Being an Orientation Leader this summer has been one of the best experiences of Rob Montgomery's life.
Actually, the junior secondary education/social studies major said he has loved his MSU experience from the start and is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for the Bulldog Nation.
As his academic major indicates, Montgomery also has a love for the study of history, especially U.S. history since World War I. He said he knew becoming a teacher was the right career path after coming to appreciate "how rewarding it is to help someone."
Montgomery grew up a State fan. After his father was named the pastor for University Baptist Church, the family's move to Starkville came just in time for him to start at Starkville High School.
As SHS graduation approached, Montgomery said he had no doubt where he would seek his higher education. It was while attending an MSU summer orientation session that he realized how the more he learned about the Maroon and White, the more he loved it.
He is a big fan of all Bulldog athletics, but Montgomery said he also enjoys supporting various other student activities. As examples, he cited friends who perform in the Famous Maroon Band and others that are active in campus theatrical performances.
"That's made me love MSU even more because I have so many friends in so many different activities," Montgomery said. He also is looking forward to next year when his best friend—and younger brother—comes to campus as a new student.
Montgomery proudly noted how he and other Orientation Leaders spent the spring semester making intense preparations to help new freshmen and their parents have a great introductory experience during the summer orientation sessions. The OL team became so close and worked so well together that he now considers them like brothers and sisters, he added.
"It was so rewarding when we were told that we did a good job," he said.
He emphasized how the best parts of the job included getting to know the incoming students and sharing the university's history with them on campus tours. He also expressed hope that the freshman and transfer students who attended this year's sessions won't hesitate to re-introduce themselves when they cross paths on campus this fall.
Now that orientation has concluded, Montgomery can begin preparing for a new school year. Even his free time won't be idle, however, because of heavy involvement with his church, service as a Maroon VIP tour guide and volunteer through the Maroon Volunteer Center as a tutor and worker for the local Habitat for Humanity program.