipment in the recording studio.
The group also engaged in other fun activities like laser tag, a tour of the Saranac Brewery, and dinner at Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse. They also made sure to spend plenty of time around campus to get the incoming first-years acquainted with the College’s various spaces and their purposes.
While some trips like “Stay Tuned” tend to have a focus on learning, the main goal of all orientation trips is to bond with both fellow first-years and with their upperclass leaders.
Of her experience as a trip leader Collins says: “I loved being a leader and getting to help incoming first years and transfer/exchange students bond with a group of kids who had similar interests.”
Gillian Driscoll ’21 also reports having a positive experience leading her Adirondack Adventure trip “High Peaks,” which she described as a “spicy hiking trip.” Driscoll said highlight of the trip was summiting Mount Skylight, which stands at 4,925 feet in elevation. She adds that she had an extremely positive experience and that her group members formed strong bonds with one another. She explains how both the leaders and the first-years in her trip had great attitudes towards everything they did.
“I really couldn’t have asked for a better trip,” she said.
As the Class of 2023 progresses through this semester and those to follow, they are bound to forge new relationships and connect with a variety of community members. Their orientation trips, however, mark the beginning of their Hamilton careers while simultaneously providing a base of friends to fall back on, making the exciting and anxious first days of college just a little bit easier.
