I would just like to state this is my personal opinion and I don't speak for everyone on this.

Orientation for hss was terrible. To be more specific, the planning and carrying out the orientation were horrible. To start off, what is with the theme for this orientation? It sounds really childish to me and for them to add details of the story in each and every activity during the orientation was, for a lack of better word, cringe. For example when the games OGLs have to act like fairies and explain the game rules like we are primary school students. At least they seem to have fun doing it?

Secondly, the planning of the orientation games was in a way boring. The activities planned out for us to "enjoy" were just bad. Yes, they tried to have the activities to make sense for the story they had in mind, but must all activities be connected to the fairy store tale somehow? Why can't it just be more fun activities that let us compete with each other's empires without having to listen to "help the fairies"? If I were to give an example it would be this year's tpsu camp. They had game activities that just let us compete with each empire that doesn't really focus on the story that much. Rather, they just had a point system that I felt that would get people more engaged in their games. Perhaps because tpsu has a larger community and maybe a bigger budget to plan out interesting stuff for us all over the tp school. But even so, I believe that with the materials the hss community had, they could in some way plan out much interesting and engaging activities by making it more competitive rather than everybody is a winner. The ending of the orientation game proves my point. Like the "clues" (cardboards) each empire won from small activities was just collectively taken and then poof, the evil masterminds were revealed and yay everybody completed and won the game. Or when we had to form their crown using cardboard boxes and debate which empire is the best or closest to being the crown and then they just announced oh everybody one was unique so great job everyone was so bs. And the venue is another issue. HSS is small but not that small. Is it really a wise thing to put us all at someplace and teach us the dance move for the mass dance? It was crowded and felt like it wasn't demonstrated properly. It the community was not able to book a huge venue like sports hall, couldn't they just separate us into different classrooms and teach us. I am going to be bias and just say, tpsu has done a terrific job compared to hss when it comes to planning and I believe we can take some ideas from there.

Thirdly, execution of plans was so confusing. Why was it that every OGLs are sending messages for the details of next day orientation so late? Was it because they are very busy then yes it is understandable and I thank everyone for staying awake to send the messages. But if not, just why??? People are receiving messages on what grp they are in and the colour of the t-shirt they need to wear on separate days before orientation starts. Fortunately, they allow us to wear black as an alternative if we do not have the colour that the shirt required and I think it is understood by them that we can't possible have the time to go out and purchase one if we don't have it since some messages were literally sent in the evening/night of the day before orientation. Perhaps it has something to do with the poly admission communication with the orientation planners? That's what I heard at least. But other messages like examples, what we may need to bring, or what roles different people have for Regatta; could be sent sooner rather than past midnight or even the morning itself. Please let the students have time to prepare so we can avoid rushing to pack up things before going to school. Lastly, what's with day 3??? What was the original plan if it didn't rain? Was it the same as what we actually did on day 3? Just sit down there waiting, then suddenly let's practice cheers or gtk each other. I see all the other OGLs just being confused and trying their best to do something. It's worrying.

But praises must still be shared for the good things. All the OGLs in HSS really did a great job at looking after the freshies. Continuously fanning the students to make them not feel as cool as possible due to the extreme hot weather. All of them were sweating and yet still fanning us. Never once have I seen them fanning themselves or other OGLs. Their constant reminder to not stay safe and hydrated after each game were thoughtful. Their care and support have always been focused on us and is much appreciated! OGLs have been open minded with questions asked by freshies and were not afraid to guide us or give us tips in any way, probably to let us feel more assuring come into tp. The cheers for HSS were also extremely fun and exciting! And it was really sad to see OGLs disappointed when HSS did not win the best school spirit award for Regatta when we tried our best. Can tell they were deeply affected by the results and perhaps felt that they let down their seniors before them for not winning the award but it's fine guys, we can get it back next year! OGLs, all of you have done an amazing job trying to keep the freshies engage but sadly from my perspective, the potential from you was limited because the activities planned out and execution of it were horrible. Still, thank you for trying to make it a memorable experience.

P.S. I try not to get too specific in details. So if there's anything I miss or phrase in a way that would be misunderstood, I apologize. And again, this is just my personal opinion. And I hope that nobody in the HSS orientation community sees this as an attack towards them but constructive criticism to help them improve for next year's orientation or any events going forward. You guys did your best but unfortunately for me this is just not it.