Preview Staff
Serve Vibrantly
What We Are
Selection to the Preview Staff is both a unique honor and rewarding opportunity for personal and professional growth. Staff members fulfill the mission of New Student & Family Programs and the Dean of Students Office through their strong commitment to assisting new students and families in their transition to the University of Florida.
What We Did
Since 1974, Preview Staff members have served as peer advisors, resources, and role models for Preview participants. Through all training opportunities, the Preview Staff is responsible for a specific body of knowledge about the university and must be sincerely interested and skillful in sharing this knowledge with orientation participants.
What i learned
Teamwork
A day at Preview was like an intricate dance. People all had different roles and we relied on each other to be a team that performs. Not only were there lots of details, we also had to act fast whenever there was an unforeseen crisis or a conflict between teammates. Our team learned and practiced Tuckman's stages of group development, which include forming, storming, norming, and performing. With a constant oscillation among the four stages, I learned the art of celebrating our differences and working towards a common goal.
Service
One of the most essential goals of our team was to serve the incoming students and families to help them successfully transition into college life academically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. With a diverse group of students and a tight schedule, it can be hard to tailor to individual needs at times. But it is precisely the individuality and intentionality that make serving other people so rewarding and make them feel valued.
Connection
Preview offered me the opportunity to be surrounded by a group of high achieving student leaders who also genuinely care about each other. The training was tough, and there were times we didn't see eye to eye with each other. That’s how we learned to be part of a diverse team with people who have different strengths and passions. At the end of the day, we all know that we want the best for each other.
Fulfillment
The gratification when I saw my student with a schedule they liked, the joy when I helped a family member with their concerns, the contentment when I saw my team performed well, and the confidence I gained by being a student leader myself. Preview has influenced me in more aspects than I could have imagined.