Queen's Computing Orientation
25 Union Street, Goodwin Hall Rm. 456 K7L 2N8 Kingston, ON, Canada

*FEATURED TC MEMBER OF THE WEEK: Catherine Wu* Hello Class of 2024!!! We're less than a week away!!!... I'm Catherine Wu and I have the immense privilege of being your HIGH TECH this year! I'm from Ottawa, Ontario and I am about to enter my third year in a Biomedical Computation Major and Music Minor. My loves include all things Blue Jays, Star Trek, Classical piano and gourmet cheese . When I first came to Queen's, I had very minimal programming knowledge and I was incredibly nervous that I wouldn't fit in. Orientation was my introduction to the Queen's and Computing communities and it was where I met some of my closest friends and made some of my favourite memories. I loved it so much that I became a Tech in my second year, and am now High Tech!! My advice to incoming students is to get involved in things that you truly LOVE. Queen's has so many incredible clubs, design teams, and opportunities; there is definitely something that will cater to your interests. Don't join something because you think it's what a typical *computing* student should do, do what YOU want to do! From sports analytics to video games, musical theatre to climate action, Queen's has ways to get involved and meet people passionate and excited about the same things as you! Since January, our incredible team (TC) has been planning events to make Computing Orientation 2020 the best online experience ever! I'm super excited for the Games Night as it will be an amazing chance for you all to show off your gaming skills and to bond with your new class! I'm also beyond hyped for the dancing and cheering we will be doing throughout our week together. The spirit that comes out of each year's dance is next level and I am so excited to see you guys partake in this amazing Queen's tradition! Lastly, I am always available to chat, whether you wanna discuss the Blue Jays' future or ask a question about Queen's Computing -I would LOVE to talk to you! 4 MORE DAYS - WE CAN'T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU HOME

Registration is available on our website: qcomputingorientation.ca

*FEATURED TC MEMBER OF THE WEEK: Sarah Labrosse* Hello Class of 2024!! My name is Sarah (aka Pocket Toast) and I’m the second Logistics Coordinator for Computing Orientation! I’m from Vancouver and am going into my third year of Software Design. I love nature, windsurfing, music, anime, working out and this year, I’m hoping to get more into climbing and yoga! When I first started out at Queen’s I was in Sciences hoping to become a doctor. However in my second week..., I got inspired by a professor and ended up making a bold switch. Despite knowing nothing about computer science, I followed my hunch and switched into Computing. It was one of the scariest things I’d ever done. I knew absolutely no one in my new classes and all my friends were in other faculties. Luckily, I managed to make some of my best friends by meeting them in class and liked my classes. Fast forward to next year, we ended up becoming Techs because we wanted to help students feel at home and meet each other! Lesson is: it’s normal to be scared going in and one easy way to meet people is through small talk in classes. My advice to all the first years would be to focus on your overall experience!!! Academic learning and grades are super important but so is your mental health, the relationships you forge and just having some fun. Create a healthy balance between your personal life and school so that you avoid being overwhelmed. Also, if you’re nervous about meeting new people, joining a club (even if online) is a great way to do that. The main thing I’m excited for is to welcome you all! I’m so pumped to meet you all and introduce you to an amazing and awesome school

Hey Class of 2024! This year the professors are creating videos to explain the different specializations and majors! We are also going to have a series of upper-year student representatives who will be speaking about their experiences here at Queen’s within each of their programs. If you have any questions that you want to be addressed, please fill out the following form as soon as possible and we will pass it along to the different speakers! https://forms.gle/JgqC5mCLfSaW7U72A

*FEATURED TC MEMBER OF THE WEEK: Emily Zhao* Hiii Computing class of ‘24!!! I’m Emily Zhao and I’m one of the Logistics Chairs of Computing Orientation this year. I’m born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario and I’m going into my third year of Computing with a concentration in Biomedical Computation. I love the outdoors, staying active, watching Netflix and I am a HUGE foodie.... Coming to Queen’s, I didn’t know anyone in my program. Orientation is where I met some of my closest friends today! I made so many amazing memories that lead me to become a orientation leader and eventually executive! I know a virtual orientation won’t be the same but the people you’ll meet will make it worth it! My advice to first years is simple: Just do it. Get involved in clubs! Reach out to new friends! Create as many memories as you can! Everyone is going through the same experience as you so don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to new people. With first year being remote, I understand it’s harder. Hopefully it gives you motivation to take the extra step! Even small things can make a difference: try introducing yourself to someone first, ask about their class schedule, add others on social media! This year, the event I’m most looking forward to is teaching you your year dance!! Every computing year has their own dance to a unique song! Even now being a third year student, when I hear my year song play I just HAVE to drop everything and start dancing! (It’s a great party trick) I am super excited to be a part of your orientation experience!! We are always hear for you so please add me on Facebook and message me if you have any questions or want to talk about anything! See y’all soon!

Hi Everyone! Just a reminder that Computing Orientation signup is still open on our website! Follow this link to our site to sign up now: qcomputingorientation.ca... Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@qcomputingorientation) for updates and check out our site for more details about orientation! Be sure to check out the Amazing Orientation Handbook which is available on the website! Feel free to message us here or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions! See you all in less than 17 days!!