Patrick Rayment, a second-year O.C., was a player and director of the Nuthouse improv group.

By Briana Alzola Evergreen staff For Patrick Rayment, being an ALIVE! Orientation Counselor is all about helping kids who remind him of himself.

“When I first came to ALIVE!, I was an awkward, quiet loner,” the English graduate said. “I was nerdy and nervous about coming to WSU. I want to help students in my boat, show them that WSU is a good fit for them even if they are a bit odd.” This is Rayment’s second summer as an O.C. and he said that while the job is a hard one, it’s worth it.

One of his favorite things about being an O.C. and WSU as a whole is the interaction he gets with the various people around campus.

“The academics are great, we have good facilities, but ultimately it is the people that make it; so I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else,” he said.

While at WSU, Rayment participated in mainly theater-related activities like Nut House Comedy Improv and the student theater group, STAGE.

He is using his theater experience in “Transitions,” a performance presented at the end of each ALIVE! session that shows students some of the things they may be facing at college.

His part, however, is somewhat undesirable, he said.

“I play a date-rapist,” he said. “It is really fun to be able to be acting, but it is awkward because of my part.” His involvement in these student groups also made his time at WSU more enjoyable, he said.

One of the things he recommends to each incoming student is that they get involved.

“There is something for everyone,” he said. “If you are unsure about WSU, the groups can make it feel like home. The best thing to do is look for people who have your interests, and you will get a good group of friends to be involved with. I found a family away from home.” After this summer as an O.C., Rayment plans to move to Los Angeles in order to pursue a career in television writing. The experience is already a “little scary,” he said.

Rayment recommends the job as on O.C. to anyone, no matter how much school spirit they have.

“If you are bursting with Cougar pride, or you are just kind of full of it, you should try it,” he said. “You will learn things that you never knew about the school. Helping incoming students, is one of the most rewarding jobs a WSU student can have.”