Link Crew, a group of seniors, juniors and sophomores, prepared events and welcomed incoming students at freshmen orientation.

This year, freshmen orientation was condensed into only one day compared to the two-day schedule last year. The day ran from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shortened day cut out excessive bonding time, while still allowing sufficient time for freshmen to soak up all of the important information.

During the orientation, each Link Crew leader was paired with two other leaders and a teacher, who led a small group of freshmen. Most leaders bought small welcome gifts for their group such as tie-dye shirts, pirate hats and sweatbands. One group brought party hats for their freshmen because they believed that “high school is a party.”

During freshmen orientation, Link Crew leaders met with their groups after the welcome assembly, introducing themselves and helping the freshmen feel welcome. After playing icebreakers, the leaders reviewed group norms to ensure healthy discussions and talked about the difference between middle school and high school. “The Link Crew leaders were good at explaining everything and describing the social situation [at Gunn],” freshman Andrea Allen said.

The Link Crew leaders also took the freshmen on a tour of the school to minimize lost freshmen. “Freshmen orientation helped me learn about locations around the school and its purpose such as the [Student Activities Center],” Allen said.

Some advice Link Crew leaders gave to the freshmen was that freshmen year counts, go all out for Homecoming, and don’t run with your backpack on. “Freshmen orientation was good because it helped me calm down my nerves,” freshman Karissa Ogawa said. “It helped me understand the school better.”

In one activity, freshmen wrote down questions they had about high school and placed them into a bucket. Link Crew leaders answered them throughout the day.

To minimize classroom activities, the freshmen were given multiple breaks. During the breaks, “it was good to see all my old friends and meet new friends,” freshman Meera Parat said.

Special Events Commissioner senior Scott Baer, picked a link crew group from a large number of applications. Selected members are chosen for their leadership qualities and outgoing enthusiasm. “I wanted to be a Link Crew member because I want to help other people and interact with new people,” Link Crew leader junior Boshiaw Hsu said.

Link Crew leaders ensure that freshmen understand the school and help them feel more comfortable making the transition between middle school and high school. “We have a moral obligation to share the experience we have had over the past three years [with other people], including the search [I made] within myself for the true spirit of the Gunn spirit,” Link Crew leader junior Leon Sung said.

The Link Crew leaders sent the freshmen off at the end of orientation and wished them the best of luck during the school year. “The best part of being a Link Crew member is meeting freshmen and making new friends,” Sung said.