In the month of June the two have certainly taken on a workload worthy of parents. They lovingly prepared for the arrival of their “children” by buying them craft materials for the boards, doortags and more they would have to complete. They decorated tote bags so the OLs could carry supplies around campus during training. Everything was decorated with each OL’s favorite colors. They made signs welcoming everyone back to campus, along with giant doortags for all OLs. In each room was a sign: “there’s no one alive that is youer than you!” – some inspiration for the OLs every day.

When everyone came back to campus the SOLs offered their help with move in and whatever else was needed. The first night Kris and Katie read Dr Seuss’s “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” to inspire everyone about the summer ahead. They created their own version of Coldstone for everyone on staff, their way of saying they were there to turn everyone’s summer into a delicious experience. This created a bond between all the OL’s right away. It was evident that Kris and Katie were excited to watch everyone grow and take their first steps into the position.

For the next three weeks the SOLs went through the trials of parenting. They facilitated ice breakers in between all the necessary training presentations, discouraging the “kids” from fighting or arguing and brought them together as a group. They planned bonding trips for free time, like seeing “Toy Story 3” or going to Sonic. They continually offered a helping hand with doortags, boards and more. Kris and Katie took the time to get to know all the OLs they were always ready with encouragement and assistance when needed. They ensured that snack time always happened and made cookies and more for the OLs.

In making the OL lip sync the pair spent about nine hours on the five minute song. They took constructive criticism with grace and even recreated the lip sync so that everyone would be happy, in spite of the fact that it took even more time out of their already busy schedule. When individual OLs had issues or the SOLs felt they needed a to talk, Kris and Katie planned a little “play date” so that the OL could have a forum to voice concerns or to just have a friend. When the OLs said they needed to go shopping, the SOLs guaranteed time to go get the needed supplies before session started.

Both Kris and Katie are facilitators for a program that raises awareness about rape. In addition to all their responsibilities as SOLs, the two took the time to go through the training for this and to prepare both content wise and emotionally for everything that would come with this job. Yet they didn’t stop there. They created handmade thank you cards for all of the professional staff and presenters, utilized Out of the Blues and made good luck cards before the first session.

As SOLs Kris and Katie served as “parents” to twelve OLs. They created strong bonds between everyone, encouraging the roots of friendship and feelings of family to thrive. Yet they found the balance between roots and wings, giving all OLs the encouragement and ability to succeed on their own. I am proud to have Kris and Katie as my “parents.”

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