Aaron Steubing started OPAS as a sophomore in the Fall of 2013. Now, he's a senior Economics major working toward his graduation this December. Aaron has been one of OPAS's most involved members since he joined, and has served as a manager for both the Internal Relations and Publicity and Advertising teams. Since we just welcomed our newest members into the OPAS family, we wanted to ask this seasoned veteran about his time in OPAS and what his advice to new members would be.
Can you tell me a little about your time as an OPASite?
"My first and second years I was just a Committee Member and I did what I needed but wasn't fully involved. Then, I became an Internal Relations manager and got a lot more involved through that. Now, I'm a Publicity and Advertising manager and I've gotten to help with things like First Friday, Party on the Plaza, and now we're getting ready to advertise for the rest of the season!"
What's been your favorite performance to work and why?
"Jerry Seinfeld. I just really like his type of humor... the other one would be Beauty and the Beast because not only do I like the music, but I also loved the staging and technical aspects. As far as performances on campus, that's probably the most technologically advanced I've seen."
What's the best thing you've gotten from being in OPAS?
"It helped me so much with my communication skills. Before OPAS, and college in general, I didn't really talk a lot. Being in OPAS where open communication is more accepted and encouraged has helped me a ton with my people skills. Then there's the friendships I've made here. I kind of just went solo my freshman year--didn't really get along with my roommate, mostly talked to people in class. So being in OPAS has helped me make friends in college, and it's been much better than the first year."
What advice would you give a first year member just starting out?
"My first piece of advice would be to talk to other OPAS people. Just talk and communicate! Not only to make friends but also just to keep sanity, talk to people who have 'been there.' Second, if it gets too crazy, just take a deep breath and look at the big picture. You don't have to be Superman and do everything out there. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be helping OPAS much anyway. Finally, find a hobby that isn't related to school at all that you can use just to destress. I like to play video games or go see a movie."
OPAS is certainly lucky to have such a dedicated, positive member in Aaron. He truly cares for the organization and everyone in it, and it shows in all of his hard work for the organization. Congratulations to Aaron, and thank you for everything you do!
Can you tell me a little about your time as an OPASite?
"My first and second years I was just a Committee Member and I did what I needed but wasn't fully involved. Then, I became an Internal Relations manager and got a lot more involved through that. Now, I'm a Publicity and Advertising manager and I've gotten to help with things like First Friday, Party on the Plaza, and now we're getting ready to advertise for the rest of the season!"
What's been your favorite performance to work and why?
"Jerry Seinfeld. I just really like his type of humor... the other one would be Beauty and the Beast because not only do I like the music, but I also loved the staging and technical aspects. As far as performances on campus, that's probably the most technologically advanced I've seen."
What's the best thing you've gotten from being in OPAS?
"It helped me so much with my communication skills. Before OPAS, and college in general, I didn't really talk a lot. Being in OPAS where open communication is more accepted and encouraged has helped me a ton with my people skills. Then there's the friendships I've made here. I kind of just went solo my freshman year--didn't really get along with my roommate, mostly talked to people in class. So being in OPAS has helped me make friends in college, and it's been much better than the first year."
What advice would you give a first year member just starting out?
"My first piece of advice would be to talk to other OPAS people. Just talk and communicate! Not only to make friends but also just to keep sanity, talk to people who have 'been there.' Second, if it gets too crazy, just take a deep breath and look at the big picture. You don't have to be Superman and do everything out there. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be helping OPAS much anyway. Finally, find a hobby that isn't related to school at all that you can use just to destress. I like to play video games or go see a movie."
OPAS is certainly lucky to have such a dedicated, positive member in Aaron. He truly cares for the organization and everyone in it, and it shows in all of his hard work for the organization. Congratulations to Aaron, and thank you for everything you do!
