Written By: Katie Butler
Only a few more days left of summer break. While we look forward to spending these last few days at the State Fair eating food on a stick, soaking in the rays of sunshine, or perhaps accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge – we are excited to welcome our incoming 2014 StepUP Students!!
The last three days have been filled with StepUP new student orientation programming. Similar to past years the first day was an opportunity for not only the students to meet one another but also for families to meet each other with some being at Augsburg College for their first time. It was a day filled with a variety of feelings – excitement, nervousness, gratitude, anxiousness, disbelief, joy. There is not one defined feeling to describe the first day of orientation.
That morning I had received an email from Patrice who stated “Today is one of two days in the school year that moves my heart and soul in ways that are wonderful. You see, today is ripe with potential. Students and families balancing excitement and nervousness. For most, a second chance at life as it may have been dreamed of. For others a third, or fourth chance to dive deep to find the richness of recovery with the boldness of education.” Congratulations to all of you for taking the chance to dive in!
The next day seemed to bring a new type of energy. It started with some coffee and acoustic music. 
The afternoon was filled with the sound of laughter and cheers as students challenged and supported one another on the rope course at Camp St. Croix. There was already a sense of a community being established amongst the group. Friendships forming that will be lifelong full of support, trust, and care.
On the last and final day of orientation the incoming students were greeted by Augsburg College President Dr. Paul Pribbenow. He expressed his support and the importance of the StepUP students to Augsburg College. He reflected on the similarities of recovery and the Lutheran traditions such as service in the community. The students also had the opportunity to begin preparing their time management skills for the upcoming semester with Debbie Shapiro and practice some mindfulness skills with Jon Vaughan-Fier. The last and final day wrapped up with the final student panel which discussed “How to Succeed-Fail; Overcoming Your Fears”.
Overall, the last few days seemed to be a success. We are also excited to welcome back our returning students! We join as a whole community for the first time this semester at Circle on Monday, September 8th at 5pm!
As the new counselor at the StepUP Program I am looking forward to meeting all of you! I am excited to be returning to Augsburg College after completing my internship with the StepUP Program two years ago. It was such a fulfilling experience in which I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to return here. StepUP is the program it is because it is full of life, recovery, hope, wisdom, inspiration and success that each of you bring to the community! During my academic career it was my dream to one day be a part of this program and recently I was given that opportunity. I look forward to working with the students in the StepUP Program to help you all reach and achieve your hopes and dreams as well!
Enjoy your last few days of summer! Again, welcome 2014 StepUP students!!!
*For more pictures check out the StepUP Program Facebook page!