Heading off to college is a stressful and challenging transition for anyone, especially for Arrowmen who might want to stay involved in their lodge while away. College-aged Arrowmen must balance their social life and involvement in Scouting on top of their classwork, which many find to be tougher than high school.
Luckily, higher education is not the end to seeking a higher vision in the Order of the Arrow. Dakota Morosi made this transition during his term as the 2021 Western Region Chief.
“Living on my own for the first time was the most significant change I’ve experienced - and it happened just as I was doing the most difficult job I’ve ever done,” Dakota explained.
Through the uniqueness of national office, Dakota still aimed to experience college as anyone else would. He chose to pursue a degree in Marketing - a passion he found as a communications officer in the Order of the Arrow. Moving into college stood out as a memorable experience. College provides a great opportunity for anyone to learn about themselves and what they want.
National office requires significant travel. In the fall of his 2021 term, Dakota traveled an average of three weekends out of every month. This poses a natural challenge to any person’s social life - how do you keep friends and have fun while being away so much?
“Every time I came home from a trip, my hallmates were there to happily greet me,” Dakota remarked. “I was really lucky that a lot of my friends were on my floor and in my building, so I was able to really get to know them super well.”
“They didn’t understand much of the gravity of my work, but they were there to support me regardless.”
College provides an opportunity for Arrowmen to meet new friends, connecting with other Scouts and Arrowmen from around the country. Regardless of the pressure, Dakota faced from college, he cheerfully continued his participation in the OA. He managed the stress by spending time with his friends, listening to music, and sometimes, just taking a break from everything.
“People should not prioritize Scouting over their own mental health or their own adjustment to a new environment,” Dakota urged. “You have to remember that your first priority is always your own needs.”
The move away from home is a seismic shift for any Arrowman, and mental health is critical. No matter their age, every Arrowmen needs to find their balance between family, friends, school, and Scouts. It is understandable to take a break from the OA to find balance. Deciding their level of Scouting involvement while away from their lodge is a key choice for any Arrowmen, and no one but themselves can choose the answer.
“If you want to stay involved and don’t want to travel, there’s always a local lodge and section more than happy to receive you,” Morosi added.
The OA provides leadership opportunities that members cannot find anywhere else. The beautiful part of a nationwide brotherhood is that it can be found anywhere you may go. Consider finding fellow Scouters through your college outdoors club, or even better - a local lodge.
“Remember that the program will be here for you whenever you want it,” Morosi remarked. “No matter what you choose, the OA will be here to support you. We always need people to keep fighting for the Scouting program.”
During college, Arrowmen can remain active, even if not to the same level as before.
All things considered, it is vital to remember what skills, lessons, and opportunities the OA presents. No matter the choice of an Arrowman, the memories made and skills developed are everlasting.