By LYDIA EARHART

Staff Writer

There are signs everywhere. Laminated signs are all around Tech's campus advertising positions to become a 2005 student orientation leader.

Tech is now taking applications until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Sarah Tidwell, a 2004 orientation leader and a junior family and child studies major, said being an orientation leader gave her lots of experiences.

Tidwell said she learned how to teach incoming freshmen what they needed to know about Tech.

"It was cool to learn about Tech, too," Tidwell said.

"I learned some interesting things I didn't know before I became a student orientation leader."

Tidwell said she had some trouble answering questions from incoming freshmen.

"I have learned that no matter how much you know, you will not be able to answer all the questions the incoming freshmen have for you," Tidwell said.

Tidwell said she has learned a lot from her fellow student leaders because they all come from different types of organizations and backgrounds.

"Student leaders who are chosen are picked based on your personality and who you are," Tidwell said.

Tidwell said she thinks Tech is not looking for orientation leaders because of what they are involved in but what they can offer.

"We are looking for no cookie-cutter type that fits a mold of any kind," Vince Miller, director of orientation and special programs, said.

Miller said Tech will hire 16 to 18 new orientation leaders.

"We look for students who are outgoing," Miller said. "We look for students who are comfortable teaching other students basic functions. We have to consider a diverse population."

Miller said he does not look for a student from a certain organization to hire.

"There is no quota," Miller said. "We just look for 16 to 18 of the strongest people. I don't feel like I want to take anyone from Dubach just because they are from Dubach."

Miller said Tech is expecting a smaller incoming freshman class that will cause them to hire only 16 to 18 new student orientation leaders.

Miller said if a student is thinking about being an orientation leader, they should try out.

"From a try-out perspective, don't be discouraged if you don't make it the first time," he said.

Miller said there is no experience required to become an orientation leader.

"It shows when they try out if they have the qualities we need in them," Miller said.

Sarah Williams, a sophomore English major, said she will try out and thinks she has what it takes to be an orientation leader next year.

"Spunk and my sparkling personality are just two of the things that I could bring to the table," Williams said.

"I think this is an opportunity for me to do something fun and new."

To apply for tryouts to be a 2005 student orientation leader, pick up an application in Hale Hall, Room 111.

Applicants can also contact Miller at 257-3036.