Change Discards OA’s Valued Role as an Introduction to Princeton

I am so disappointed and discouraged to read this news. Outdoor Action was by far the most worthwhile part of my Princeton orientation. It served as an opportunity for me to build close relationships with peers from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom I might not otherwise have crossed paths with on campus. Thanks to OA, my first Princeton experience was of an environment that encouraged camaraderie, problem solving, mutual respect and responsibility, kindness, humor, and not taking oneself too seriously. I entered campus with a cohort of friends some of whom became close lifelong friends. Becoming an OA leader not only provided me with new leadership skills and even more dear friends, but also provided a meaningful service opportunity to give back to the campus community and connect with future classes. I question whether those who made this decision truly understand the value of the OA student experience, the decades of traditions they are discarding, or the positive impact that OA has had on campus culture. They will be depriving future classes of a wonderful thing.