Lehigh University Athletics
Orellana leads the way in and out of the water
2/15/2005 5:00:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving
Jennifer Orellana is leading a double life. By day, she competes in the 400 yard individual medley and the 200 yard breast stroke for the Lehigh women’s swim team, but by night, she is a residence hall advisor, or gryphon, handling the trials and tribulations of teenage college freshmen.
Orellana, a native of
Although her tasks as a gryphon and her commitment to the swim team sometimes clash, Orellana believes that both activities complement each other nicely.
“Sometimes I am forced to run from practice to a staff meeting and vice versa. Nevertheless, it really is worth it,” Orellana says.
She says that being a gryphon helps make her a better swimmer because it maintains her focus. The chores of a gryphon keep her mind off swimming when she needs a break from the frustration that sometimes comes with competitive sports.
Swimming, likewise, has helped Orellana become a better gryphon. The rigors of swimming have taught her the time management skills she so desperately needs to run a residence hall.
“Because I know that I do not have a lot of time to waste, I make sure that all my paperwork is turned in on time and that programs are being done on time and in an organized manner,” Orellana says.
The swim team’s head coach, Rob Herb, believes that Orellana’s experiences as a gryphon have given her the tools it takes to be a leader on the team.
“Jen is definitely a leader on our team,” he says. “She supports, motivates and counsels others on the team. She stresses the importance of the team and nurtures our freshman class in becoming Lehigh varsity swimmers and divers.”
Despite Orellana’s busy schedule, her performance on the swim team has not suffered. The team practices roughly 20 hours a week, and Orellana never misses a workout.
“Jenni continues to improve and race to the best of her ability,” Herb says. “She has scored points each meet this season, solidifying her position as a valuable contributor to our dual meet and championship meet seasons.”
Last year, in the Patriot League Championships, Orellana placed 13th in the 400 yard IM, 14th in the 200 yard breast and 15th in the 1650 freestyle.
Orellana’s work as a gryphon has not been hindered either. She maintains an open door policy and encourages her girls to come and talk to her about anything. As a result, she has become very close with her hall.
“My girls come to me for advice, comfort and just to hang out. I never mind their company and we often feed off each other’s energy,” she says.
Some of the girls go to Orellana’s swim meets, and the ones that can’t make it are always eager to offer their support when she gets back.
“Not only am I there to help them, but they too, help me out when I need that extra energy boost,” she says.
So what’s the secret to Orellana’s success as a leader? Perhaps the answer lies with a positive attitude.
“There’s never a day I don’t see her without a smile,” Herb says. “Jenni has been a great asset not only to LU swimming and diving, but to the whole
