There’s a saying about those who are loyal to their college, and it certainly applies to Kevin Knight.
He bleeds crimson and gray, the colors of his beloved Washington State University.
Knight, a 2011 Camas High School graduate, has spent the summer in Pullman as an orientation counselor, so he can share his excitement about WSU with incoming students.
“I wanted to give back and get new students excited about it,” he said.
Counselors are housed in the dorms during the summer, receive meals and are paid to share their passion about their school.
More than 200 students applied for 30 positions. The selection process was rigorous and included a detailed application, as well as several rounds of interviews and role playing.
Once selected, orientation counselors, or “OCs” for short, were required to complete a semester long class. It outlined everything from the different majors offered at WSU to resources available to students. Then came three weeks of training followed by a test.
“It is just a really good process,” Knight said. “We pride ourselves on it.”
During the 12 orientation sessions he has led so far this summer, his student group ranged from as small as six to as large as 15.
Orientations are three days long, and include attending several workshops, meeting with advisors, signing up for classes, listening to presentations and participating in bonding activities.
It has been a process of reflection for Knight as he experiences orientation as a counselor. He attended as an incoming freshman in 2011.
“It’s been a little weird, but also very interesting,” he said. “The process is similar but there have been some changes, such as students meeting with academic advisors, which I think are very helpful.”
Knight, who is earning a double major in history and communications, will complete his degree in the fall. He hopes to work in product development for a major company, such as Nike. Later in life, he wants to retire, pursue a doctorate, and teach Roman and Greek history at the college level.
“That’s the plan anyway,” he said. “But I know plans can change.”
That’s one point he tries to emphasize with new students during their orientations.
“I tell them to go into college relaxed,” he said. “The university knows what it is doing and students should explore and find out what they want to do. Things change.
“I just want them to make their experience as good as mine was. Get involved at college. Check it out. Don’t just earn a degree, do something that sets you apart.”
